When you suffer from eczema or psoriasis, your skin cracks, thus presenting you with painful slits or fissures. They cause agony even while doing simple movements. Your skin cracks and it can give you a terrible pain. The hands and feet are the most vulnerable spots for this problem. But other spots like the mouth, lips, cheeks etc. too can be affected. Usually, the areas between toes and on the heels are affected. These fissures, if neglected, can cause infection. Generally, women who wear open-backed heels and slides are affected.
Treatment for the cracked skin:
• Soak yourself: The best treatment for dry skin is to have a good bath every night before going to sleep. This enables your skin cells to absorb water, since these cells are like sponge. You can also soak the affected body part for about 20 minutes in warm water and then pat dry.
• Apply petroleum products: Once you are through with your bath, apply a coating of petroleum jelly product. Then put on a pair of socks for your feet or a pair of light cotton gloves for your hands to seal the moisture. These petroleum products work far better than commercial moisturizers, since they do not have the same sealing effects.
• Stick the cracks: You can apply glue to ease the pain caused by the fissures. This takes the air out of the nerve endings and thus sticks the slits. This procedure is completely safe for slits and minor cuts. However, avoid using this method on deep wounds.
• Avoid tartar toothpaste: If you suffer from cracked lips, minimize your usage of tartar toothpaste. This toothpaste contains compounds that irritate the mucuous membranes and other sensitive tissues. These toothpastes leave the skin cracked and cause a rash which itches around the mouth.
Following some of the above mentioned steps can help you in preventing/curing cracked skin.

Sharon Hopkins
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category:health