Worrying about skin fissures? This article has the answers! It will give you an overview of the reasons and treatments for a usual skin disorder that leads to these skin fissures. So, learn more and take care of your skin. Keep it healthy!
Introduction
Fissured skin is a serious chronic skin condition which is often overlooked. It is characterized by tiny linear cracks in the epidermal layer of the skin. These cracks can be a few millimeters in size and cause fluid leakage and intense itching.
Fissured skin can be caused by underlying infections, eczema, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, psoriasis, allergies, and certain medications.
If symptoms persist, medical advice should be sought. Hydrocortisone creams may alleviate symptoms, but they should be used with caution. Treatment is essential to prevent further pain and potential hazards.
Types of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are small grooves or cracks in the skin which can cause discomfort and irritation. They happen on dry and flaky body parts and often get worse at night. Reasons for skin fissures include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, old age, and certain medications. Most common sites are hands and feet.
Two types are transverse linear and oblique linear. Transverse linear appears as thin vertical lines in normal-looking skin or skin affected by a condition. This type is common with eczema and psoriasis. Oblique linear appear as two lines tapering downward in opposite directions, usually at edges of feet and ankles.
Consult a healthcare provider if you have skin health concerns. They can diagnose the issue and provide treatment options.
Causes of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures, also known as skin cracks, happen when the top layer of skin breaks or when skin gets too dry. This creates deep and dry lines. Skin fissures can be a sign of many medical issues, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and bacterial or fungal infections.
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): It is an inflammatory issue caused by genetics and allergic sensitivities. Itchy red bumps appear on the skin’s surface. Scratching them leads to bleeding and causes dryness, leading to fissures on fingers, elbows, neck and back of knees.
- Fungal Infections: These are caused by an excess of fungus in places like feet, groin, fingers and scalp. They show up as scaly and itchy patches, with some discoloration. If they itch a lot, people scratch too hard, which causes deep cuts resulting in ridges called fingernail indentures.
- Bacterial Infections: These skin infections come with fissures and involve staphylococcus bacteria. This causes conditions like impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis and abscesses. Poor treatment of these can cause deeper lines in affected areas, leading to big splits or fractures. This can cause scarring and crusting with long-term complications.
Symptoms of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are painful, deep cracks in the skin. They start where the skin folds or presses together. Different skin conditions can cause them, like irritant contact dermatitis and extreme dryness. Symptoms can be redness, irritation, itching, burning, sharp pain when pressure is applied, and discoloration.
In bad cases, cracking can go deeper and cause bleeding. Activities like walking and bending can be hard due to discomfort and inflammation. Without treatment, these fissures can get infected or get worse.
So, it’s important to get help soon if you see signs or symptoms of a skin fissure:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Itching
- Burning
- Sharp pain when pressure is applied
- Discoloration
- Bleeding
Diagnosis of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures can be caused by many skin disorders. To identify and treat them, see a healthcare specialist. Visual inspection of the area is essential. Tests such as patch testing, allergy testing or skin culture tests may be done. Blood tests or epidural tests may also be recommended.
Treatment varies, depending on the cause and severity. It can include lifestyle changes, medications or treatments such as topical corticosteroids, topical emollients, antibiotics or antifungal agents. Phototherapy for psoriasis or laser therapy for eczema scarring may be needed. A physician will decide which treatment is best for each individual.
Get medical care at the earliest sign of skin fissures to avoid discomfort and complications.
Treatments for Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are often caused by asteatosis, or xerosis cutis. This is a skin disorder that makes skin dry, cracked and irritated. It can also be itchy or burning.
To reduce the causes, limit long baths and hot-water showers. Petroleum jelly and creams with lactic acid or urea can help. Over-the-counter corticosteroids can reduce inflammation. In severe cases, prescription medications and oral medicines for moisture levels may be used.
Natural remedies like honey and baking soda can also help.
Prevention of Skin Fissures
To reduce skin fissures, practice good skin health. Moisturize and hydrate regularly with water and other fluids. Take daily showers with a mild cleanser. Wear UV protective clothing in direct sunlight or cold weather. Wear clean cotton or linen clothing instead of synthetic materials. Apply sunscreen every time you go outside. Sanitize tools used in nail salons. Avoid drying baths which worsen dryness and can lead to skin fissures.
When to See a Doctor
Do not try to diagnose and treat your skin disorder yourself – visit a doctor right away if you have large, deep, jagged skin fissures. The earlier you receive medical help, the better chance of healing. Over-the-counter products and creams are not effective in treating serious cases.
If you have any of the following symptoms in relation to your skin fissures, seek professional advice:
- Redness or heat
- Itching or blistering
- Swelling or bad smell
- Fever or chills
- Tiredness or feeling unwell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What skin disorder causes skin fissures?
A: The most common skin disorder that produces skin fissures is known as eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis.
Q: What are the symptoms of skin fissures?
A: Symptoms of skin fissures include dry, scaly patches of skin that can become red, itchy, and inflamed. Cracked skin, especially on the heels and fingertips, is also a common symptom of skin fissures.
Q: How can I treat skin fissures?
A: Treatment for skin fissures depends on the underlying cause, but typically includes moisturizers, topical steroids, and anti-itch medications. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider for the best treatment plan for your individual symptoms.
