Overview

It’s bad enough that it’s frigid outside and the weather is gloomy, but on top of that to have splitting fingertips – Skin Fissures makes everything that much worse and the winter seem that much longer.  Splitting (fissuring) of the fingertips is a very common problem affecting many of us, most often in the extremely dry winter months. Splitting fingertips (Fissures) can cause substantial discomfort, particularly frequent pain.  This pain can make it difficult for us to do our normal daily activities. It also seems that those of us who tend to do the most activities with our hands, whether it be work related functions or recreational things, tend to suffer the most from fingertip splitting. People with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) and psoriasis are prone to dry skin, which may result in skin fissures.

What is fissures?

Cracks or  fissures are breaks in your skin. They may be the result of skin that is too dry to too moist. When skin is too dry, it can become rough and flaky. A large fissure often forms at the base of the heel. When skin is too moist, you may get a bacterial or fungal infection. This can cause cracks between the toes. People who often walk barefoot or wear open shoes are at risk for dry skin. People who wear shoes without socks or shoes and socks that don’t breathe well are at risk for moist skin problems. 

What causes fissure skin?

You can get cracked skin from environmental factors such as dry air, particularly during cold winter months. Certain medical disorders can also contribute to dry, cracked skin—especially disorders that cause nerve damage, reduced sweating, or dehydration—as well as other skin conditions.

Dry skin

Skin cracks are areas of dry  skin that thicken over time, with tiny tears that can lead to deeper cracks that can extend into the deeper layers of the skin. Skin cracks are a classic symptom of dry skin, but they can also occur as a result of scratches, other injuries, or infections. When you pull or stretch this skin, instead of bouncing easily back it breaks and shatters more easily, causing cracks in the skin, which can be painful. You may have heard of the protein collagen before and it is likely that the skin becomes less elastic due to dryness, it causes the cracks and cracks in the skin, which can often be painful. 

Diabetes

Those with diabetes are at greater risk for skin fissures on the feet. People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing skin fissures because they are more likely to experience dry skin. If you have been diagnosed with nerve damage in your feet due to diabetes, then you may be more likely to experience skin dryness and heel cracks that could lead to fissures.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that leads to thick plaques of dead skin cells. These plaques are very dry and can lead to cracking and fissures.

Eczema

Eczema causes itchy, dry patches of skin that may become inflamed as well. These dry patches are at risk of cracking and developing fissures.

What are the symptoms of skin fissures?

Skin fissures look like small cuts or cracks in the skin. The skin often appears yellow or dark brown and feels thick and calloused.

Symptoms of skin fissures include pain, itching, and bleeding. Early signs include redness and scaly, dry skin.

When fissures occur on your feet, they can make walking and bearing weight painful.

How to prevent skin fissures?

Moisturize

If you’re noticing skin fissures and splitting on your fingertips or hands, this is your skin crying out for moisture. Keeping your skin soft and moisturized is the best way to prevent skin fissures.

Wear gloves 

Another preventative measure would be to wear gloves. Avoiding exposure to cold air and hot water will help reduce your skin fissures. If you’re washing the dishes for example, wearing gloves will help to protect your hands and fingertips from splitting.

When to see a dermatologist?

Many skin fissures can be treated at home, especially when they are caught and treated early. It’s time to see a dermatologist when home remedies don’t work.

If you do not notice any improvement after consistently moisturizing your skin twice daily, make an appointment. You may require a prescription ointment to moisturize and heal your skin.

Takeaway

Skin cracks can be a painful and unpleasant problem, especially if they get deeper and lead to bleeding in the skin. If your skin becomes excessively dry you may develop small cracks that lead to cracks in your skin. 

The best way to prevent and treat skin fissures is moisturizing your skin regularly. However, if your skin fissures do not improve or you notice signs of an infection, see a doctor right away.