Skin fissure

Schematic image comparing a skin fissure to an erosion and an ulcer.

The surface of the knuckles of a hand with xeroderma, showing skin cracking (generalized skin fissuring).

A skin fissure is a cutaneous condition in which there is a linear-like cleavage of skin, sometimes defined as extending into the dermis. It is smaller than a skin laceration.

Generalized

A skin area on which there are many skin fissures is called cracked skin, and is most commonly a result of skin dryness. Ichthyosis is a genetic disorder where there is often severe skin cracking.

Further reading

• Skin Exposures and Effects
• Skin fissure, clinical studies
• Treatment of Skin Fissures