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Does Dead Skin Turn White?

Published in Skin Pathology 1 min read

Dead skin can turn white, but it's not always the case. The color change depends on the cause of the skin death and the specific type of tissue involved.

Here are some examples:

  • Maceration: When skin breaks down, it softens and wrinkles before turning white or a lighter shade.
  • Warts: Applying acid to a wart causes it to turn white as the dead skin is shed.
  • Athlete's Foot: This fungal infection can cause the skin on the feet to turn white and thicken.
  • Necrosis: Caseous necrosis, a type of cell death, causes the dead cells to appear white and soft.
  • Burns: Severe burns can cause the injured skin to turn white, black, or gray.
  • Pressure Sores: Dead skin on pressure sores can appear yellow, tan, green, or brown.

It's important to note that while dead skin can turn white, it's not always a reliable indicator of death. Other factors like the type of injury, the location, and the underlying health condition can also play a role.

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