What is a common skin issue that arises from minor injuries and can appear as a crack?

A fissure is a term used to describe a crack or groove in the skin, often occurring as a result of minor injuries, excessive dryness, or conditions such as eczema. Fissures are typically narrow and can be painful, especially if they occur in areas where the skin is stretched or flexed, like the hands, feet, or around the mouth. They result from a breakdown of the skin barrier, often leading to inflammation or irritation.

In contrast, a scar is the body’s natural way of healing after an injury, and it can vary in appearance but does not usually manifest as a crack. Warts are benign growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and appear as rough, raised lesions, while skin tags are small, benign growths that hang off the skin and have no resemblance to a crack. Thus, the identification of a fissure as a common skin issue arising from minor injuries is spot-on in this context.