Cracked skin and its causes

Skin cracks can occur when the skin is weakened, with dry and irritated skin symptoms.

Dermatologists at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Cosmetics and Laser in Hurghada advise to take care of the skin, by following some of the tips that we review in this article.

Let's get to know the causes of cracked skin, how to prevent it, and also the different ways to treat it.

What are the causes of cracked skin?

Cracked skin is caused by a group of skin diseases that can affect the skin and lead to symptoms, including the following:

1. skin dryness

Dry skin is the most common cause of chapped skin, as in moisturized skin, natural oils prevent the skin from drying out by retaining moisture.

And if your skin doesn't have enough of these oils, it loses moisture, which makes it dry and cracked.

The causes of dry skin may be:

•  cold weather

Low humidity, including cold temperatures, can dry out the skin.

•  Some products contain chemicals

Some products, such as soaps and detergents, can contain harsh chemicals that can damage the skin, causing it to dry out.

•  hot water

Hot water from showering or washing dishes reduces the moisture in your skin.

•  pharmaceutical

Dryness may be a side effect of some medications, such as topical retinoids.

2. eczema

It is a skin condition that causes redness and itching, also known as atopic dermatitis.

It can occur anywhere on the body, but most often affects the face, hands, and back folds of the arm. 

Also behind the knees.

This condition causes the skin to dry out and then crack. Other symptoms of eczema include:

• peeling of the skin;
• Some blisters appear.
• intense itching;
• The appearance of some rough and scaly patches.

3. psoriasis

It is an immune disorder that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, after which the extra cells accumulate to become 

The skin is scaly.

Inflammation also plays a big role, and the rapid buildup of cells can lead to dry or cracked skin, as well as 

Some other symptoms such as:

• Red spots appear.
• The presence of white scales on the skin.

These symptoms can develop anywhere in the body, but they are most often seen in:

• Scalp.
• elbows.
• knees.
• lower back.

You can also read : skin tags | Causes and ways to remove them.

Other causes of cracked skin

• Neurodegenerative diabetes

Cracked heels are a common complication of the disease diabetes Type 1 or type 2, the condition can lead to diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage.

In this disease, your nerves cannot properly control the moisture in the skin, which in turn leads to cracked skin, especially on the feet.

Symptoms of diabetic neuropathy include:

• Pain and numbness in the feet or hands.
• Ankle weakness.

• athlete's foot

It is a skin infection caused by some types of fungi, and it appears between the toes or the bottom of the foot and its symptoms are as follows:

• flushing;
• swelling;
• itching;

This infection most often affects people who have persistent wet feet, such as swimmers and runners, and is also common in people with diabetes.

• chapped lips

Inflamed or dry lips can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• Licking lips frequently.
• exposure to wind
• The weather is cooler.
• Allergic reaction to lip balm or any other product.

Complications of cracked skin

Some side effects of chapped skin can occur and include:

• bleeding;
• Damage to the inner layers of the skin.
• Some scars appear.
• Bacterial infections such as: cellulitis.
• Pain while walking or standing.
• The presence of pus in the folds of cracked skin.
• severe skin irritation;
• Skin cracking can be accompanied by a fever in severe cases.

You can also read : The importance of using sunscreen.

cracked skin treatment

There are several different ways you can treat your cracked skin, depending on the cause and location of the crack.

According to your skin type, dermatologists recommend the use of the following:

• Moisturizing creams or ointments

To prevent chapped and dry skin, you should keep your skin well hydrated by applying moisturizers frequently.

These creams are most effective because they have the ability to help your skin retain moisture.

Avoid using anonymous creams that damage your skin and backfire, only use those prescribed by your doctor.

You can use products that contain:

• Jojoba oil.
• Coconut Oil.
• Shea Butter.
• olive oil.

Use these moisturizers 2 to 3 times a day.

• Use a healthy loofah

Choose a suitable type for your skin as directed by a dermatologist, as it exfoliates the skin and removes dead cells, and restores the skin's freshness.

• petroleum jelly

Vaseline treats cracked skin greatly, and the dermatologist at the Freshness Center advises the following:

• Apply Vaseline to cracked areas of the skin.
• Put a bandage or gauze on them, and if you're treating cracked heels, wear socks.
• Repeat 3 times a day, as well as immediately after showering.

Vaseline is also an effective treatment for dry lips, but read the directions for use carefully and follow your dermatologist's instructions.

• topical hydrocortisone cream

This topical cream can be a good option for chapped skin that has red or itchy patches.

It also contains corticosteroids that reduce irritation and swelling.

• antifungal medicine

Terbinafine (Lamisil) is effective if you have athlete's foot.

Other treatments for chapped skin

If your chapped skin has not improved after two weeks of treatment, the dermatologist at Tandhya Skin, Aesthetic and Laser Center may recommend the following:

• Chemical peel sessions

It is a non-surgical procedure that removes dead skin cells and stimulates the growth of new healthy cells.

You can get fresh skin free of cracks, by using a solution applied to the skin, and leads to the exfoliation of damaged cells.

• Phototherapy

The center provides treatment of some diseases such as psoriasis with phototherapy by exposing the skin to appropriate amounts of light.

• UV therapy

It is used in the treatment of eczema Also, certain types of UV rays reduce inflammation.

• Excimer laser

It is also used to treat eczema by using high-intensity rays on a small area of the skin.

Finally, with simple steps, you can follow a daily routine that preserves your skin and prevents cracking of the skin.

Do not hesitate to book an appointment at the Freshness Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser in Hurghada to consult with specialized dermatologists to determine the type of treatment that is appropriate for your condition.