1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology

Fissure

By Heather Brannon, MD, About.com

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD

Definition: A linear loss of the top two layers of skin, the dermis and epidermis, with sharply defined, nearly verticle walls.
Pronunciation: FISH-er (noun)
Also Known As: Chapped hands and lips, eczema, intertrigo, perleche.

Explore Dermatology

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Dermatology
  4. Dermatology Basics
  5. Glossary
  6. F
  7. Fissure

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.