What is Skin Splitting?
Skin splitting, also known as skin fissures or cracks, refers to breaks in the skin's surface. These cracks can range from minor superficial fissures to deeper, more painful splits. They often occur due to intense dryness and thickened skin, as noted by Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/skin-fissure. Dry air, particularly during winter, is a common culprit, leading to cracked skin on the hands, lips, and feet [Reference 1]. In some cases, skin splitting can be a symptom of underlying medical conditions.
Several factors contribute to skin splitting:
- Dry Skin: The most common cause is dehydration of the skin, making it brittle and prone to cracking [Reference 1, 5, 9].
- Environmental Factors: Cold, dry air, frequent handwashing, and exposure to harsh chemicals can exacerbate dryness and lead to cracking [Reference 1, 5].
- Underlying Medical Conditions: Conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and even some cancers can cause or worsen skin splitting [Reference 6, 7]. In the case of Pemphigus, IgG antibodies can cause epidermal splitting through inhibition of Rho A [Reference 8].
- Lack of Moisturizing: Insufficient hydration of the skin can also contribute to splitting [Reference 5].
Symptoms and Treatment
Skin splitting typically presents as cracks in the skin, which can become painful and even bleed if deep enough [Reference 10]. Treatment focuses on hydration and protecting the affected area.
- Moisturization: Regularly applying moisturizing creams or ointments helps to hydrate and seal cracks [Reference 4, 5]. Petroleum jelly is often recommended for its ability to create a protective barrier [Reference 3].
- Liquid Bandages: For deeper cracks, a liquid bandage can help to protect the area and promote healing [Reference 4].
- Addressing Underlying Conditions: If a medical condition is contributing to the skin splitting, treating that condition is essential [Reference 7].
Examples of Skin Splitting
Skin splitting can manifest in various areas of the body, including:
- Hands and Fingers: Frequent handwashing or exposure to harsh chemicals can easily lead to cracks.
- Feet: Dry, cracked heels are a common example.
- Lips: Chapped lips are a mild form of skin splitting.
- Thumb Tip: A particularly vulnerable area prone to splitting due to repetitive use.
