Rough skin on elbows. Causes and treatment of peeling

People don't pay much attention to their own and other people's elbows. It would seem that there is something special about them. This is not a part of the body that should look perfect. But when the skin on the elbows peels and cracks, they begin to hide them under clothes. Sometimes, along with the above-mentioned trouble, the skin begins to itch very much, which disturbs night sleep. Itching and flaking on the elbows can cause serious problems in the body. Why do elbows itch, peel, turn red and black, and what causes these symptoms?

Why does the skin on my elbows become dark and dry?

Harmless reasons leading to darkening and roughening of the skin on the elbows:

1. The cause of the formation of scabs, thickening and blackening can be the habit of sitting at the table, leaning on your elbows. Constant thorn and pressure in such a situation leads to a change in the structure of the skin and its color (such inconveniences for the epidermis give a signal that the thickness of the skin should be increased).
2. The skin on the elbow can react to changes in temperature and humidity. Crusts and roughness of the skin often form during the heating season or during the summer holidays, when a person spends a lot of time in the open sun - the skin simply dries out.
3. Lack of vitamins A and E. Against the background of such a deficiency, the condition of the skin significantly worsens and in dense areas it can become dry and darken. Improper and untimely skin care can also serve as an impetus for changes in its condition.

All these reasons can be eliminated by a person at home, so getting your elbows in order is not difficult.

Treatment

At home, only symptomatic therapy is possible. To treat the underlying disease, you need to seek help and prescribe complex therapy from a doctor.

The specialist may refer the patient for a hormone test. In case of endocrine disorders, dry skin can be eliminated only with comprehensive treatment of the disease itself. The same applies to iron deficiency anemia; various creams and ointments will not help in this case.

Identical treatment methods are used for women and men. The exception is the period of pregnancy and lactation, when many drugs are prohibited. In this case, only a doctor prescribes medications and folk remedies.

Eczema

An inflammatory skin disease occurs in both acute and chronic forms. It develops under the influence of one or several internal factors:

• genetic predisposition (usually transmitted through the maternal line);
• stressful situations and damage to peripheral nerves;
• disruption of the endocrine system;
• contacts with various allergens (house dust, animal hair, pollen, chemicals, etc.);
• violation of the trophism of the skin due to deterioration of blood circulation.

The disease is characterized not only by peeling. First, the skin becomes dry, then in some areas it becomes red and inflamed. Small bubbles-rashes form at this place, then point erosions form. A serous fluid is released from them, which gradually dries out, and grayish-yellow crusts form. The affected areas itch.

Treatment of eczema should be comprehensive. It is necessary to avoid contact with possible irritants and allergens, even with water if it is too hard, and to follow a hypoallergenic diet (chocolate, citrus fruits, egg yolk, seafood, etc. are excluded from the diet).

Drug therapy involves the use of systemic and external drugs. Some of them are aimed at eliminating itching and allergic reactions, others at reducing inflammatory processes and tissue regeneration. From systemic drugs, regardless of the specific cause or type of eczema, first and second generation antihistamines are prescribed. Despite the fact that first generation medications (Suprastin and Tavegil) have a sedative effect and cause drowsiness, they effectively relieve itching.

At the same time, calcium supplements can be used to reduce the inflammatory process. Sedatives based on motherwort or valerian are prescribed.

External treatment includes the use of the following drugs:

1. If there is inflammation, but crusts have not yet formed, apply lotions based on a light solution of potassium permanganate (“potassium permanganate”).
2. If there are cracks in the skin, aniline dyes (blue, brilliant green) are used, as well as regenerating ointments based on dexpanthenol.
3. When treating eczema in any condition, glucocorticoid ointments are prescribed, from weak ones (hydrocortisone or prednisolone) to strong ones based on clobetasol. One of the most common is Advantan cream, a strong topical glucocorticosteroid based on methylprednisolone.
4. If purulent crusts have formed, external antibiotics are used - gentamicin, tetracycline, etc.

Physiotherapy is also used. The most commonly prescribed is selective phototherapy, which uses ultraviolet radiation.

Psoriasis

This is a rash that does not hurt but is very itchy. It consists of pink or red spots covered with silvery scales. It usually occurs on the elbows or knees. The causes of the disease are unknown, but genetic predisposition and severe stress are thought to play an important role.

External treatment is prescribed with caution, especially if there is an inflammatory process. Usually, for psoriasis, the use of salicylic and naphthalan ointments is indicated. A cream based on zinc pyrithione is used.

The following baths are prescribed:

• with pine extract and tea leaves (25-50 g of black tea for the entire volume of the bath);
• with decoctions of chamomile and sage flowers (3-4 tablespoons of dry raw materials per 1 liter of boiling water);
• milk-oil (2 tbsp. vegetable oil per 0.5 liter of hot milk).

For severe skin damage, ointments based on glucocorticosteroids are used.

Ultraviolet radiation plays an important role. Therefore, in summer it is recommended to walk in the morning with open elbows so that the skin receives its dose of ultraviolet radiation.

Dryness caused by weather conditions

In winter, during periods of exacerbation of dry skin, you should use creams that will help relieve irritation - Atoderm, Radevit. You can also use special balms for such skin, for example Lipikar.

If there is a noticeable thickening of the dermis and a “mesh” of cracks is present, then exfoliation therapy is first performed. The use of salicylic ointment is recommended. It is applied once a day at night, usually for a week, maximum 10 days. Wear gloves on your hands because salicylic acid is quite active. After removing the dead skin, a nourishing cream is rubbed into the elbows.

In the cold season and in the heat, even with a normal supply of vitamins, the skin becomes rougher, which is associated with temperature changes and a violation of the water-fat balance. During this period, it is recommended to give up soap and replace it with soft foams, use special massage brushes, and products with added glycerin.

Reaction to synthetic clothing

Skin problems on the elbows can be avoided if you pay more attention to the choice of clothing. It is not recommended to buy things made from synthetic fabrics. You should wear clothes and underwear made of natural cotton. Wool products also cause allergies.

Synthetic fabrics do not absorb sweat well and practically do not allow air to pass through. As a result, the skin on the elbows does not receive enough oxygen. Cotton fabric, on the contrary, ensures normal air exchange.

Lack of vitamins

If the cause of dryness is a lack of vitamins A and E, then additional symptoms are observed - deterioration of the hair condition, dryness in other areas of the skin. In such cases, the doctor orders tests and, based on their results, prescribes vitamin preparations. The daily dose is selected depending on age, and must be strictly observed.

Pumice and scrub, as well as peeling with fruit acids, will help remove dead skin. But this procedure should be carried out no more than twice a week. After this, moisturizers and cosmetic oils must be rubbed into the skin.

If there are cracks in the elbows, creams with chamomile or alfalfa extract are recommended. Ten days of intensive care is enough to get rid of signs of dryness. But it is recommended to carry out such procedures throughout the month. Then you can reduce their frequency or start applying the masks described below once a week. But you cannot completely abandon cleansing.

What disease can black elbows be a sign of?

Not all causes of darkening and drying of the skin on the elbows are easily removable and harmless. There are a number of diseases that can cause such symptoms, and they require urgent treatment. The source of gray, cracking and hard skin may lie in the following diagnoses:

• Diabetes . This is a systemic disease that affects the entire body. Due to a lack of insulin production, the normal nutrition of all cells is disrupted, and the skin is no exception. General negative changes lead to the skin becoming dry and thinner, areas with dense skin and folds are especially affected;
• Disorders of the thyroid gland (including hypothyroidism). This also threatens to disrupt the nutrition of cells, metabolic processes slow down, the skin does not normally get rid of dead cells, which is why it becomes covered with dark, rough spots;
• Dermatological diseases . Often darkening of the skin and its peeling are symptoms of dermatitis, neurodermatitis, etc.;
• Iron deficiency anemia and autoimmune diseases cause dirty elbow syndrome.

External reasons

The thickening of the dermis on the elbows and the intensification of its pattern is often called the elephant skin effect. It can appear in people regardless of gender and age. The answer to the question of why the skin on the elbows peels in women and men most often lies on the surface. External causes have a negative impact on the dermis.

Dermatologists recommend paying special attention to the following points:

1. Hygiene. Frequent bathing in chlorinated or hot water can lead to irritation and dryness. Shower cosmetics containing harmful chemicals also have a negative effect on the skin.
2. Mechanical impact. Redness and peeling are most often observed on the elbows of people who work with papers or at the computer. Synthetic clothing can also cause negative changes.

If the skin on your elbows is peeling and dry due to external influences, it will not be difficult to cope with this problem. The workplace will need to be made more comfortable. And also get rid of synthetic clothes and choose high-quality cosmetics. But if the skin condition worsens due to internal reasons, the help of a therapist and other specialists may be required to solve the problem.

What to do and how to get rid of black spots on elbows?

If the color or condition of the skin on your elbows changes, you should consult a doctor. During the examination, the specialist will check the condition of the thyroid gland, blood sugar levels and the absence of skin diseases.

• If everything is in order, then the reason should be sought either in a lack of vitamins, or in the peculiarities of caring for this area of ​​​​the skin.
• In the case of diseases, it will be possible to cure dryness and dark spots on the elbows only after the root cause has been cured.

An important question remains: how to treat darkening and roughening of the skin? This is where numerous store-bought and homemade formulations will come to the rescue.

Baths will help remove rough spots

Baths help achieve a comprehensive effect on the problem: warm water softens the skin, and the components added to it can more easily penetrate the layers of the dermis and produce their positive effect. You can resort to the following recipes:

Such procedures allow you to comfortably and without aggressive influence cope with the problem of rough, dark elbows.

Scrubs are an effective remedy

A scrub is a cosmetic product that contains solid particles of different sizes that allow you to exfoliate keratinized and blackened skin particles with a selected intensity. Scrubs are effective in the fight against dark and rough elbows.

There are two options: you can resort to purchased products, the choice of which is large in any cosmetic store, or you can prepare the mixture yourself at home. It is worth considering that store-bought body scrubs are developed by specialists, and therefore, in addition to exfoliating properties, they also moisturize and nourish the skin, and when preparing a homemade product, you should rely on the same principle. Let's look at a few popular recipes:

What should you do if your elbows are red, itchy and flaky?

If dryness and darkening on the elbows can be easily removed with the help of whitening and moisturizing products, then this problem will not work with allergies and psoriasis. The task of the patient and his attending physician is to find and eliminate the allergen. As soon as it stops entering the body, the skin will become the same as it was. Food allergies, like psoriasis (some types), can be quickly treated by fasting and cleansing the body.

This refers to a seven-day fast with the intake of absorbents (! this method of treatment cannot be carried out without the consent of the attending physician and his supervision, mandatory preparation for fasting is required). Then you need not immediately, but gradually return to your usual diet, perhaps some foods will have to be excluded forever.

As for psoriasis, it can often be cured with antiparasitic drugs or taking sedatives and regular visits to a psychologist. There have been cases when giving up alcohol completely saved a person from this disease. To make the above symptoms go away faster, you can use nourishing and moisturizing creams paired with scrubs from well-known manufacturers or home remedies.

How to quickly whiten dark elbows on your hands

To whiten skin color on the elbows and other parts of the body, traditional medicine recipes containing acids are used. If the skin on the elbows hurts and there are small wounds and cracks, then the use of such products is contraindicated.

Stages of intensive care

1. Daily cleansing of the skin with emollients containing glycerin. For this procedure it is useful to use a soft hair brush.
2. Once every two to three days, it is useful to exfoliate the skin on your elbows with scrubs containing fruit acids. As an alternative to store-bought products, you can use a mixture of sour cream with sea salt or ground coffee with honey.
3. Body moisturizers should be applied to the skin daily; if elbows are cracked and painful, then creams with chamomile or alfalfa should be used - this will soothe the damaged area and speed up healing.
4. Sometimes dry elbows become very itchy, so to avoid scratching and further damage, it is useful to lubricate the skin with fish oil.
5. Regular compresses or baths of vegetable oils are useful - they should be secured with bandages throughout the night, and simply keep your elbows in the baths for a few minutes twice a week.

To achieve a visible result, it is necessary to provide intensive care for ten days, or better yet a month - in the future it will be enough to carry out procedures once a week, but regularly.

How to remove dark spots with creams and ointments

The main purpose of the product that will be used to eliminate the roughness of dark elbows should be to moisturize and nourish. Creams and ointments should be the final stage of any scrubbing procedure to protect the skin from drying out and prevent the appearance of cracks. Usually no special compositions are required for this. Apply existing creams either for the hands or for the body in general.

For targeted lightening of the area, Zinc ointment, Hydroquinone, Revitol lightening cream, Clinicians Complex skin cleansing and lightening agent, etc. can be used. If the skin begins to itch and bother you, you can apply a thin layer of Vaseline to it.

Folk remedies

When the skin peels off on the left elbow or on both at once, folk remedies will help. Medicinal mixtures must be used immediately after preparation; storing them is not recommended. You can eliminate peeling and itching using the following recipes:

1. It is recommended to lubricate the affected skin daily with sauerkraut or lemon juice.
2. Herbal elbow baths before bed will help restore the skin. A decoction of chamomile, string, calendula or nettle is suitable for this.
3. Applications with a mixture of pharmaceutical glycerin, water and apple cider vinegar will relieve itching and redness.
4. Baths with soda help restore health and well-groomed appearance to the skin. To do this, five tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate are dissolved in a liter of hot water. When it cools down a little, the elbows are immersed in the bath. During the procedure, you can add hot water. Then dry the skin and apply natural honey to it for 30 minutes.

Reviews

Leah: I really liked rubbing my elbows with lemon juice - natural and effective! The most important thing is not to forget to apply cream afterwards!

Karina: Baths seemed like too much of a hassle to me. At one time the result is minimal, but I don’t want to do this for two weeks.

Sveta: Dark skin on the elbows is simply poorly exfoliated, so the best solution is a scrub. The honey-coffee mixture gives simply excellent results.

Olya: My elbows turned black due to vitamin deficiency, I started taking vitamins and everything gradually went away by itself. I didn’t take any additional measures, although I systematically scrub my entire body, maybe this had some significance.

Psoriasis

One of the most common reasons why the skin on the elbows dries and peels is psoriasis. This is a non-infectious chronic disease. Scientists still cannot say why this pathology begins to develop. It is assumed that the disease is autoimmune in nature.

The pathology most often affects the skin of the elbows. The dermis in the affected areas thickens and rises above the healthy areas. Clearly defined red spots with a gray or silvery paraffin-like coating are formed. Over time, these spots dry out or take on the appearance of denser plaques.

In most cases, a dermatologist only needs to examine the patient to make a diagnosis. To alleviate the patient's condition, local treatment is prescribed using ointments, solutions and creams. If it does not bring the desired results, phototherapy is used. The third step is parenteral administration of drugs or taking them orally.

Can the elbows be considered a mirror of the state of the body?

Definitely, to some extent, yes. But only an experienced doctor can determine what is wrong with you. As practice shows, most doctors pay absolutely no attention to the elbows of those who come to them with certain complaints, or simply for a medical examination. But in vain! Although, modern official medicine has many, many flaws. That's not what we're talking about now.

Let's return to the topic: rough elbows are an indicator of certain problems in the body, as well as a cosmetic defect.

Is it possible to do something with him to correct the situation in his favor? Naturally, it’s possible. After all, hopeless situations, as is known from the words of the hero of one well-known animated film, simply do not exist! So, in order to freely wear clothes with short sleeves in the warm season, you will need careful care, but before that you need to find out the reason. Without finding out the reason, achieving at least such a positive result will be extremely difficult, and in some cases, simply impossible!

Basic diagnosis of the disease

• First of all, you need to visit a dermatologist and endocrinologist. The cause of the disease is diagnosed using clinical studies.
• Results of blood tests and skin examination are required. With the help of a blood test, it is possible to exclude or confirm diabetes mellitus, anemia, and endocrine system problems in a patient.
• Analytics of the condition of the skin allows you to exclude or confirm eczema or psoriasis.
• You should pay attention to the position of your hands when working at a table, and reconsider the cosmetics you use.
• If you use unnatural, low-quality cosmetics for skin care, then this can already become a provoking factor for roughening of the elbows.

Forms

The undulating course of the disease, when a spontaneous period alternates with improvement, is not the only component of the insidiousness of psoriasis. The severity of the inflammatory process depends on the nature of the rash; another important factor is the form. When rashes are localized on the elbows, a simple (vulgar) type of illness often occurs, which is characterized by redness, peeling, and itching. The advanced form of the disease threatens complications and the appearance of pustular, erythrodermic, seborrheic type of psoriasis - with them the affected area will expand.

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