A fissure is a crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis, the second layer of the skin. Fissures can be caused by various factors, including dryness, dehydration, skin irritation, or an underlying skin condition. Fissures can occur anywhere on the body, but are most common on the lips, hands, and feet.
Fissures can be painful and can make it difficult to perform everyday activities. They can also be unsightly. There are a number of things that can be done to treat and prevent fissures.
Causes of Fissures:
- Dry skin: Low humidity, harsh weather conditions, and over-washing can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and increasing the risk of fissures.
- Dehydration: Insufficient water intake can result in dehydrated skin, which may be more prone to developing fissures.
- Skin irritation: Exposure to harsh chemicals or allergens can cause skin irritation, inflammation, and potentially fissures.
- Underlying skin conditions: Conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis can increase the likelihood of fissures.
Treatment
The treatment of fissures depends on the underlying cause. If the fissure is caused by dryness, it can be treated with moisturizers, emollients, and hydrocortisone cream. If the fissure is caused by infection, it will need to be treated with antibiotics. If the fissure is caused by inflammation, it will need to be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Here are some other tips that can help to treat fissures.
- Moisturize regularly: Encourage clients to use a high-quality, fragrance-free moisturizer on affected areas to lock in moisture and maintain skin hydration. For particularly dry or cracked skin, recommend products containing occlusive ingredients like petrolatum or beeswax, which create a protective barrier.
- Protect the skin: Advise clients to wear gloves when working with water or chemicals and to use gentle, fragrance-free soaps and cleansers to reduce irritation.
- Hydration: Encourage clients to drink an adequate amount of water daily to maintain skin hydration and overall health.
- Humidify the environment: Recommend using a humidifier in the home or workplace, particularly during cold and dry months, to maintain optimal humidity levels and prevent skin dryness.
- Treat underlying skin conditions: If fissures are associated with an underlying skin condition, work with a dermatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to the client’s specific needs.
- Customize treatments: As an esthetician, incorporate treatments that target skin hydration and barrier repair, such as hydrating facials or hand treatments, to help clients prevent and heal fissures.
- Educate clients on self-care: Teach clients how to recognize the early signs of fissures and provide guidance on proper skin care routines to minimize their occurrence.
Prevention
The best way to prevent fissures is to keep the skin hydrated. This can be done by drinking plenty of fluids, using moisturizers, and avoiding excessive exposure to the sun. It is also important to avoid scratching the skin, as this can irritate the area and make it more likely to develop fissures.
Contrary to popular belief, skin wetness and water exposure do not treat fissures; in fact, they can contribute to their formation, such as when lip-licking causes chapped lips. The optimal approach to addressing fissures involves keeping the affected area moisturized and clean.