As there are many causes of dark elbows such as excessive sun exposure, due to genetic factors, dry and rough skin, frequent rubbing, build up, hormonal imbalances, hair removing creams, obesity, pollution, and dirt. These all factors contribute to dark elbows so whenever you go outside try to cover your elbows...
What causes dry elbows and how can I treat it?
What causes dry skin on elbows?
- Symptoms. These symptoms may worsen in certain conditions, such as hot, dry, or cold weather.
- Causes. Dry skin on the elbows occurs from a lack of moisture. ...
- Treatment. If a person thinks medication might be responsible for their dry elbows, they can speak to a doctor.
- Underlying health conditions. ...
- When to see your doctor. ...
- Outlook. ...
- Summary. ...
How to get rid of dark elbows?
How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows and Knees Quickly?
- Cucumber. Cucumber has Vitamin A and C in it and has great moisturizing properties which help to remove the dark spots from elbows and knees.
- Baking Soda. Baking soda is a strong exfoliating agent. ...
- Baking Soda and Milk. ...
- Lemon Juice Mixed with Sugar and Honey. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Aloe Vera. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Coconut Oil. ...
- Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey. ...
- Potato. ...
What causes dry crusty elbows?
- Friction, such as from clothes, or when resting the elbows on hard surfaces.
- General body dehydration.
- Smoking
- Hormonal changes, such as the menopause
- Hereditary conditions, such as eczema
How to treat dark elbows?
Remedies for Dark Elbows
- Home remedies to lighten. Home remedies are the most desirable for lightening dark elbows. ...
- Long-term skin care. Aside from home remedies to lighten the color of dark elbows, you’ll want to invest some time and effort into your overall skin care routine.
- Over-the-counter treatments. ...
- The bottom line. ...
Why do my elbows turn dark?
the cause of their dark elbows is unknown. they have additional symptoms. they require stronger treatment methods to treat their dark elbows. The dermatologist will likely examine the person and ask about the products that the person uses and any underlying conditions.
Why do I have dark spots on my elbow?
Some common causes of dark elbows include: certain medications, such as birth control pills. a scar from a healed insect bite, cut, burn, or other injury. psoriasis. some skin conditions. skin care products.
What is the best treatment for dark elbows?
For example, if a condition such as psoriasis is causing dark elbows, treating the condition should reduce the symptoms. Some over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments that contain ingredients such as hydroquinone may be effective for some people.
How to prevent dark elbows?
Sometimes, triggers of dark elbows may be preventable with proper skin care, such as: using sunblock. taking care of wounds on the skin. avoiding harsh cleaning and skin care products. A person should also manage skin-related conditions, such as psoriasis, with regular treatment.
What does it mean when your elbow is dark?
Treatment. Prevention. Seeing a dermatologist. Summary. In people with dark elbows, the skin surrounding the elbow is darker than that on the rest of the arm. People who have naturally darker skin tones are more likely to develop dark elbows. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, a condition or substance that triggers ...
Can you use OTC cream on dark elbows?
Summary. A person can take steps at home to prevent and treat their dark elbows with natural products that are widely available. If home remedies do not work, OTC or prescription creams may help reduce the appearance of dark elbows. However, treatments are unlikely to cure dark elbows or prevent them from coming back.
Does Melanin help with dark elbows?
Melanin is the substance responsible for giving skin its color. Dark elbows do not require treatment, and there is no cure. However, treatments and home remedies may temporarily reduce the appearance of dark elbows. Following treatment recommendations for underlying conditions can also help reduce the appearance of dark skin patches.
Why is my elbow skin dry?
Dry skin on the elbows occurs from a lack of moisture. It can also develop from a decrease in sweat and oil glands. As people age, they tend to lose more sweat and oil glands, which results in dryer skin around the body.
Why do I have dry elbows?
Many cases of dry elbow can be due to changes in climate, lack of hydration, or irritation from fabrics or lotions. In some cases, dry elbows may be a sign of an underlying condition, such as psoriasis, eczema, diabetes, or thyroid issues.
Why does my skin get dry after a bath?
This can also happen to those who bathe or swim for prolonged times and do not moisturize afterward. Hot baths and showers: Hot water can strip the skin of essential oils, and cause dryness, especially if people take long, hot baths or showers. Cool, dry, or hot weather: Climate or weather can play a big part in dry skin.
Why are my elbows rough?
A person who rests on hard surfaces can also make elbows dryer and rougher, due to the friction that rubs or irritates the skin. Lack of humidity: Dry elbows may worsen in the winter, due to cold weather, while heat dries out the skin. Air conditioning or dry weather in the summer can also do this.
Why does my skin get dry when I take a medication?
Contact dermatitis: If a substance irritates the skin, or provokes an allergic reaction, it can cause dry, irritated skin.
What are the symptoms of a dry elbow?
open cracks and bleeding. sore or swollen skin. signs of an infection. a severe allergic reaction. If people have any additional symptoms alongside dry elbows, they can see a doctor who can check for underlying health conditions. Healthcare professionals may refer to dry skin as xerosis.
What does it mean when your elbow is dry?
Dry elbows can make the skin on and around the elbow appear: flaky. peeling. itchy. sore or uncomfortable. discolored. scaly. cracked or bleeding. These symptoms may worsen in certain conditions, such as hot, dry, or cold weather.
Why does my elbow get dry?
Dry elbows can also be the result of run-of-the-mill skin irritation. This may be caused by the ingredients in certain soaps, perfumes, and lotions. Hot baths or showers can also dry out your skin. In some cases, dry skin may be a sign or symptom of an underlying medical condition. This includes eczema and psoriasis.
How to get rid of a swollen elbow?
Remedy 2: Use the right moisturizer. If you aren’t moisturizing after every shower or bath, it’s time to start. You should also apply lotion to your elbows anytime they’re exposed to water or if there’s a drastic change in temperature. When choosing a lotion or cream, look for products that contain:
What to do if your skin is dry?
When to see your doctor or dermatologist. If the dryness persists, you should consult your doctor or dermatologist. This may be a sign of an undetected allergy or other medical condition. If your symptoms worsen to include red patches or bleeding, you should seek medical attention.
How to get rid of dry skin?
If you’re using scented soap or body wash, you may want to consider going fragrance-free. Scented washes can often dry out your skin.
Can you use lotion on dry elbows?
Although dry elbows can be uncomfortable, the symptoms are often only temporary. Tweaking your shower routine or trying a new lotion may be all that’s needed to hydrate your skin and lock in moisture. In some cases, over-the-counter or prescription medication to treat dryness may be beneficial.
Why Are My Elbows Dry?
When elbows are dry, some of the causes are common, and improvement can be made with lifestyle adjustments. The dryness can also be a sign of an underlying condition.
Managing Dry Elbows
Managing dry elbows can be an easy task. The key is understanding the reason why the elbows are dry in the first place. Several factors—such as weather, exposure to chemicals, shower or bath water temperature, irritants, and/or certain ingredients in lotions or soaps—can be to blame.
Moisturizers: Ingredients to Look For
Products that are known to seal in moisture and rehydrate the top layer of the skin have three main ingredients:
Other Possible Causes
There are some additional causes for dry elbows as well. If you find that the area is consistently itching, infected, develops a rash, or is painful, contact your doctor right away so they can provide the proper treatment.
Summary
Dry elbows are common. If you have lifestyle habits that cause dry elbows, try to change them or get a product that provides proper moisture for your skin and elbows. At times, a separate product is suggested just for the elbows.
A Word From Verywell
If you find that your elbows are consistently dry, flaky, or itchy, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare professional. They can help you with your concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although dry elbows can be normal, they can also be the result of an underlying health condition. For example, symptoms of eczema include dry, itchy, crusting skin, and at times there are scaly leathery patches. The skin is also known to swell.
Dead Skin Cells
If too many old, dead skin cells accumulate in one area, it can cause the skin to darken. It can also make the texture of your skin a bit rougher than you’d like. Luckily, this is one of the easier issues to look after because it comes down to something that’s probably already in your skincare repertoire in other areas: exfoliation.
Sun-Induced Hyperpigmentation
Although hyperpigmentation is just an umbrella term describing darker patches of skin—therefore, all dark elbows are technically hyperpigmentation —one of the things that can cause it is skin damage or irritation.
Certain Skin Conditions
Certain skin conditions can cause your elbows to darken. Such conditions include melasma caused by a recent pregnancy, psoriasis or eczema. If you’ve noticed your elbows getting a bit dark and struggle with any of these conditions, it’s important to speak to your doctor.
Friction and Dryness
Sometimes, dark elbows can be caused by nothing more than the day-to-day reality of friction and dryness. You may keep a hand cream in your purse and moisturize your body every time you shower, but it’s easy to miss areas you can’t see and don’t often think about, like your elbows.
Boost Vitamin A and E Intake
Another simple way to keep hyperpigmentation at bay is to make sure you get enough Vitamin A and Vitamin E in your diet. Both of these vitamins are great for supporting skin health and may also help when it comes to lessening the damage caused by spending too much time in the sun. Even if you’re an avid SPF applier, a little extra boost can’t hurt!
What causes the dark elbows?
Elbows are the embarrassing problem for most of the people. Elbows tend to be a particular trouble spot for people with fair skin, and even people with darker skin can get discolored elbows. It is most likely caused by an overproduction of melanin, which is responsible for the darkening of our skin.
How to deal with the undesirable dark elbows?
Dark elbows are usually due to a combination of sun exposure, dry skin and sweat causing discoloration on the skin. Luckily, you can easily prevent this problem from occurring by following these proven tips:
How to keep your elbows lightened?
When you’re working in a professional environment, the last thing you want is your elbows looking darker than the rest of your skin. This can be quite embarrassing in social situations too.
What causes dry elbows?
4. Harsh Chemicals and Soaps. Exposure to harsh soaps and chemicals is another common dry elbows cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, some soaps may have the effect of depriving the skin of its moisture and “Deodorant and antibacterial soaps are usually the most damaging”. 5.
Why do my elbows get dry?
1. Weather. Living in very hot areas e.g. desert and arid areas, low humidity in the atmosphere can deprive the skin of its moisture and cause dry elbows. Cold weather e.g. in winter, can also cause a dip in moisture levels (humidity) which can in turn make the elbows, and indeed any other part of the skin, get dry.
Why do my elbows have white bumps?
Have dry elbows that are accompanied by white bumps? Well, chances are that you are suffering from either dermatitis or psoriasis. It is advisable to seek the opinion of a dermatologist if the above discussed home remedies and over the counter remedies don’t help you.
Why do my elbows feel so tender?
Scleroderma is a chronic dermal condition that causes the tips of the elbows to swell and dry out, not to mention get pretty painful due to excessive production of collagen. The skin around the elbow tips may also feel tender to touch. Scleroderma has a genetic aspect to it as the Mayo Clinic says.
How to treat dry elbows?
Apply Vaseline petroleum jelly to the dry elbows before taking a shower. According to Dr. Ordon, this boosts the moisturizing action of Vaseline by making it penetrate deeper into the skin. Try Zam-Buk: Some people will swear to the effectiveness of this South African treat in treatment of dry elbows (pun intended).
What causes a red rash on the knees?
Psoriasis. Commonly affecting the elbows and knees, psoriasis present itself as white, scaly bumps and a red rash on the skin. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, psoriasis is triggered by an abundance of skin cells under the skin. Moisturizers can help to control the dryness associated with psoriasis.
Why does my skin itch and feel red?
Dermatitis results from allergic reactions to certain fabrics or chemicals that the skin has come into contact with and is associated with redness, swelling, and itching. You may also develop painful or itchy bumps or blisters.
Why is my elbow skin dark?
These dry, flaky skin cells can become trapped in the elbow creases, causing your skin to have a dark or dull appearance . Just remember not to scrub too hard or too frequently, as this may hinder natural oil production and cause your skin to produce extra cells. This can make your elbows even darker.
Why are my elbows darker than my body?
This article has been viewed 1,325,970 times. Sun exposure and a buildup of dead skin cells can cause the skin on your elbows to appear darker than the skin on the rest of your body. If this is bothersome during the summer months or you are embarrassed to be seen in a T-shirt, don't fret!
How to get rid of dark elbows?
Article Summary X. To get rid of dark elbows, start by gently scrubbing elbows with a loofah twice a week to remove dry skin. After you scrub, apply a thick moisturizer that contains shea butter to moisturize your elbows. You can also try rubbing each elbow with a half of a cut lemon.
How to treat elbows with petroleum jelly?
A heavy duty treatment is to apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or pure shea butter directly to your elbows before bed, then cover with a "sock sleeve" fashioned by cutting the foot of cotton tube socks. It is best to leave the protective sleeve on throughout the night, if you are able.
How to lighten elbows?
Make a paste using milk and baking soda. This remedy helps to lighten elbows as milk contains lactic acid which reduces skin pigmentation, while the baking soda helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. Mix enough milk to turn the baking soda into a paste. Apply on your elbows and gently scrub it in a circular motion.
How to get rid of dark spots on face?
Wash off the lemon juice with some warm water. As lemon juice can be drying, you should moisturize the area with your favorite body moisturizer. Repeat this every day until the dark skin begins to fade. You should see a significant difference within a couple of weeks.
How to lighten skin color?
Try mixing yogurt and vinegar or lemon juice. These combinations contains both lactic and acetic acid, which each help lighten your skin color. To use, combine one teaspoon of yogurt with one teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and mix until they form a consistent paste.