Are skin fissures making you feel uneasy? You’re not alone. You can get help for the signs of these fissures! Learn how to treat them easily and with assurance. A few steps are all it takes!
Introduction
Skin fissures, also known as cracks, splits or cuts, can appear anywhere. Causes may range from minor things such as dryness or skin damage, to more serious medical ailments. It’s important to figure out the cause before beginning treatment.
Various treatments exist for skin fissures. Home care measures may help with minor cases. Yet, serious or persistent fissures require medical attention. Speak with a doctor or dermatologist for personalized advice. They can tell you what steps can bring relief:
- Home care measures
- Medical attention
Causes of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures are cracks or splits in the skin. They can occur anywhere, but are most common on hands and feet. Fissures happen when skin becomes too dry, thick, or inflexible. This causes tears which let bacteria enter the body, causing infection.
Cause of skin fissures can be hard to find. Common causes include:
- dehydration
- contact with irritants
- vigorous scrubbing
- tight shoes
- inadequate moisturization
- psoriasis
- eczema
- fungal infections
- diabetes – increases risk due to poor circulation and nerve damage, which affects sweating and other skin functions.
Symptoms of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures, also called cracks or splits in the skin, can be caused by dryness or contact with irritants. They may also be due to chronic skin conditions. These tears can be painful, itchy and may bleed, hindering the healing process.
It is important to understand the symptoms of skin fissures. Common signs include:
- Dryness, redness and inflammation of the area
- Painful, visible splits in the skin
- Itching or burning sensation
- Bleeding from excessive scratching or dryness
- Risk of infection
- Difficulty bending due to pain
- Uncomfortable when clothes come into contact
If you are having any of these symptoms, it is best to visit your doctor. Treatment may include ointments, moisturizers, oral medication or antibiotics, depending on the severity.
Diagnosing Skin Fissures
Accurately diagnosing skin fissures is the first step. Your doctor will check your medical history and look for signs of splits or cracks in areas prone to dryness like palms, elbows and heels. They might take a scraping of visible lesions and examine them under a microscope to rule out infections like athlete’s foot. Depending on the results, they can make a diagnosis and a plan of treatment.
Environmental and lifestyle factors like cold weather, harsh soaps/lotions, heavy work gloves, manual labor, overexposure to water, fungal infections, diabetes and hypothyroidism can cause skin fissures. Treatment involves identifying contributing factors and providing relief with moisturizers, topical steroids or antibiotics.
Treatments for Skin Fissures
Treating fissures in the skin depends on their cause. Your doctor may advise a combination of treatments, such as topical and internal medications, lifestyle changes, and other therapies. The severity of fissures will determine if you can self-care at home or require more extensive treatments.
To reduce discomfort and itchiness, use moisturizers. Put them on damp skin after bathing or showering. Eating omega-3 fatty acids may help restore moisture levels and improve dry, rough skin. Topical creams like retinol or zinc oxide cream can reduce inflammation and help healing. Antibiotic ointments or colloidal silver ointment may be needed if there is an infection or bacteria on the affected area.
Tretinoin cream, derived from vitamin A, may be prescribed to help skin cell turnover. It exfoliates dead skin cells and encourages new cell growth from below. Hydrocortisone corticosteroid cream can be used for mild to moderate cases of fissures, as it reduces inflammation and itching quickly. Antihistamines, like Benadryl, can also be used if itching is a symptom. Surgery may be necessary for severe cases, such as if there is deep scarring underneath layers of skin tissue.
Home Remedies for Skin Fissures
Skin fissures, also known as cracks, can be painful and unsightly. Relief can be found in home remedies. Cleaning and moisturizing the affected area with gentle soap, water and ointment can help. Petroleum jelly or raw honey can reduce redness, itching and inflammation. Loose clothing allows air to circulate and reduce irritation. Cold compresses with distilled water and a few drops of essential oil may offer relief. Hydrocortisone cream can be used temporarily, but not for more than two weeks.
If you experience frequent dry skin cracking, pain, rash, fever, red streaks, swollen lymph nodes, or hives, seek medical attention.
Prevention of Skin Fissures
To reduce skin fissures, keep skin clean and moisturized. Use mild soap when washing, then apply an oil-based moisturizer. Avoid fragrances, dyes, and irritating ingredients like alcohol. Gloves may help protect hands from detergents.
Dermatological treatments can help reduce dryness. These include creams or peels to promote cell turnover. Additionally, avoid excessively hot water when showering.
If condition persists, see a dermatologist for professional evaluation and treatment plans. These may include
- prescription medications
- laser therapies.
Summary
Skin fissures are deep cuts or cracks in the skin. They can be anywhere on the body, but most commonly around the mouth, fingers and toes, and on parts that bend or flex. Skin fissures can be painful and bad looking.
To treat skin fissures, keep the skin hydrated and protected. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash with warm water and mild soap. Don’t scrub or irritate.
- Use a thin layer of petroleum jelly or other moisturizer.
- When working outdoors, wear gloves or socks to keep dirt out.
- Avoid activities that can cause irritation like moistening clothes before putting on the skin.
- Change your shoes if they’re uncomfortable, as tight ones can put pressure on fragile skin.
- Talk to your healthcare professional if you have frequent cracking. They may refer you to a dermatologist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are skin fissures?
A1: Skin fissures, or cracked skin, are small cracks in the skin that can occur in places such as the heels, fingertips, or other areas. They can be caused by dry skin, poor circulation, or other conditions.
Q2: How do you prevent skin fissures?
A2: To prevent skin fissures, it is important to keep the skin moisturized, especially during the winter months. It is also important to wear protective clothing when outdoors in cold weather. Additionally, making sure to drink plenty of water and avoiding harsh soaps can help to prevent skin fissures.
Q3: What is the best way to treat skin fissures?
A3: The best way to treat skin fissures depends on the cause of the fissures. In general, keeping the skin moisturized is the best way to treat skin fissures. Applying a moisturizing cream or ointment can help to heal the cracks and keep them from reoccurring. Additionally, avoiding activities that can cause further irritation, such as scrubbing the skin, can help to treat skin fissures.
