Do you have skin fissures that are really painful? Are you unsure which treatment to try to get relief? Here, we compare natural remedies and medical treatments for skin fissures. Know which one is better and safer for you!
Introduction
Skin fissures are tiny, deep splits or cuts in the skin which can cause pain and stop other skin injuries from healing. They can happen when the skin is subjected to a lot of pressure or force, such as during athletics or tough labor. Treatment usually involves ointment, protecting the hurt skin, and home remedies like keeping the area clean and wet with emollients. Medical treatments are also available for more serious cases and need expert advice.
Ointment is often used to prevent infection and moisten and soften the area around the fissure. It can also have medications to reduce inflammation, help healing, and reduce itching. Bandages or wound dressing may also be used to hold the ointment in place until new healthy skin forms.
Home remedies for treating skin fissures involve:
- Using cold compresses or heating pads.
- Soaking in warm water with Epsom salts.
- Avoiding activities that cause more harm.
- Covering minor wounds when doing physical activity or labor.
- Eating foods with vitamins A and C like sweet potatoes and citrus fruits.
- Wearing loose clothing.
- Cleaning wet clothes after exercise.
- Avoiding hot tubs.
- Drinking a lot of water.
- Using natural moisturizers like coconut oil, aloe vera gel, honey, beeswax, cocoa butter.
- Oatmeal baths and other kitchen ingredients like baking soda paste which should be put on the area then rinsed off after 10 minutes.
- Using Vitamin E oil to help healing by encouraging oxygen circulation to damaged cells.
Medical treatments may be needed for more serious cases, and will require professional help. This could involve medications (like topical steroid creams), debridement, cryotherapy, laser therapy, antibiotics, surgery, nutrition therapy (like increasing intake of vitamin A foods and zinc supplements).
What are Skin Fissures?
Skin fissures are narrow grooves or cracks in the skin. Called ‘fissures’ or ‘cracks’, they can occur anywhere on the body. Causes may include dryness, irritation, bacterial infection or other unknown factors. Stress and poor nutrition could also be influences.
These deep creases can be painful and cause itching, stinging or burning pain. The size of a fissure can range from tiny (1-2 mm) to several cm long. It might appear as a single line on the body, e.g. between fingers, toes, elbows or wrists. Some people may have multiple fissures in one area, making it difficult to move freely.
Identifying the cause is important to treat skin fissures successfully. See a dermatologist for a clinical examination and diagnosis. Natural remedies may be discussed afterwards.
Causes of Skin Fissures
Skin fissures can be caused by many medical issues, like dry skin, allergies, psoriasis and eczema. External elements, like extreme temperatures, harsh cleansers, low humidity, and soaps or alcohol-based sanitizers, can also contribute. Plus, irritants like chlorine and perfume, as well as contact with objects containing chemicals like copper or lead, can cause fissuring. Finally, stress and anxiety can lead to fissures too, due to sweat in the hands.
Natural Treatments for Skin Fissures
Skin fissures can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. They last too long for convenience. Fortunately, natural alternatives can heal the skin and reduce further occurrence.
Popular treatments include:
- Cleaning the area: Twice daily, with an antibacterial soap or tea tree oil.
- Cold compresses: Ice packs or a cold compress, held onto affected areas for 15 minutes, several times a day.
- Moisture balance: Natural moisturizers such as aloe vera gel or coconut oil.
- Herbal remedies: Chamomile, marshmallow root, slippery elm bark, or turmeric.
- Anti-inflammatory products: To avoid triggering factors like scrubbing or hot baths.
- Oils like apricot kernel oil, jojoba oil, lavender oil, or sweet almond oil.
- Naturopathy advice: Personalized advice on the best natural treatment.
Medical Treatments for Skin Fissures
Skin fissures can be deep cracks, which generally occur on the hands or feet. These can be painful and require treatment. Possible treatments include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce swelling, itching and inflammation.
- Antihistamines for allergies like itching and redness.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Antifungal medicines if a fungal infection is the cause.
- Prescription moisturizers, creams or ointments to help keep the skin hydrated.
- Surgical procedures, like cutting away cracked skin or debridement, in severe cases.
Pros and Cons of Natural vs Medical Treatments
When it comes to skin fissures, patients must choose between natural or medical treatments. Natural treatments involve lifestyle changes such as moisturizing, exfoliating and avoiding harsh environments. Medical treatments can include topical creams, antibiotics and injectables. Evaluate the pros and cons to determine which treatment is best.
Pros of Natural Treatments:
- No side effects.
- Simple to use.
- Cheap and easy to access.
- Improves overall health.
Cons of Natural Treatments:
- May not work if symptoms persist after a month.
- Longer to see results.
Pros of Medical Treatments:
- Faster and more consistent results.
- Immediate effects with injections.
- Dietary supplements available.
Cons of Medical Treatments:
- High costs.
- Unwanted side effects.
- Complex study protocols.
Prevention of Skin Fissures
To avoid discomfort, pain and infection, it’s best to prevent skin fissures. How?
- Regularly moisturize your skin.
- Avoid irritants such as hot water and scented products, and protect your skin from trauma.
- Use gentle fabrics for clothes and blankets to reduce skin fissures from friction.
- Manage chronic medical conditions like diabetes and arthritis to prevent fissures caused by poor blood flow.
- Talk to a doctor about medications that lead to dry skin, if you can’t avoid them.
- Finally, keeping stress levels low may help in preventing mild forms of fissures from too much pressure on areas of skin with high tension, like the palms of hands or soles of feet.
Conclusion
To end, treating skin fissures is possible with natural remedies and medical treatments. Mild cases can be addressed with natural treatments; whereas, more severe cases need medical treatments. Natural remedies are normally less invasive and have fewer side effects. However, to get the best outcome, you should talk to a doctor or dermatologist before using any kind of remedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a skin fissure?
A: A skin fissure is a crack or split in the skin, usually occurring in areas of high friction, such as the fingertips or heels. They are usually caused by dryness, eczema, or fungal infections.
Q: What are some natural treatments for skin fissures?
A: Some natural treatments for skin fissures include drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, using moisturizing lotions, avoiding harsh soaps and detergents, and exfoliating the skin with a pumice stone or other gentle scrubbing agent.
Q: What are some medical treatments for skin fissures?
A: Medical treatments for skin fissures include antibiotics to treat any infections, topical steroids to reduce inflammation, and antifungal medications to treat fungal infections. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the area.
