How to Heal Cracked Skin

Fissures form when the skin barrier becomes dry, inflamed, thickened, or repeatedly stretched. Hands, feet, heels, lips, and skin folds are common sites, with stinging or bleeding when a crack opens. Frequent washing, cold or dry air, harsh cleansers, friction, and wet work can contribute. Persistent cracking may occur with [Atopic Dermatitis](/conditions/atopic-dermatitis/) or [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/), so appearance alone cannot identify the cause.

Wash with lukewarm water and a fragrance-free cleanser, then pat dry. Apply a thick emollient immediately and repeat after washing; ointments can seal moisture more effectively than light lotions. Cover painful fissures with a clean dressing and protect hands with suitable gloves during wet or irritating tasks. Avoid picking, hot water, fragranced products, and harsh exfoliation. Medical [Emollient Therapy](/treatments/medical-dermatology/emollient-therapy/) may be recommended when ordinary moisturising is not enough.

Arrange a review if cracks keep returning, bleed often, are widespread, disturb sleep, or do not improve with consistent barrier care. Seek prompt help for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, increasing pain, or fever, which can indicate infection. A clinician can look for eczema, psoriasis, contact irritation, fungal infection, or another trigger and prescribe treatment suited to the site.

What is most likely causing these fissures? Which emollient texture and dressing should I use? Could a cleanser, workplace exposure, eczema, psoriasis, or fungal problem be involved? What should I do if a crack becomes painful or starts draining?