What is a crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis referred to as?

A crack in the skin that penetrates the dermis is referred to as a fissure. Fissures are characterized by their depth, reaching beyond the epidermis and into the dermis, which can cause significant discomfort and may be associated with inflammation and other skin conditions.

In contrast, other terms in the choices do not accurately describe this particular condition. A cyst refers to a closed sac-like structure filled with liquid or semisolid material, which does not involve the cracks or breaks in skin layers. Excoriation pertains to a superficial abrasion or injury caused by scratching, typically affecting only the epidermis and not penetrating to the dermis. A crust is a dried mass of blood, serum, or other exudates that can form over a healing injury but does not represent an actual crack in the skin. Thus, the term fissure is the most accurate descriptor for a deep crack in the skin.