What Is Cracked Skin?
Dry skin is among the common skin types that are well documented today. It is the skin type that is mostly deprived of moisture, thankfully, dry skin, or xeroderma is easily treatable with moisturizers. Sometimes, the dryness is severe, and this leads to a host of other skin problems. What starts out as a moisture-deprived skin can become scaly, rough, and in some instances cracked.
Cracked skin is not only unaesthetic, but is also a cause of medical concern. Among the skins many functions is providing a mechanical barrier against microorganisms. This barrier is breached in cracked skin, and this leaves the body vulnerable to contracting different diseases.
Cracked skin typically affects the lips, hands, and feet. Exposed to the elements, these are the parts most susceptible, especially in extremely cold weather. There are a few who get cracked skin throughout their body.
UNDERSTANDING CRACKED SKIN
This kind of skin develops from dry skin. When it gets scratched or experiences mechanical trauma, the skin is likely to experience small tears, which can become larger more noticeable cracks. This can extend deep into the layers of the skin, greatly increasing the risk of infection.
It is not uncommon for cracked skin to be the result of unmanaged dry skin. The dryness leads to scaling of the skin. This weakens its elasticity, and also causes itching. When scratched, the skin tears, which develop into cracks, if the skin becomes inflamed.
SYMPTOMS OF CRACKED SKIN
Visually, cracked skin can easily be diagnosed. Regardless, there are other accompanying symptoms that are considered tell tale signs. These include scaling, redness, bleeding from the skin and burning sensations. Excessive sweating, or the loss of ability to sweat is sometimes experienced.
If ignored, the cracks can develop into fissures, which are more serious. This skin cleavage, which is often linear like, extends to the dermis, and can be a source of infection if left unattended.
PREDISPOSITION
There are different risk factors that predispose one to getting cracked skin. Old age is among the most common. Age brings with it changes at the cellular level. Some skin characteristics are lost, and the skin produces less oil. This makes it inclined to cracking.
The environment plays a significant role in the development of dry skin. During winter, when the humidity levels are low, the skin more easily dries out.
TREATMENT
Cracked skin is as easily manageable as it is treatable. A diagnosis is always the first recommended step. If you suspect that your skin might be drying out, or getting cracked, see your doctor, or dermatologist for a diagnosis. Once made, this will follow with a prescription for the skin, usually an ointment.
If the state of your skin has not exacerbated to a cracking state, you can use REnuCELL®. Its powerful formula is ideal for most skin conditions, and provides both relief and healing to drying and cracked skin.
PREVENTION
There are simple things you can do to prevent your skin from drying out and/or cracking. The most important thing is to ensure your skin remains moist and supple. This means embracing moisturizers as part of your daily skin care regimen. Also avoid harsh soaps, and try taking warm, instead of hot, baths. On a similar note, ensure your baths do not last longer than ten minutes. One should typically suffice until your skin is adequately moisturized to be able to handle two.
If your skin is cracked, try to keep it as clean as possible. The chances of contracting an infection are elevated, so keeping your skin away from pathogens is critical.