Desquamation
Pronunciation: des-kwah-MAY-shun
The shedding or peeling of the outer layers of the epidermis, occurring physiologically or as a feature of numerous skin disorders.
Full Definition
Desquamation is the process by which superficial epidermal cells (corneocytes) are shed from the skin surface, either as part of normal turnover or as a pathological response to inflammation, infection, or toxic injury. In clinical dermatology, it is used to describe visible scaling or peeling seen in conditions such as scarlet fever, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and post-inflammatory exfoliation. Editors must distinguish it from exfoliation, which more commonly appears in cosmetic contexts, and from ichthyosis, a genetic condition of generalised scaling. The noun 'desquamation' and verb 'desquamate' are both used in medical documentation; ensure the correct form is used grammatically.
Usage
Usage note: Prefer 'desquamation' over 'peeling' in formal clinical and pathology documents; 'exfoliation' is acceptable in cosmetic dermatology contexts.
In Context
- "Widespread desquamation of the palms and soles was observed two weeks after the febrile illness resolved." — Inpatient discharge summary
- "The protocol described the expected desquamation following the chemical peel procedure." — Procedural consent form