Many people get those cracks and splits in their skin that bring discomfort and pain. These cracks and splits are skin fissures, and they often appear on the hands and feet when they become overly dry. The dryness led to the skin losing its elasticity and cracking in areas such as on the heels, fingertips, and between the toes. Skin fissures typically occur during cold seasons in places where your skin commonly gets dry, thickened, or calloused.
By addressing this issue with natural remedies, you can help prevent and treat these painful skin fissures, which can lead to infection or severe skin problems if left untreated. Therefore, we are exploring several different causes of skin fissures and natural remedies that you can use.
Common Causes of Skin Fissures
There are several reasons why your skin may develop splits and cracks. Some factors include cold and dry weather, excessive washing, underlying health issues, and excessive friction. The skin loses moisture when the temperature drops and the humidity decreases. When the skin loses its natural oils, it may become dry, irritated, and cracked.
Meanwhile, frequently washing, can strip your skin of its natural oils. Excessive washing, especially with hot water and harsh soaps, makes your skin prone to cracks around the fingers and palms. Additionally, underlying health issues such as eczema and psoriasis can lead to skin fissures because they affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture.
Lastly, excessive friction caused by the skin rubbing against shoes or clothing can cause thickened, calloused skin, which may eventually crack open if not properly moisturised and cared for.
Natural Remedies for Skin Fissures
There are several natural remedies that you can use to treat your skin fissures and have smooth, hydrated, and healthy skin. These natural remedies can also be used to prevent skin fissures as they restore moisture to the skin. While these remedies are effective, if you have developed severe skin fissures, you can consider seeking medical assistance.
1. Moisturise Regularly
One of the best ways to combat skin fissures is to frequently moisturise the skin, particularly at least twice a day and immediately after washing your hands or showering. Regularly moisturising your skin with thick, fragrance-free products can help to lock in moisture. This will also help your skin restore its natural barrier. You can opt for products that contain ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, which effectively draw moisture into the skin.
2. Soak and Exfoliate
You can combat skin fissures by using warm water to do a 10-15 minute soak treatment. The area should be exfoliated with a pumice stone or exfoliating scrub after soaking. While the soaking helps to soften the skin, allowing the cracks to be penetrated by the moisturisers, exfoliating softens the skin and prevents future fissures from developing.
3. Use Petroleum Jelly
Another natural remedy for skin fissures is petroleum jelly (Vaseline), which adds an extra layer of moisture. Due to the thickness of the ointment, it creates a protective barrier that seals in moisture, preventing further damage.
4. Apply Natural Oils
You can opt for natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, or shea butter when seeking a moisturiser to use on the area affected by skin fissures. These oils, which are rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, can be gently massaged onto the affected area as they help to hydrate the skin, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
5. Use a Humidifier
Another option is to use a humidifier to combat the dry weather during winter. Humidifiers will add moisture to the air inside your home, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the winter. This option prevents your skin from losing moisture quickly, combating dryness and preventing skin fissures.
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