How Does Cracked Skin Come About?

November 12, 2012

How Does Cracked Skin Come About?

Cracked skin happens to be a very common symptom that comes with dry skin. However, it can sometimes come about because of infections, trauma or scratches, as well. Dry skin usually becomes flaky and rough and because of this, the small tears that might result from it could result in deeper cracks known as fissures that can make their way into the skin’s deepest layers.

Other Dry Skin Symptoms

Cracked skin usually appears with other dry skin symptoms. In fact, most of the time, a single symptom spawns more symptoms in the end. Dry skin, for example, usually leads to scaling, which then leads to itchiness and then to scratching and to inflammation and to small tears and cracks that could lead to irritation. Because of this, it would be absolutely vital to treat dry and injured skin as soon as possible to break the cycle.

Other Cracked Skin Symptoms

These symptoms will usually vary, depen

ding on other underlying diseases, conditions or disorders. Some of the most common symptoms, though, include itchiness and scaling, and dryness and redness.

The Causes

Some dry skin causes include dry weather, cold weather, one’s diet, dermatitis, allergic reactions, hormonal imbalances and various other disorders. Cracked skin causes, on the other hand, include chemical or alcohol exposure, skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis, fungal infections, Sjogren’s syndrome, ichthyosis, and various other skin-damaging disorders. When deep fissures occur, infections could occur, in turn. And, if left completely untreated, these skin infections could even become systemic and result in sepsis, a fatal bacterial blood infection. Because of this, breaks in the skin need to be treated right away to avoid serious infections. In other words, it would be highly advisable to get medical care right away for deep cracks or fissure in the skin, most of all if redness, throbbing, pain, heat and swelling are evident. It would also be highly advisable to get medical care if you think your infection is spreading or if you see sepsis symptoms occurring, like a high fever, changes in your alertness or consciousness levels, and changes in your behavior or mindset.

Cracked skin can also be caused by environmental factors like dry air and cold weather. This is why so many people mostly experience skin that is dry or cracked during the winter. Some medical disorders might also be held responsible for dry skin, most of all disorders that are responsible for nerve damage, dehydration and sweating.

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