Articles on Skin | Topics: skin, dermatology
by Chandi McClure
As if dry skin doesn't present enough problems by itself, there are worse things. Once eczema sets in fully or psoriasis makes itself a home in your skin, you can quickly go from dry and itchy to cracked and painful skin. Cracks in your skin can be painful, and that pain can even get worse when you move or stretch. Usually the hands and feet are most susceptible to these cracks, which doctors refer to as "skin fissures." The heels of the feet and the knuckles on the hands are particularly vulnerable to this problem. If you go barefoot often or wear open backed heels on your shoes you are even more likely to suffer cracked skin on your feet. No matter where the problem rears its head, there are some things you can do to help, and you should make sure you are treating it. Cracked skin is not properly protecting your body so it is actually a health risk.
The first thing to do is start soaking the area regularly. The best way for you to treat any skin cracking is by hydrating the area every single night. The cells in the skin require a certain amount of moisture. They soak it up like little sponges. So each night before you turn in, you should soak the cracked part of your skin in warm water for at least 20 minutes. This will allow your skin cells time to absorb the water and hydrate them. Once you are finished soaking, you should pat the area dry with a soft towel. This is step one in the process.
Next, since you have hydrated the skin cells, you need to keep the moisture in there or you will be right back where you started. So once you have finished soaking, seal in the moisture with a petroleum jelly product. Lotions you may have do not seal as well as Vaseline and other lubricants can. So once you have hydrated and lubed, you now have slimy hands or feet. That is no problem if you are prepared. You should put on cotton socks for your feet or cotton gloves for your hands and then go to bed. As you sleep, the moisture can begin to revitalize your skin cells and help your feet or hands heal up properly.
| Historical Quote |
Gross and obscure natures, however decorated, seem impure shambles; but character gives splendor to youth, and awe to wrinkled skin and gray hairs.
| —Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882) |
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What about the existing fissures and cracks, though? There is something you can do to start relieving the pain and seal them up. It sounds crazy, but you can actually super glue the cracks up. According to dermatologists it is okay on minor cuts and cracks to apply super glue to the area. A small amount of Super Glue in the crack will take the air away from the nerves. At the same time it seals up the slits. Add this to your moisturizing regimen to help get the pain and irritation under control while you take care of the greater hydration problem.
Cracked skin can also show up on your lips. This skin is a little different, so it is better to prevent than to have to treat with a lip balm. Tartar control toothpaste can actually cause cracked skin and cause rashes. This only happens if it is used more than once a day, but it is important to note. In addition to avoiding over use of tartar control tooth care, you should also keep balm on your lips and keep your entire body hydrated.
Cracked skin, whether it is on your lips, hands, feet, or elsewhere is not only painful, but can also be unsightly and embarrassing. Hands are hard to hide, and maybe you enjoy open heeled shoes or sandals. In addition, it is not good for your health to have cracks in your skin. The best bet then is to prevent and treat the problem. Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water, first and foremost. If cracks have already shown up in your skin, you can super glue them close as a way to manage the pain while you fix the problem. Soak the area nightly for at least 20 minutes and then seal them with Vaseline or petroleum based lubricant rather than a moisturizing cream which will not seal the moisture in. Cover with a cotton glove or socks and head to bed. Perform the ritual nightly and you will soon have smooth feet or hands that are free from those painful and ugly cracks.
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