Do you have splits in your skin, especially in hot weather? Read this article to find out what causes this skin condition and how to prevent it. You may discover that there are often simple ways to control skin fissures before they worsen.
Introduction
In hot and humid weather, skin cracks are common. Fissures are thin, long or crosswise splits. They can occur on hands and feet. Unaddressed, they can cause infection and hinder movement.
To understand and prevent more serious conditions, it is important to learn skin fissure causes due to hot weather. This article will discuss possible causes and treatments for fissures, depending on their severity.
Definition of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are tiny cracks or lines in the skin. They can be seen or felt with a finger. Hot weather can cause them, and they are common on hands and feet. However, they can happen anywhere. Pain can occur if they are left untreated.
The main cause of skin fissures is a quick decrease in natural oils and moisture in the skin. This happens when exposed to extreme heat for too long. Skin fissures can also form when conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or athlete’s foot are present. In this case, it is difficult for the body to replace and keep its natural moisture. People with these conditions should be extra careful when outside in intense heat. Their body may not adjust fast enough to keep their skin cells healthy and comfortable.
Causes of Skin Fissures in Hot Weather
During hot summer days, our skin can become dry and cracked. Fissures may appear on exposed parts of our bodies, such as the face, hands, and feet. Heat and moisture in the air, combined with exposed skin, can cause severe dryness. This leads to cracking around the eyes, lips, and other areas. These fissures can be very uncomfortable and unsightly. It is important to understand the causes of skin fissures to prevent them.
Potential causes include:
- Loss of water due to increased sweating.
- Lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet.
- Ageing and declining levels of oils, elastin, and collagen.
- Too much sun exposure.
- Not using a moisturizer regularly in dry environments.
Risk Factors of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are splits and cracks in the skin, caused by many factors. These include: high temperatures and humidity, contact with irritants, dehydration, hormonal changes, poor circulation, and skin diseases like eczema or psoriasis.
- High temps and humidity can dry out skin, making it more prone to fissures. Going from hot to cold, such as in air-conditioned buildings, increases this risk.
- Fragranced soaps and exfoliants disrupt the natural oil balance on skin, leading to splits.
- Dehydration is another cause, as it decreases skin flexibility, making it hard to move against an item or person, causing microfissures.
- Certain medications, like diuretics, cause dryness in skin and make it more likely to crack.
- Pregnancy hormones change the way oil is produced, leaving skin much drier, such as on the knees, elbows, etc.
- Poor circulation, from ill health, can reduce moisture and create fissures on the skin.
- Eczema and psoriasis, through inflammation, weaken the epidermis layer if scratched.
Taking precautions like staying hydrated, and using Vitamin E-rich creams, will help when exposed to air-conditioned rooms. This vitamin helps produce natural oils and maintain hydration levels in extreme weather.
Prevention Strategies
Skin fissures are caused by dry air and heat. To protect your skin, these prevention strategies can help:
- Get central air conditioning. It keeps humidity in your home at a good level.
- Apply moisturizer often. Natural ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, olive oil, and aloe vera are good for your skin.
- Try a humidifier. This adds moisture to the air.
- Limit sun exposure. Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection.
- Drink lots of water. Add electrolytes like sodium if you sweat a lot. This prevents dehydration and dry skin.
Treatment Options
When it comes to treating skin fissures caused by hot, dry weather, hydration is key. To reduce severity, here are some tips:
- Drink 8 cups of water daily.
- Use gentle, moisturizing cleansers with nourishing oils like olive, almond, or jojoba oil.
- Apply organic moisturizers with aloe vera, shea butter, or jojoba oil when pores are open.
- Exfoliate one to two times per week with a soft washcloth or nylon scrubber.
- Protect skin from heat and sun rays. Wear light-colored, breathable clothing. Apply sunscreen SPF 30+ 30 minutes before leaving home.
Tips for Managing Skin Fissures
Skin fissures caused by hot weather can have several causes, such as the sun, dehydration, and rapid temperature changes. To avoid skin fissures, take measures to manage these conditions.
- When outdoors, use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. Wear breathable clothing to stay cool. Also, moisturize your skin with a light oil-free moisturizer.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid caffeine or alcohol while healing. Eating vitamins A, C, and E may help recovery. If it doesn’t improve after two weeks, see a doctor.
To prevent recurrence in hot weather, avoid heated areas. Wear loose-fitting, natural fabrics like cotton when outside. This allows your body to regulate its temperature.
Conclusion
Hot weather may cause skin fissures due to low moisture. Heat evaporates moisture, making skin dry and brittle. This leads to painful splits, cracks, or fissures in creases or folds. To prevent this, it is important to stay hydrated and moisturize your skin often.
Here are some steps to help keep skin healthy and happy during summer:
- Wear loose, breathable clothing when outdoors for long periods.
- Apply sunscreen 30-minutes before going out into the sun.
- Keep humidity levels up at home with a humidifier if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What causes skin fissures in hot weather?
A1: In hot weather, skin fissures are often caused by dry skin. When the air is especially dry and humid, the skin can become less able to retain moisture, leading to cracking and fissuring.
Q2: How can I prevent skin fissures in hot weather?
A2: In order to prevent skin fissures in hot weather, it is important to keep the skin hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use a moisturizing lotion or cream daily to keep your skin from drying out. Additionally, avoid taking hot showers or baths, as this can strip the skin of its natural oils.
Q3: How can I treat skin fissures?
A3: If you are already experiencing skin fissures, it is important to take steps to treat them. Start by gently exfoliating the affected areas with a scrub or pumice stone. Then, apply a thick layer of moisturizing cream or ointment to help lock in moisture and protect the skin. Additionally, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
