Have you seen that skin can crack and crevices form when the weather is chilly? Wonder why? And what to do to stop it? This article will help! Get a better idea of skin fissures and how to keep them from popping up when the temperature drops. Read on for the details!
Introduction
Millions of people around the world feel dryness and skin cracking in cold weather. This skin condition is known as “skin fissuring“. It can be minor – just cracks in the top layer – or deeper cuts in outer and inner layers.
Signs of skin fissuring include dryness, redness, itching, flaking skin patches, and tiny bleeding when touched.
It can be caused by cooler temperatures and lifestyle choices like frequent handwashing, using harsh soaps, allergies, stress, poor nutrition, diabetes, hypothyroidism, wearing gloves for a long time, and aging.
Definition of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures, also known as cracks or splits in the skin, are tiny openings along the top layer of skin. They’re caused by extreme dryness and can happen all over the body, along with itching and burning.
If left untreated, they can become infected and bacteria can enter the body.
Cold weather is usually to blame for skin fissures. Low temperatures dry out the skin, leading to cracking and flaking. Low humidity levels also make the deeper layers of skin lose moisture faster, which causes dryness and itching.
It’s important to treat skin fissures. Untreated, they can cause bacterial infections or lesions which are hard to heal without medical treatment. Keep scratches or tears clean and use medications and creams recommended by your doctor.
Causes of Skin Fissures in Cold Weather
Skin fissures are tiny cracks in the skin surface, called ‘dry’ and ‘chapped’. Causes can range from weather to medical conditions. In winter, when temperatures drop and humidity drops, skin can become dry and lose elasticity. People may then experience cracked and fissured skin on hands, lips and other exposed areas.
Cold weather causes these cracks. Possible factors include:
- Lack of moisture. Cold air has less moisture than warm air, so skin feels dry. This means body tissues and cells can’t hold enough water or oil for nourishment.
- Cold temperatures. They can cause capillaries in the epidermis to shrink, reducing blood flow and sebum production.
- Low humidity. Sunlight and humidity help keep moisture in our bodies. But low humidity with cold temperatures can lead to dehydration, dryness, irritation, and fissures.
To prevent drying in cold weather, use moisturizing treatments, like lotions and creams. Also, wear appropriate clothing, like gloves, hats, and scarves.
Symptoms of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures in cold weather are called winter itch or cold weather dermatitis. They are caused by dry and/or cold temperatures. Symptoms may include itchiness, redness, and tiny cracks or fissures around the affected area(s). In severe cases, there may be cracking or bleeding of the skin. People with diabetes are more at risk.
Treatment may include topical moisturizers, lubricating skin creams, or prescription medications to reduce inflammation and protect skin from further damage.
Prevention of Skin Fissures
Winter brings colder weather, causing skin to become dry and irritated. To protect your skin, moisturize well and wear protective clothing. Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals. Eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish and nuts) will help improve cell membrane health, reducing inflammation.
Following these steps will help keep your skin healthy and free of fissures during winter:
- Moisturize well and wear protective clothing.
- Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals.
- Eat foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish and nuts).
Treatment of Skin Fissures
Ways to treat skin fissures caused by cold weather include lifestyle changes. Keep the area warm with extra clothing and moisturize regularly. If this doesn’t help, medical treatments may be needed.
- Prescribed products like topical steroids or oral antihistamines can reduce inflammation and itching.
- Over-the-counter creams and ointments can protect the skin while it heals.
- Non-steroidal medicines may also be given.
If symptoms don’t go away, see a doctor. Further treatments or tests may be needed to check for other conditions.
Home Remedies for Skin Fissures
When temperatures drop, many people experience unpleasant skin cracks, especially in cold and dry climates. These cracks occur due to a lack of lipids-building fats and proteins-in the skin. They can let bacteria and allergens into the dermis layer of skin, causing infection or an allergic reaction. Though these conditions cannot be prevented, there are some remedies to keep skin moisturized.
To understand why skin fissures happen during colder months, you should know that cold temperatures cause dehydration or evaporation of moisture in the upper layers of skin, leading to dryness, loss of flexibility, cracking and redness. Windy days can also evaporate moisture from unprotected areas.
Here are some remedies for skin fissures:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Before going outside, apply lubricating creams or ointments containing vitamins A & E.
- Wear gloves when outdoors doing activities such as shoveling snow.
- Limit showers with hot water and use warm instead.
- Choose cleansers with moisturizing properties like those containing lactic acid and humectants.
- Apply an occlusive moisturizer after showering, like shea butter or ceramides.
- Add humectants such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid into your daily moisturizing routine.
Conclusion
To wrap up, skin fissures are due to cold weather. These splits in the exterior layer of the skin can be unpleasant and make it hard to walk or use body parts. They can also raise your risk of infection if they become open wounds that come in contact with bacteria or other germs.
It’s important to take actions to guard yourself from the cold, such as wearing suitable attire, employing foot warmers and socks, and keeping hands warm with gloves or mittens. If your signs and symptoms continue despite taking preventive measures, you may need to seek advice from a healthcare specialist for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes skin fissures in cold weather?
A1: Cold weather can cause skin fissures due to the drying effects of cold air on the skin. This can lead to cracked skin, especially on the feet, heels, and fingertips.
Q2: How can I prevent skin fissures in cold weather?
A2: You can prevent skin fissures in cold weather by keeping your skin well-moisturized. You should also avoid taking long, hot showers or baths, as this can strip your skin of its natural oils. Wear gloves and warm, comfortable shoes to protect your skin.
Q3: How can I treat skin fissures?
A3: You can treat skin fissures by applying a thick moisturizer to the affected area. Petroleum jelly or beeswax can also help. Additionally, you can cover the fissures with a bandage to protect them from further damage. If your skin fissures are severe, you should see your doctor for further treatment.
