Healthy skin is soft, smooth, and hydrated, but when moisture is lost and not replaced by regular use of creams and lotions and drinking lots of water, skin can become unhealthy, dry, and scaly. Cracked skin occurs when the skin barrier is damaged. It’s usually a sign of dry, irritated skin, although there are numerous more possibilities.
Your feet, hands, and lips may be particularly susceptible to cracking. Cracked skin can occur in other regions, depending on the cause.
The majority of skin cracking reasons are treatable at home. However, if your cracked skin is severe or has any issues, you should visit a doctor. This article discusses cracked skin and ways to treat it.
Causes of Cracked Skin
Cracked skin may be followed by a range of additional symptoms depending on the reason. Paying attention to these symptoms may aid in determining the cause.
Dry/Parched Skin
Dry skin is the most prevalent cause of cracked skin, also known as xerosis.
Natural oils keep the skin moisturized and smooth by preventing it from drying out. However, if your skin does not produce enough oil, it will lose moisture. This causes your skin to dry up and shrink, perhaps leading to cracks.
The following factors can cause dry skin:
- Temperature: Low humidity and cold temperatures can dry out your skin in the winter. Indoor heating reduces humidity in your house.
- Chemical Irritants: Many household products contain harsh chemicals, such as dish soap and laundry detergent. These compounds can harm your skin’s barrier and cause it to dry out.
- Hot Water: Hot water from showers or dishwashing can dehydrate your skin.
- Medication: Some medicines, such as topical retinoids, may cause dryness as a side effect.
- Excessive dampness: When your skin is continuously exposed to wetness, it can cause it to become itchy and dry. This can happen to your feet if you wear dirty or sweaty socks for an extended period. This is because water is a skin irritant.
Eczema
Eczema, also known as Dermatitis, is a skin disorder that causes itching and redness. Atopic Dermatitis is another name for it. It can happen everywhere on the body, although it usually happens on the face, hands, inner arm folds, and behind the knees.
The disorder causes the skin to seem very dry, resulting in cracking. Other eczema symptoms include:
- peeling
- flaking
- blisters
- severe itching
- areas of rough, scaly skin
Other causes include:
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Exfoliative keratolysis
- Chapped Lips
- Fungal Infections
Possible Treatment Options for Cracked Skin
Conclusion Depending on your body’s affected location, you may try any of these remedies to treat cracked skin.
Herbal Prodcuts
Participants in a 2019 research administered topical CBD-enriched ointment to their damaged skin twice daily for three months.
The participants’ inflammatory skin problems improved after three months. Researchers determined that topical CBD ointment (containing no THC) is safe and efficient and can be used as a noninvasive option for treating inflammatory skin disorders such as eczema. Research also proves that intake of oral CBD products, e.g., CBD bath bombs, may also boost overall skin health.
Moisturizing lotions or ointments
Because dry skin can cause or aggravate cracking, keeping your skin moisturized is critical. One may accomplish this by applying moisturizer regularly.
Use ointments and creams if possible. These creams are more effective since they can assist your skin in retaining moisture.
Consider the following hydrating ingredients, which can be very beneficial for treating dry, cracked skin.
- jojoba oil
- coconut oil
- shea butter
- olive oil
Apply moisturizer two to three times each day, especially after bathing. Concentrate on the areas of your body that are the driest.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly seals and protects your skin from cracks. The jelly can seal in moisture, which aids in the healing of broken skin.
To apply this treatment:
- Apply petroleum jelly to the cracked regions of your skin.
- Wrap a bandage or gauze around the affected region. Wear socks while treating cracked heels.
- Repeat three times each day and shortly after showering.
- Petroleum jelly is very beneficial for chapped lips. Before using this product, check the contents list to ensure it does not include anything to which you are allergic.
Topical Hydrocortisone Products
Topical hydrocortisone cream may be an excellent option for damaged skin with red spots or irritation. Corticosteroids are included in these creams to help minimize inflammation and swelling.
Hydrocortisone creams come in a variety of strengths. The mildest strengths are available as over-the-counter (OTC) medications at your local pharmacy. More potent hydrocortisone cream will require a doctor’s prescription.
Follow the guidelines on the box while taking hydrocortisone. This treatment can be used with a moisturizer. Apply the hydrocortisone cream first, followed by the moisturizer.
Before using topical hydrocortisone cream, consult with your dermatologist or healthcare practitioner to determine whether it may benefit your specific issue.
Exfoliation
Gentle exfoliation can remove dead, dry skin cells from the skin’s surface. This cure is most commonly used to treat broken feet and heels. Exfoliate your feet as follows:
- Soak your feet for 20 minutes in water.
- Scrub away the dry skin with a loofah or pumice stone.
- Apply a moisturizer after patting dry.
- To begin, exfoliate once or twice a week.
Antifungal treatment
If you believe you have an athlete’s foot, you can treat it with a topical fungal therapy such as terbinafine (Lamisil).
Conclusion
Prevention is the best medication for dry, cracked skin. Apply a daily moisturizer all over the body to avoid uncomfortably dry, cracked skin. Even if you have dry skin, we recommend that you avoid using too many lotions and oils on your face, which might contribute to acne.
