Dry skin on your elbows may result from a variety of conditions, ranging from infections or boils to allergic reactions or dermatitis, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Treatment varies from topical creams to medication and techniques to address the underlying cause of your dry skin.
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. ...
What causes dry, dark, discolored on elbows?
What Causes Dry, Dark, Discolored On Elbows? Here are some of the common causes of dark elbows: Genetics Dry skin Overexposure to the sun Use of certain medications Poor or improper hygiene Lack of exfoliation, accumulation of dirt, grime and dead skin Certain diseases such as Addison’s syndrome, obesity Hormonal imbalances Frequent contact ...
How to cure cracked and dry elbows?
- Mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/3 cup of olive oil.
- Rub the mixture onto the affected elbow or elbows. This all-natural exfoliate will help remove dead skin and hydrate the area.
- Rinse the area well after scrubbing.
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
What deficiency causes dry elbows?
In addition to your knees and elbows being more prone to dry, rough skin, here are a few common causes of dry skin that may be affecting your knees and elbows: Dry Air (such as winter weather or a dry climate) Dehydration. Nutritional Deficiencies (especially due to a lack of calcium, vitamin D, or vitamin E)02-Nov-2020
What causes crusty elbows?
Some common reasons for dry elbows include exposure to cold air, frequent hot baths or showers, swimming, dry climates, or a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.03-Aug-2021
How do you fix dry scaly elbows?
Mix 1/2 cup of granulated sugar with 1/3 cup of olive oil. Rub the mixture onto the affected elbow or elbows. This all-natural exfoliate will help remove dead skin and hydrate the area. Rinse the area well after scrubbing....Remedy 2: Use the right moisturizerolive oil.coconut oil.petroleum jelly.cocoa butter.shea butter.
How do I get rid of dry scaly elbows?
moisturizing regularly, especially after a swim, bath or shower. using a body wash with added moisturizers. using a formulated moisturizer to treat a specific skin condition, such as eczema. using elbow pads if a person rests on hard surfaces for a long time.
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.
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 do my elbows get dry?
Dr Noor Almaani, consultant dermatologist at The Private Clinic of Harley Street, shared some other unique factors that contribute to dry elbows, including: Friction, such as from clothes, or when resting the elbows on hard surfaces. General body dehydration. Smoking. Hormonal changes, such as the menopause.
How to keep skin barrier intact?
Ensuring the skin barrier is intact by using regular, greasy moisturisers. Avoid taking long, hot showers. "This can lead to depletion of intercellular lipids and desiccation of the outermost layer of the skin," says Dr Almaani. Vigorous rubbing or exfoliation should be avoided.
Is the skin on the elbow thicker than the skin on the body?
It’s all about the glands in your elbows, or lack of, according to Dr Mervyn Patterson, cosmetic dermatologist at Woodford Medical. "Skin on the elbow is significantly different to other skin on your body," he tells us. "It tends to be much thicker so as to be able to withstand mechanical stretching, and is drier because this area has significantly ...
Is dry elbow a disease?
trioceanGetty Images. It’s also important to remember that the vast majority of dry elbow cases are not due to other conditions or underlying primary skin disease, but instead the disruption of normal skin. In fact, dry skin and an issue like psoriasis are two completely different things. "Psoriasis is a skin disease where ...
Is psoriasis a dry skin disease?
In fact, dry skin and an issue like psoriasis are two completely different things. "Psoriasis is a skin disease where the body ’s own immune system attacks the skin," Dr Patterson tells us. "Inflammation is a result of an overproduction of layers of skin cells, which then heap up on each other forming psoriasis plaques.".
Why do my elbows get dark?
Dark elbows occur when your elbows accumulate darker skin than the rest of your arm. This can be caused by: an accumulation of dead skin cells. hyperpigmentation increased by sun exposure. birth control pills. melasma (dark spots) from a recent pregnancy.
Why are my elbows so sensitive?
inflammation from a previous injury. While such causes can affect any part of your skin, your elbows are perhaps more vulnerable due to a lack of attention and care compared with other more prominent parts of your body, such as the face. People with naturally darker skin tones are also ...
How to get rid of dead skin cells on elbows?
Exfoliate the elbows. In addition to moisturizing your elbows for softness, you’ll need to take steps to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent their accumulation. You can do this by exfoliating once or twice a week. You may use an exfoliating body wash, or a sugar scrub for extra intensity.
How to get rid of a swollen elbow?
Cleanse and moisturize. Take time to make sure you wash your elbows daily when in the shower or bath, and always follow up with a moisturizer. You can also put on a thicker moisturizing agent on top of your daily body lotion, such as coconut oil or aloe vera.
How to lighten dark elbows?
Baking soda. Baking soda has both exfoliating and skin lightening properties that may help treat dark elbows. Start by adding a teaspoon at a time with water to a bowl. Keep adding and mixing well until you have a desired amount of product. Then, apply directly to your elbows.
How to make a face mask for dry elbows?
Like baking soda, these two ingredients work best as a mask. Combine equal parts oatmeal and yogurt until mixed well, then apply to your elbows. Leave on for up to 20 minutes at a time .
How to use lemon juice on elbow?
Simply squeeze the juices out of the citrus fruit into a cup. Then, use a cotton ball or wash cloth to apply the juice directly to your elbow.
Causes of Dry and Scaly Elbows
Although weather remains the prime culprit, several other factors can also lead to the drying and scaling of your elbow skin.
Treatment Options for Dry and Scaly Elbows
What makes dry elbows a particularly grueling sore spot is the fact they are always in action. Keeping your hands still at a stretch becomes impossible in the face of daily tasks that, basic as they may be, require some degree of arm and elbow movement.
Anecdotal Remedy
The following remedy is neither backed by scientific evidence nor reviewed by our health experts. Nonetheless, a number of general users have reported an improvement in their condition using this anecdotal remedy.
Tips to Prevent Dry and Scaly Elbows
Use an emollient cream to help keep your skin hydrated and to provide a barrier that seals in the moisture. Emollients contribute to the reduction of transepidermal water loss.
Risk Factors Associated with Dry Elbows
Wearing coarse fabrics such as wool during winters can cause friction between your clothes and the elbow skin, thereby making the skin dry and scaly.
When to See a Doctor
There’s usually no real need to rush to the doctors to treat something as innocuous as a case of dry and scaly elbows. Keeping your skin adequately moisturized along with proper water and dietary intake should suffice to alleviate the dryness and itchiness to a great degree.
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.
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.
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.
How to get rid of calluses on elbows?
The first step to shedding the calluses and buildup coating your elbows is to become conscious of the bad habit that causes it. Think about it -- the skin over your elbows is responsible for protecting the joints, muscles and bones that allow your arm to move and flex. Over time, your skin will need to adapt to the pressure. You probably already know that thick skin accumulates in places that need extra protection from abrasion, like your heels and knees. (For a more extreme example, ask a dedicated guitar player about his or her callused fingertips.)
What happens if you lean on your elbows?
Experts say that leaning on your elbows for extended periods of time can lead to a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome that damages the nerves in your arm and decreases blood flow [source: Park ]. So, sit back, engage your abs and core, and give your elbows a rest from the tiresome, thankless job of propping you up.
How to soften elbows with olive oil?
For a yummy-smelling combination that will seriously soften your skin, mix two parts brown sugar with one part olive oil, and add a bit of ground ginger. Gently massage into your elbows and wash off with a wet cloth [source: WebMD ].
Is milk good for elbows?
This is another endeavor where it's easy to find helpful products at home. Milk is handy for a soothing soak.
What causes a scaly skin on the back of the foot?
Scaly skin is most common with plaque psoriasis. It can show up on your knees, scalp, elbows, palms, lower back and the soles of your feet. The condition may also cause your nails to pit, crumble, or fall off. Psoriasis can be passed down through families.
Why do my kids have scaly skin?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) If you or your child has red, scaly patches that itch a lot, it might be eczema. This common condition is often mistaken for dry, sensitive skin. Babies and children can get crusty spots on their chins and cheeks, but scaly skin can show up anywhere on the body.
Why is my scalp flaky?
Whether you have a flaky scalp from time to time or scratchy patches all the time, a dermatologist can tell you if your symptoms are due to a lack of moisture or something more serious.
Why do I have a diaper rash?
It shows up around the folds of the thighs and genitals -- places covered by a diaper. Diaper rash can result from an allergy or irritated skin. It could also be a yeast infection -- yeast thrives in warm, moist environments. Signs include a reddish irritated skin rash .
What does it mean when your scalp is itchy?
White, oily flakes of dead skin in your hair and on your shoulders and, sometimes, an itchy scalp are signs of regular dandruff. If you have seborrheic dermatitis, your scalp and nearby skin will feel greasy and be dotted with yellow or white crusty scales. You may even find flakes in your eyebrows.
What is the outer layer of the skin?
The outer layer of your skin contains a mixture of dead skin cells and natural oils, which help it hold on to water. If this layer is damaged and moisture gets out, or if your skin cell renewal process goes off the rails, you could get flaky or scaly.
Why do I have red patches on my face?
Silvery white scales that cover thick red, raised patches of skin are a telltale sign of plaque psoriasis. Doctors think it results from a faulty immune system. New skin cells grow faster than normal, but old skin cells fail to fall off. The new and old cells clump together, causing thick, itchy patches, sores, and scales