What is the term for a crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis?

The term designated for a crack in the skin that extends into the dermis is "fissure." Fissures are linear breaks in the skin that can appear as deep grooves and often occur in areas where the skin is stretched or where there is a lack of moisture. They are distinct from other skin conditions because they not only affect the outer layer of skin (the epidermis) but also penetrate deeper into the dermal layer, which can lead to discomfort or pain depending on their severity.

The other terms listed refer to different skin conditions or features. For instance, "scale" refers to flaking or shedding of the outer layer of the skin, usually seen in conditions like psoriasis. "Keloid" is a type of raised scar that forms excess collagen during the healing process, whereas "wheal" describes a raised, itchy area of skin that is often a response to allergic reactions or insect bites. Understanding these different terms helps in identifying and diagnosing various skin conditions accurately.