Causes of cracked skin
Ultimately, the prognosis of cracked skin varies depending on the cause. By consistently avoiding triggering factors, the skin quality improves significantly in most cases. Neurodermatitis, on the other hand, can often become a lifelong burden and challenge for many affected persons. Unfortunately, complicated courses are not uncommon and challenge our modern medicine every day. Fortunately, the disease is the subject of much intensive research, so that the prognosis is constantly improving.
Prophylaxis
According to the motto “as thoroughly as necessary and as gently as possible”, our skin should be cleansed to prevent chapped areas. Regular, individually tailored care is another important pillar in prophylaxis. It is also important not to “over-care” the skin with too many products at the same time, as this can cause contact eczema, for example. If you have a tendency to cracked skin, you should not hesitate to consult your dermatologist. He will be able to give you valuable tips on prevention or treatment.
Anatomical aspects of the skin
Our skin consists of three layers: Subcutis (lat. subcutis), dermis (lat. corium, dermis) and epidermis (lat.
epidermis). In the deepest layer, the subcutis, one finds mainly fat and connective tissue. It represents the most important energy reserve and fulfils important tasks in the body’s heat regulation.
The connective tissue dermis forms the middle layer and can be divided into the reticular layer (lat. Stratum reticulare) and the cone layer (lat. Stratum papillare).
Their composition is decisive in determining whether our skin looks smooth, fresh, wrinkled, dry or even cracked. Besides blood vessels, sebaceous and sweat glands, numerous sensory receptors are located there. They mediate important functions such as touch, sense of touch, pain and temperature sensation.
The epidermis is located on the skin surface and can be divided into 5 zones (stratum basale, str. spinosum, str. granulosum, str.
lucidum and str. corneum). Essentially, it forms the actual protective barrier against the environment.
