Skin fissures are cracks that form due to severe dryness and thick skin. Incisions can be shallow or deep, and they may bleed or be painful.
Chapped skin could simply be dry skin on the hands, heels, or lips that need extra hydration and hydration. However, cracked skin can also be a sign of infection or even something more.
Causes and symptoms of cracked skin
When skin becomes dry, it is more prone to cracking, peeling, flaking, and irritation.
Depending on the cause of cracked skin, you may notice some other symptoms. Some skin conditions cause many of the same symptoms, so paying attention to all the signs that accompany chapped skin will help discover the cause.
In addition to being uncomfortable, incisions can be a precursor to skin ulcers. For this reason, it is important to treat cracked skin before it worsens.
Dry skin
Dehydration results from a decrease in the water content of the top layer of your skin. Healthy skin has an outer layer known as the skin barrier. It helps prevent water loss from the body, and also prevents toxins, infections, allergens, and chemicals from entering the body.
Dry skin may be caused by:
Cold weather. In winter, lower humidity and temperature can dry out your skin. Indoor heating also reduces the humidity in your home.
Chemical irritants. Many products such as dish soap and laundry detergent can contain harsh chemicals. These substances can damage the skin’s protective barrier and cause dryness.
Hot water. Hot water from showering or washing dishes can reduce the moisture on your skin.
medicine. Dryness may be a side effect of some medications, such as topical retinoids.
Excess moisture. When your skin is constantly exposed to moisture, it can actually irritate and dry out your skin. This can happen to your feet after wearing sweaty socks for a long time. This is because water is irritating to the skin.
Skin cracks can occur anywhere on the body but are most common:
on the tips of the fingers
between the toes or fingers
on the heels of the feet
Visible signs of skin cracks include:
Cracks in the skin that look like cuts or cracks
Thickened or hardened skin around the incision
Dryness of the skin in the surrounding area
Bleeding
Skin cracks develop during some of the symptoms:
First, the skin becomes dry.
Then it thickens and may change color.
Small cuts and cracks form in the skin.
Without treatment, these cracks can become enlarged.
The body relies on nutrients to maintain healthy skin. Inadequate food intake or nutritional levels can lead to skin disorders, including cracks.
Examples of the body’s needs to maintain healthy skin include:
proteins
Fatty acids, such as omega 3 and omega 6
B vitamins, such as B3, B6, and folic acid
Vitamins A, C, D, E, and K
Minerals, such as zinc
If a person is undernourished, the skin may lose moisture or take longer to heal from cuts and cracks.
When do you talk to the doctor?
A person should seek help from a doctor if skin cracks worsen or do not respond to home treatments. Early treatment can prevent cracks from turning into ulcers, which are difficult to treat.
People should also speak with a doctor if they experience:
Pain while walking or standing
frequent bleeding
Swelling, pus, or the affected area becomes warm to the touch
