Self Care Articles

Is this your symptom?

• Cracked skin or dry, rough skin. Often on hands, feet and lips

Causes of Cracks in the Skin

• Most cracked skin is found on the feet, hands or lips.
• Feet. The soles of the feet are most often the problem. Most often, cracks occur on the heels and big toes. This is called tennis shoe dermatitis. Deep cracks are very painful and can bleed. The main cause is wearing wet or sweaty socks or swimming a lot.
• Hands. Cracks can develop on the hands. The main cause is washing the hands too much or washing dishes. Can also occur from working outside in winter weather or contact with detergents or other chemicals.
• Lips. The lips can become chapped from the sun or wind. If the lips become cracked, it's usually from a "lip-licking" habit. The skin around the lips can also become pink and dry.

Causes of Dry Skin

• Dry skin is a common condition.
• Soap. Dry skin is mainly caused by too much bathing and soap (soap dermatitis). Soap removes the skin's natural protective oils. Once they are gone, the skin can't hold moisture.
• Climate. Dry climates make dry skin worse, as does winter weather (winter itch).
• Genetics also plays a role in dry skin.
• Keratosis Pilaris is dry, rough, bumpy skin on the back of the upper arms. It's made worse by soaps. Treat with moisturizing creams.
• Pityriasis Alba is dry pale spots on the face. These are more common in the winter time and are also made worse by soaps. Treat with moisturizing creams.
• Eczema. People with eczema have very dry itchy skin.
• Contact dermatitis is due to contact with irritants.

Liquid Skin Bandage for Deep, Chronic Cracks

• Liquid plastic skin bandage can seal wounds. It is a plastic coating that lasts up to 1 week.
• It is the best way to relieve pain and promote healing. As the crack heals from the bottom upward, it pushes the plastic seal up.
• After the wound is washed and dried, put the liquid on. It comes with a small brush or with a swab. It dries in less than a minute. Then apply a second coat. It's waterproof and may last a week.
• You can buy this at any drugstore. No prescription is needed.