<Things you should know> Correct knowledge about "cracked and chapped skin" (2) [By body part] Main symptoms of cracked and chapped skin Main symptoms of cracked and chapped skin Types of chapped and cracked skin (by body part) While cracks are a relatively mild condition, chapped skin is a more severe form of cracking and can often interfere with daily life. Here, we will explain in detail the general symptoms of cracks and chapped skin, as well as symptoms in different areas and the pre-causing symptoms that lead to cracks and chapped skin. Main symptoms of cracked and chapped skin A crack is a deep, linear cut, while chapped skin is a worsened version of a crack. But what specific symptoms appear? Let's look at the causes of cracks and chapped skin. crack Symptoms The skin becomes rough, dry, and loses its elasticity, resulting in a hard, brittle texture. In addition to redness, itching and pain may occur. Be careful not to scratch excessively, as this can worsen the inflammation and increase the itching. The skin may crack and become very painful, and you may even notice that your finger joints have split open without you realizing it. cause Cracks in the skin are more common during cold, dry seasons. As the stratum corneum, which prevents moisture evaporation, dries out, the skin's barrier function weakens, making it more susceptible to external stimuli and thus more prone to cracking.Furthermore, poor blood circulation due to cold weather can make it difficult for nutrients to reach the extremities, such as the hands and feet, which can lead to a decrease in the skin's ability to repair itself. In addition, a decrease in sebum production due to aging can also be a contributing factor. ■ Main causes of cracks Dry air, low temperature, hot water, stress, aging, nutritional deficiencies, lack of sleep, detergent, hand sanitizer, health sandals Chapped skin Symptoms This condition involves a worsening of the crack, where the fissure reaches the dermis, the layer beneath the epidermis. The skin hardens, the cracked area appears red, and bleeding may occur. Pain and itching become even more severe.It's not just when doing housework involving water; even simple movements can cause pain. As it progresses, throbbing pain may occur even at rest, and secondary infections can lead to swelling around the crack. Compared to a simple crack, these cases are often more difficult to heal. cause Basically, the cause is the same as for cracks. Chapped skin occurs when cracks worsen. Types of chapped and cracked skin (by body part) Generally, the hands and feet are the areas most prone to cracking and chapped skin. Let's take a closer look at the different symptoms and causes for each area. back of the hand The stratum corneum dries out, making the skin texture rough, and fine cracks resembling those that appear when soil dries out can be seen. Itching intensifies when the body warms up, such as after a bath, and can also worsen during sleep at night, leading to unconscious scratching. Fingers (fingertips, spaces between fingers, pads of fingers) When the joints of your fingers are dry, they are more prone to cracking when you bend and straighten them due to the pulling sensation. The pads and fingertips of your fingers are constantly exposed to various stimuli and external pressures, so symptoms tend to worsen easily. Because these are parts of the body that are moved frequently in daily life, they are also difficult to heal. heel This area is prone to a weakened barrier function due to dryness. When skin cell turnover is disrupted and the skin doesn't regenerate smoothly, old dead skin cells remain and thicken. When weight is applied to this thickened area, cracks are more likely to develop. Chapped and cracked skin can sometimes be caused by conditions such as eczema. Here are some of the pre-existing symptoms that can lead to chapped and cracked skin. Hand eczema (housewife eczema) This is what's commonly known as chapped hands. If hand eczema progresses, it can lead to cracks and chapping. Allergic contact dermatitis If your symptoms worsen each time you come into contact with a specific substance, such as rubber gloves or vegetables, it's possible you have allergic contact dermatitis to that substance. dry eczema This condition is caused by a decrease in sebum secretion. It is particularly common on the shins below the knees and on the back, and is frequently seen in areas prone to friction with clothing. Also, dry eczema is more common in winter on the Pacific coast due to the very dry air. Dyshidrotic eczema (sweats) This condition causes blisters on the palms of the hands, between the fingers, and on the soles of the feet. It is considered a type of hand eczema. The cause is not clear, but it is more common in people who sweat a lot, so a link to sweat has been suggested. Palmoplantar pustulosis This condition is characterized by numerous pustules (filled with pus) on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It may also be accompanied by cracking and pain in the skin. Finally, let's discuss cases where children and the elderly are prone to cracked and chapped skin. It's especially important for children, who have delicate skin, to be mindful of factors that can damage their skin. Cases that are more likely to occur in children Leaving hands wet, playing outside in cold weather, handling dirt, or riding a bicycle and being exposed to cold wind can cause sebum and moisture to leak out, weakening the skin's barrier function. Since children's skin barrier function is already weaker than adults', their cheeks and the backs of their hands can become rough, red, and develop small cracks. Cases that are more likely to occur in the elderly Dry eczema is particularly common in the elderly. This can lead to cracking and chapping of the skin. Supervised by: Dr. Yuki Horiuchi, Director of Akihabara Skin ClinicAfter graduating from the Faculty of Medicine at Tokyo Women's Medical University, she worked at dermatology and cosmetic clinics in Tokyo before opening Akihabara Skin Clinic in 2007. She is a certified specialist of the Japanese Dermatological Association and is also a member of the Japanese Dermatological Association, the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Dermatology, and the Japanese Society for Laser Medicine. We take care to post accurate information,Please point out any incorrect information. Please submit any comments regarding medical information here. Return to the list of guides categorized by health symptoms.