Why does psoriasis cause cracked skin?

Cracked Skin is a common presentation of Psoriasis. A plaque can accumulate scale while inflammation disrupts the protective barrier. As the surface dries, it stretches less easily during movement, and a split may develop. Fissures are especially troublesome on hands, feet, elbows and other areas exposed to bending, pressure or repeated washing. Cracking can hurt and may let irritants enter, but cracked skin alone does not establish the diagnosis.

Rinse gently, pat dry and cover a painful split with a clean dressing that does not stick to the wound. Apply a thick, fragrance-free ointment around and over intact dry skin as directed. Wear protective gloves for wet work and avoid pulling scale away. Medical treatment can reduce the plaque and help prevent new fissures; treatment choice depends on the body site and depth of the split.

Contact a clinician if a crack is deep, repeatedly reopening, bleeding, draining or limiting hand or foot movement. Seek prompt help for increasing warmth, swelling, pus, spreading redness or fever. A painful fissure that does not settle with gentle protection may need both wound care and better control of the psoriasis.

Ask whether the fissures are caused by psoriasis or another process, how to dress them, and which treatment is safe on broken skin. Mention work, footwear, washing routines and any signs of infection.