Which secondary lesion is a crack in the skin that may extend into the dermal layer and often occurs when the skin loses flexibility due to cold, wind, or water?

Which secondary lesion is a crack in the skin that may extend into the dermal layer and often occurs when the skin loses flexibility due to cold, wind, or water?

• A. Crust
• B. Fissure
• C. Papule
• D. Nodule

Answer: (B)

Dry skin that has lost some elasticity from cold, wind, or water can crack, forming a fissure. A fissure is a linear break in the skin that can extend from the surface down into the dermal layer, which is why it can be painful and slow to heal. This specific crack pattern happens when the skin becomes dry and stiff and then splits with movement or irritation. It's a type of secondary lesion defined by its crack-like appearance, not by raised or crusted material. By comparison, a crust is dried fluid on the surface, a papule is a small raised bump, and a nodule is a larger, deeper lump. Keeping skin hydrated and protected helps prevent fissures from forming or worsening.

Dry skin that has lost some elasticity from cold, wind, or water can crack, forming a fissure. A fissure is a linear break in the skin that can extend from the surface down into the dermal layer, which is why it can be painful and slow to heal. This specific crack pattern happens when the skin becomes dry and stiff and then splits with movement or irritation. It's a type of secondary lesion defined by its crack-like appearance, not by raised or crusted material. By comparison, a crust is dried fluid on the surface, a papule is a small raised bump, and a nodule is a larger, deeper lump. Keeping skin hydrated and protected helps prevent fissures from forming or worsening.