What is the primary effect of a fissure on the skin?

The primary effect of a fissure on the skin is a deep crack that exposes the dermis. Fissures are linear breaks in the skin that can occur in various conditions, such as dry skin or skin disorders. When a fissure forms, it penetrates through the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, and reaches the dermis, which can lead to discomfort and potentially allow for the entry of bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. This characteristic distinguishes fissures from other skin conditions, making them significant in terms of both aesthetics and skin health.

Fluid accumulation under the epidermis is more associated with conditions like blisters or edema rather than fissures. The formation of a crust typically occurs from surface lesions that exude fluids, whereas fissures are deeper cracks and do not primarily result in crust formation. The accumulation of dead skin cells is linked to conditions like psoriasis or eczema but does not directly relate to the structural characteristics and severity of fissures. Thus, the identifying feature of a fissure is its depth and the exposure of the dermis beneath the surface layer.