What does a scale typically consist of?

A scale typically consists of thin epidermal flakes that have sloughed off from the outermost layer of the skin, known as the epidermis. This condition often occurs in various skin disorders, such as psoriasis or eczema, where the normal shedding of dead skin cells is altered, leading to the accumulation of these thin flakes. The presence of scales can signify that there is an underlying issue affecting the skin's barrier function, resulting in dryness, irritation, and an abnormal keratinization process. Understanding the characteristics of scales is essential for nail technicians as they can be indicative of systemic skin conditions that may also affect nail health.