Dark spots on elbows. Rough, dark and dry skin on the elbows: causes and treatment. Peeling creams and proper care. Causes of darkening and dry elbows

The appearance of contaminated areas of integument is perceived by many as a violation of the rules of personal hygiene. However, the causes of dark skin on the elbows are not always associated with sloppiness. Often such changes indicate some pathologies in the body.

It is not always easy to establish why one has to deal with such signs on one's own. Therefore, it is mandatory for a person to undergo a comprehensive examination. This must be done as soon as possible, as many problems are very serious.

Impact of physical factors

Dark skin on the elbows may be purely cosmetic. It is often formed with increased friction of the skin on clothing. Also, the folds of the arms are most often in contact with hard surfaces, such as a table. This leads to coarsening of tissues and a change in their shade.

Symptoms can also be observed if hygiene rules are not followed. In this case, the elbows begin to crust, which is difficult to remove. It is important to take a shower on time and wash off the dirt from the covers.

If the skin has darkened for no reason, then a dermatologist should determine the violation in the body. Often changes indicate the development of serious pathologies.

Vitamin deficiency

Darkening of the skin on the elbows may be due to a lack of vitamins in the body. The deficiency of elements of group B, A, E, C is especially acute.

In most cases, the pathology manifests itself in the spring. But with an incorrectly composed diet, as well as a lack of nutrients, beriberi is found at any time of the year.

The doctor can determine the causes of darkening of the skin on the elbows after the examination.

To eliminate such violations, it is important to remember three important rules:

Be sure to take multivitamin tablets. They will help replenish the supply of missing substances.
The diet is being adjusted. It should include foods with vitamins A, which is found in the liver, dried apricots, carrots, E, which comes from vegetable oil, eggs and sea fish, as well as C, which is found in greens, citrus fruits, rose hips, and black currants.
Requires special skin care.

Dysbacteriosis

Violation of the work of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract is often characterized by the manifestation of dysbacteriosis. In this case, various changes may appear on the surface of the skin in the form of rashes, acne and inflammation.

Elbow parts often suffer from problems. Symptoms are especially acute as a result of dysbacteriosis associated with taking antibiotics, hormonal drugs. Also, imbalance can be triggered by malnutrition, stressful situations.

Abnormalities may reflect improper functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract

A person needs to normalize his lifestyle, diet, abandoning diets. You should also tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking.

Psoriasis

Among the common reasons why dark skin on the elbows is the development of psoriasis. The disease is characterized by a change in the structure and shade of the integument.

If an infectious form develops, then the areas where large joints are located are affected. Therefore, there are signs of violations in the area of the knees and elbows.

Psoriasis is difficult to treat, so only blunting symptoms is possible

The dermatologist will make the correct diagnosis without much difficulty. Psoriasis is difficult to treat, so well-chosen therapy is required. It is important to remember that the pathology cannot be completely cured. The doctor can only reduce the symptoms of psoriasis.

Diabetes

Blackened skin in the elbow area may indicate the development of diabetes.

The disease manifests itself in violation of nutritional cellular processes.

Due to the lack of useful elements, tissues become thin and dry.

Adverse changes can lead to the fact that even the slightest negative external influence injures the skin.

As a result, it darkens in the area of the elbows, palms, and heels.

Due to the penetration of infection, an inflammatory process develops.

Pathology is accompanied not only by dryness and peeling, but also by severe itching of the skin.

Endocrine disorders

Hormonal changes can be observed at a certain period of a person's life. adolescents, pregnant women and women who have entered menopause suffer from violations. At this time, the thyroid gland and genitals work in the wrong mode.

The hormonal background can also change under the influence of stress. With constant psychological overload, the body does not produce active substances correctly.

In diabetes, in addition to darkening, pain and itching can be observed in the affected areas.

All changes are reflected in the condition of the skin. Therefore, pigmented areas form in people, the skin thickens. During this period, the elbows and knees may also darken.

Hypothyroidism slows down metabolic processes. This leads to the formation of darkening and roughness of the skin. Therefore, when such signs occur, doctors first check the level of hormones in the body.

Basic rules of prevention

You can get rid of darkened areas only after identifying the cause of their occurrence. This will require the help of a dermatologist. He will prescribe a person for an examination, and also refer him for a consultation to other specialists.

Moisturizers can be used to relieve dryness

Among the mandatory, a blood test is distinguished to detect the level of:

thyroid hormones;
glucose;
hemoglobin.

To quickly normalize the condition of the skin, you should remember some important rules.

Be sure to periodically drink a course of multivitamins. Vitamins A and E are considered especially important.
It is necessary to observe the drinking regimen. Your body needs at least two liters of water a day. In this case, the skin will be moisturized from the inside.
A humidifier must be installed in the room. This rule is considered relevant during the period when the heating is turned on.
It is important not to take a hot bath. It is better to wash under a warm shower. Rough places should not be rubbed with soap, cosmetics.
Damaged areas should be lubricated with a cream, ointment with anti-inflammatory components in the composition.

Darkening as a result of mechanical impact is not dangerous. But if there are no visible external factors, then the help of a doctor is required.

Dry rough elbows at first glance seem like a harmless and insignificant problem. But, unfortunately, this is not the case. The condition of the skin on the elbows can signal the development of a hidden disease that is present in the body. People suffering from this problem often wonder what to do and how to treat dry and rough skin on the elbows? That is what today's article is about.

Why does roughness of the elbows occur

A number of diseases can signal dry skin.

Dermatological diseases: dermatitis, neurodermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and other serious pathologies of the epidermis are manifested by this condition.
Kidney diseases.
Problems with the digestive tract.
leads to malnutrition of the cells of the body, the skin and other organs suffer from dehydration, which is also manifested by dryness and peeling on the elbows.
Iron deficiency anemia is another cause of the symptom.
Diseases of the thyroid gland, hypothyroidism give certain signs, among which there may be dry, rough elbows.

If a person is healthy and there is no cause for concern on the part of organs and systems, then the reason may be insufficient fluid intake, dry air, vitamin deficiency, friction on the surface.

What to do to get rid of dry and rough elbows

To eliminate the problem, there are many different means that will remove an unpleasant symptom. But if the cause lies in a serious illness, then external medicines for use will not bring the desired result. To get rid of a disturbing problem, you will have to conduct an examination and find out the true cause of the state of the body.

In the arsenal of traditional medicine, ointments, infusions, compresses have long been tested to help with trouble.

Oils for the treatment of dry rough skin on the elbows

In order for the skin to be soft and not flaky, you need to use various oils regularly. Almond, linseed, olive, peach oils have a positive effect on the skin. They soften the skin, make it elastic, well-groomed, relieve inflammation, redness.

How the funds are used depends on the choice of the individual. You can simply rub any of the oils into the skin. You can also combine oils. For example, combine almond and olive, heat in a water bath and lubricate the elbows with light massage movements. Sometimes it will be more effective to use it in the form of a compress: moisten a piece of gauze in oil, put it on a rough spot, wrap it with cling film, fix it and wear it for a couple of hours.
For the treatment of dry and rough skin on the elbows, a honey compress is used.

- Almond oil 1 tbsp. l.

- Honey 1 tbsp. l.

Mix the ingredients, slightly warm in a water bath or in the microwave. Apply the mixture in a thick layer on the elbows, wrap it with cling film on top and wrap it with a warm scarf. The compress can be left on all night.

Sea buckthorn and medicinal herb chamomile

- Chamomile pharmacy 2 tbsp. l.

– Sea buckthorn oil 200 ml.

This excellent emollient will help in the treatment of dry skin on the elbows, as well as remove roughness. Pour sea buckthorn into a container, add chamomile. You need to prepare the product in a water bath, boil for 15 minutes. Insist in a cool dark place for five days. Use for two weeks rubbing into problem areas.

Therapeutic baths for dark elbows

In order to soften the skin and get rid of roughness, to prepare the skin of the elbows for the application of various products, you can use baths.

Bath with soda

Procedures with soda work very favorably. Add a tablespoon of soda to 500 ml of water. Submerge your elbows in water for ten minutes. The bath will help soften the upper layer of the epidermis. The next step is applying a nourishing cream.

herbal bath

First you need to prepare an herbal decoction. In two liters of boiling water, add a tablespoon of calendula, chamomile and. Bring the broth to a boil, cool and strain. Pour a warm broth into a basin, add 50 milliliters of lemon juice, onion and olive oil. Lower your elbows into the water, hold for fifteen minutes. Apply the procedure for one week.

Mint ice cubes

- Mint 1 tbsp. l.

- A glass of water.

Place the mint in a thermos and pour boiling water over it. Cool and pour into moulds. Use cubes to massage your elbows.

You can also do baths in mint water. Such procedures with a medicinal plant have a beneficial effect on dry and rough places. The skin on them becomes soft and smooth to the touch.

Homemade masks for rough and dry skin on the elbows

Potato mask

Put peeled potatoes and a teaspoon of honey into a blender. Apply the finished product on the elbows, wrap with cling film. After thirty minutes, remove the mask, rinse the skin in warm water and lubricate with cream.

Oatmeal mask

- Oatmeal 3 tbsp. l.

- One yolk.

- Honey 3 tbsp. l.

Mix all the ingredients of the recipe and apply on the elbows. Fix and rinse with warm water after 30 minutes. At home, an oatmeal mask can be used for 7 days.

Curd mask

A mask of cottage cheese and yolk will help from peeling the skin on the elbows. In a blender, beat one yolk and a tablespoon of fatty cottage cheese. Apply the product to disturbing spots, wrap with a film and a bandage. Wash off with warm water after an hour.

Diet for dry and rough skin on the elbows

In order to help the epidermis to renew, it is necessary to monitor the diet. The epidermis needs vitamins and minerals to function properly. A varied menu is important in which you need to add sunflower seeds, almonds, eggs.

Also foods rich in vitamin E: walnuts, dried apricots, buckwheat, corn, peanuts and other foods contain the necessary element.

Vitamins A and D are essential for healthy skin. They can be found in fermented milk products, carrots, liver, and fish dishes. Spinach, beef, apricots are also rich in these vitamins.

Sometimes, if the body is exhausted and beriberi is present, pharmaceutical preparations should be taken, which include various complexes of useful substances. The doctor will be able to choose the right vitamins.

Keeping the water balance

The skin without water dries, loses elasticity, freshness, peels off, acquires an unhealthy shade. A person must regularly replenish water in the body. To do this, you need to calculate your fluid rate and drink it regularly throughout the day in sips.

Moisturizing nourishing creams

A variety of cosmetic creams help retain moisture, thus preventing dryness and flaking. Before applying the remedy, it is necessary to take a bath for the elbows so that the skin is steamed. Spread the product with a thin layer with light movements. Instead of creams, you can use any moisturizing oil or vitamin E. Liquid vitamin can be purchased at a pharmacy and regularly lubricated with damaged skin.

Proper elbow care

In many cases, skin problems on the elbows are pretty commonplace. And folk remedies will easily fix the problem.

But if the cause does not disappear, and dark spots and cracks that hurt are added to the roughness and dryness on the elbows, then of course it is necessary to seek help from a medical institution.

Be sure to follow the diet, you need to eat foods that will not allow the development of beriberi, anemia. You can take vitamin complexes in the form of tablets and syrups.

Take care of the skin of the body, be sure to include the elbows. Apply not only creams, but also peeling masks and compresses. Water procedures will saturate the skin with moisture and remove dead cells of the epidermis.

It is very important not to use products that aggressively act on the top layer of the skin - hard water and washcloths, soap. It is better to use gels or foams, they are gentle and do not damage the skin.

In order to remove the dead layer of skin on the elbows, you need to use a soft brush.

If it is not possible to solve the problem with dryness and roughness of the elbows, it is necessary to seek advice from a dermatologist and endocrinologist. Experienced specialists will help to find the root cause of the disturbing problem and remove it with the help of complex treatment.

Roughened and darkened skin on the elbows? It's worth getting excited. And it is better to find out the reason for such a change in skin color and begin to solve this problem.

1 Most often, the skin on the elbows darkens and coarsens from squeezing or rubbing. After all, few people sit at their desks the way they were taught in school. Most likely, leaning on the elbows. With prolonged squeezing, the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) thickens, the elbows darken and become rough to the touch.

2 Lack of vitamins. Deficiency of B vitamins leads to pigmentation disorders and the appearance of dark spots on the skin of the elbows. Urgently replenish vitamins! We eat whole grain bread and yeast. Nuts and vegetables will be useful, because a lack of vitamins A and E can also cause discoloration and dry skin.

3 Dermatological diseases such as psoriasis lead to thickening of the skin on the elbows and knees and, accordingly, the appearance of cracks. With the expansion of blood vessels, reddening of the skin and the appearance of a white coating occur.

4 Some infectious diseases of the skin (lichen, mycosis, etc.) cause damage to the skin, changing its color.

5 One of the symptoms of diabetes is "black acanthosis". At the same time, not only the elbows darken, but also the skin in the abdomen and groin. With such changes, you should consult a doctor.

Always pay attention to the signals sent by your body. Be sure to undergo a comprehensive examination: check the condition of the thyroid gland, blood sugar levels, the presence (absence) of allergic reactions and skin diseases.

If everything is in order in your body, then dark elbows are only a cosmetic problem and can be eliminated with the help of the following folk remedies:

ammonia

1 teaspoon of ammonia should be diluted in 1 liter of warm water with the addition of 5 ml of liquid soap. The resulting solution is best divided into two containers, so it will be better to take baths for the elbows. This procedure is best done in the evening while watching a movie, as it takes at least 15 minutes.

Lemon

Thinly sliced \u200b\u200bpieces of lemon should be fixed on the elbows with a bandage. After half an hour, this "compress" is removed. With regular use of lemon, the skin of the elbows in a couple of weeks will begin to brighten, become softer and more pleasant to the touch.

potato

Raw potatoes, grated, are applied to the skin of the elbows and fixed with a bandage. All the inconvenience is that such a compress must be left for several hours. Therefore, it is better to apply it before going to bed.

apple cider vinegar

Dilute apple cider vinegar with warm water in a ratio of 2:3. Moisten cotton pads with the resulting solution and apply them to your elbows. Fix with a bandage and leave for half an hour.

To avoid the appearance of such a problem as darkening of the skin on the elbows, follow these recommendations:

drink enough water;
humidify the air at home;
take multivitamin complexes;
take care of the skin of the elbows with the use of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory creams;
use olive oil and grapeseed.

Most popular on the site

01/18/2017 / Veterinarian

Having trouble growing seedlings? Maybe the problem is in...

18.01.2020 / People's Reporter

BUSINESS PLAN for breeding chinchillas from P...

In modern conditions of the economy and the market as a whole, to start a business ...

01.12.2015 / Veterinarian

If you compare people who sleep completely naked under the covers and those ...

11/19/2016 / Health

Lunar-sowing calendar gardener-gardener...

11/11/2015 / Kitchen garden

Celery is an outwardly unremarkable plant, and it tastes ...

17.01.2020 / People's Reporter

Under cucumbers, it is best to cook not only the holes, but also the whole bed ....

04/30/2018 / Garden

On breadcrumbs, my tomatoes grow like suma ...

I want to tell you about how I was able to increase the yield in a simple way ...

28.02.2017 / People's Reporter

Pink Paradise and Pink Bush - sweet couple...

Those who have planted Pinky hybrids fall in love with them from the first...

17.01.2020 / People's Reporter

#1 Mildew Most dangerous in rainy years. The biggest damage...

01/24/2012 / Grapes

Rough skin on the elbows is a problem for many. These places are rarely paid attention, because they are usually hidden from view.. In addition to dryness, the color of the covers changes. It becomes gray or takes on another dirty shade that cannot be washed off.

The result is a messy look. If you have dry skin on your elbows, this article will help you find out the cause and, if necessary, choose the right treatment.

One of the most common reasons why the skin on the elbows dries and flakes is frequent bathing. Women are especially susceptible to this, since their upper layer of the epidermis is, by definition, more sensitive, and they often use a lot of detergents containing alkalis. In men, the reason is often mechanical - resting on the table with your elbows, for example. In the absence of proper care, the skin of the hands begins to itch, hurt and even crack. Often, discomfort is accompanied by redness or darkening.

Before getting rid of black elbows or red spots on the skin in these areas, it is necessary to go to a specialist as soon as possible to find out the true cause.

ATTENTION! Sometimes self-treatment at home can only do harm, which is why you should consult a doctor who will tell you what you absolutely should not do.

What causes dark elbows and how to get rid of them

Before you start treating rough and dark elbows, you should find out if the cause is not the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Here, consultation with an endocrinologist is necessary, since hormonal problems cannot be cured on their own. Doctors say that problematic skin can be one of the symptoms of serious diseases such as diabetes or anemia. If crusts, spots or scabs form on the right or left elbow, you should consult a dermatologist.

The role of water in the body

It is important to remember that the health of the epidermis directly depends on the use of water involved in the metabolism of substances. Sufficient water intake provides the skin with elasticity and regular cell renewal, which directly affects its appearance. A sufficient daily intake for an adult is 1.5-2 liters per day, or 2-2.5 liters for people with an active lifestyle.

Wrong diet

Poor monotonous nutrition, with a lack of vitamins A, E, D and keratin, is often accompanied by rough skin on the elbows. In this case, the solution to the problem is to adjust the power supply. To make up for the lack of nutrients, you should eat the following foods:

Vitamin A: carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach, parsley, liver, fish oil, egg yolks. This vitamin slows down aging and helps in the formation of new cells.
Vitamin E: sunflower and soybean oils, almonds, margarine, cereals and legumes, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, mountain ash, rose hips, apple and pear pits. It also slows down the aging process, improves blood circulation.
Vitamin D: cottage cheese, cheese, raw yolks, vegetable and butter, seafood. This vitamin enhances resistance to skin diseases.
Keratin: dairy products, beef and chicken meat, red vegetables, carrots.

Among women

If the doctor has not identified diseases, then rough elbows are a sign of careless skin handling. There can be many reasons: frequent contact with tap water saturated with chlorine why the skin becomes dry and darkening, temperature changes and other climate changes, synthetic clothes or low-quality cosmetics may even appear. This is due to a violation of the water-fat balance of the skin.

During pregnancy

During pregnancy, hormonal levels change and the main part of the resources in the body of a woman is spent on the formation of the fetus. For this reason, dry skin of the elbows or dark spots in these places is one of the most common problems for women in position. What to do in this case, we will tell you in more detail in this article.

In men

If in women dryness often appears due to improper care, then in men it is due to its absence. Often, they simply ignore the problem until the skin roughens to the point of cracking and discomfort, or a very noticeable discoloration to brown or black.

In children

The problem of dry elbows is faced not only by adult women and men, even children are not immune to rough skin in these places. What child has not experienced problems with the epidermis? Their skin is more sensitive than that of adults, and their immunity is less stable, which is why dark areas of the hands may appear.

IMPORTANT! It is highly recommended to visit a doctor in order to make sure that the disease is not the cause. Especially if the child develops crusts or colored spots. Do not smear ointments for other purposes and engage in self-treatment. The specialist will tell you exactly what to do, how to treat and what drugs to take.

Prevention of dryness and darkening

If the problem of dry skin on the elbows is not familiar to you, or if you have recently completed treatment, The following rules will help to avoid its reoccurrence:

1. Wear clothes made from natural materials. Synthetic fabrics irritate the skin and may even contribute to an allergic reaction, especially in children.

2. Use neutral pH soap or moisturizing soap. Be sure to use additional moisturizers after taking baths, or add various cosmetic oils directly to the water.

3. Use scrubs. Small particles cleanse the upper layer of the epidermis from dead cells, thereby accelerating the process of their exchange.

4. Make special baths for elbows (recipes you will find below).

Treatment of dry and rough skin on the elbows

To get rid of the problem of dry elbows, there are two ways of treatment: with the help of drugs prescribed by a doctor based on the results of your examination, or at home. When diseases are detected, treatment should be carried out according to the doctor's instructions. Treatment at home can only be started if the specialist has not found any health problems.

IMPORTANT! Follow the dosages and regimen of medication prescribed by your doctor, otherwise you can only worsen the condition.

Do I need to take drugs

In no case should you take any medication without the advice of a specialist. Also, during pregnancy, you should not be treated on your own, since an excess of some vitamins can lead to a violation in the formation of the fetus.

Types of medicines

Antihistamines are prescribed if the cause of rough skin is allergies or eczema. In case of improper assimilation of trace elements, lacto- and bifidobacteria are prescribed. If dryness is due to an altered hormonal background, their substitutes are prescribed.

Vitamin complexes

In view of the fact that most often changes in the integument in the elbow area are a consequence of malnutrition and a lack of vitamins, the problem is solved by replenishing them. Usually limited to menu correction, but if the lack of elements is significant, then it is worth taking vitamins.

Healing creams and ointments

The best creams and ointments

Lipikar (la roche-posay) cares for dry, irritated skin prone to atopic dermatitis. Intensively moisturizes, instantly soothes, relieves itching and irritation. It is available as an emulsion, soap, gel, balm and cream. Suitable for both adults and children.
"Radevit"- has anti-inflammatory, moisturizing antipruritic effect. Normalizes the process of renewal of skin cells, enhances its protective function. Ointment white. Contraindicated for pregnant women.
"Bepanten"- relieves irritation, accelerates the healing of cracks. Due to the complete absence of preservatives, it is suitable for young children and pregnant women.

Cosmetical tools

When buying a cosmetic product, pay attention to the composition. It should contain natural ingredients, for example:

Extracts of cucumber, cornflower, string, linseed, dandelion, oats, etc.;
Oils of various fruits and seeds;
Aloe juice;
Vitamins A, E, C (with their deficiency in the body);

For itching and redness, give preference to products that relieve inflammation. For skin that is dry due to frequent bathing or improper care, light, moisturizing creams and lotions are suitable for the summer, and oily creams for the winter.

The best moisturizing masks

Nourishing cream-mask "Chocolate" (Velinia) - improves the general condition of the skin and its tone, normalizes cell renewal. Contains wheat germ oil, beeswax & vitamin E.
Deep moisturizing cream-mask with amino acids and hyaluronic acid (New Line) — relieves inflammation and irritation, improves microcirculation, moisturizes. Contains D-panthenol, oat extract, dandelion extract, soybean oil.
Moisturizing cream-mask with hyaluronic acid and algae (Bark) - restores the hydrobalance of the epidermis, activates the natural mechanism of skin cell renewal, improves tone. Contains algae extract, amino acids, lactic acid.

The best brightening masks

Cream-mask "Exfoliant" with fruit acids (Bark) - exfoliates dead skin cells. Contains allantoin, which promotes rapid regeneration of the skin.
Depigmenting cream-mask (Premium) - inhibits the production of melanin.
Arbutin Dermal Active Cream Mask (BeautyMed) - quickly whitens the skin, has a calming effect.

The best peel

"Fruit Peel" body peeling with fruit acids (Aravia Organic) - effectively cleanses the skin, improves its elasticity.
Crushed alum stone (Charme d * Orient) - soothes, deeply cleanses, fights inflammation.
Body peeling (Organic Shop) is a series of skin cleansing products based on natural ingredients. Among the range, you are sure to choose the one that suits your taste.

Treatment at home: masks and baths

The most effective home masks for skin problems in the elbow area

Mask with honey and almond oil

Mix honey and almond oil in equal parts, warm slightly. Apply to elbows. First, wrap with plastic wrap, and on top with any cloth (it’s convenient to take a scarf). Keep at least an hour, you can leave all night. Repeat the procedure every other day, 7-10 times.

Mask with honey and potatoes

Peel potatoes, grate. Add a spoonful of honey and apply for 30 minutes using plastic wrap. Wash off with warm water.

Mask with honey and apricot

Grind the pulp of apricots, heat over low heat for 5 minutes or 15 seconds in the microwave. Add a tablespoon of any cosmetic oil (can be vegetable). Apply the mixture on the elbows and keep for 30 minutes.

Also, cosmetic oils can be used separately, simply by rubbing them into problem skin.

Baths for dry skin

Baths with oils

Oils can be used separately, but you can also use them to prepare baths. Simply add room temperature oil to a container of water. The duration of the procedure is at least 15 minutes. Such baths can be done every day. As a preventive measure, it is useful to do them at least once a week.

In some cases, men and women are frightened by accidentally noticing that the skin on their elbows is dark and rough. Others, on the contrary, treat this problem very lightly, believing that getting rid of it will not be difficult for them.

In reality, such changes in the skin can actually indicate the presence of serious diseases in the body and, in addition, in most cases it is quite difficult to correct this defect.

In this article, we will tell you why the skin on the elbows can become darker than on other parts of the body, and what to do in such a situation.

Why can the skin on the elbows be dark and dry?

In some cases, the cause of keratinization and darkening of these areas of the body is a completely harmless habit of sitting at a table, leaning on it with your elbows. In such a situation, quite strong friction and squeezing occurs, which leads to a change in the color of the skin and its structure.

In addition, sometimes this situation occurs during the heating season, when the skin is constantly exposed to excessively dry air, or in hot summers, if the dermis is regularly exposed to solar radiation.

However, if some people notice that the skin on their elbows becomes darker, they begin to wonder if this is a sign of some kind of disease. In fact, this is correct, because by drawing the attention of your doctor to this unpleasant symptom in a timely manner, you can start treating some diseases at an early stage and prevent serious complications.

So, dry, dark and rough skin on the elbows may indicate the following ailments:

Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine diseases. As a rule, it is a malfunction in the thyroid gland that leads to the fact that the nutrition of all body cells is disrupted. In addition, the rate of restoration of the skin is significantly slowed down, metabolic processes are disrupted, exfoliation of dead cells does not occur, as a result of which ugly rough spots appear on the human body. Against the background of all the changes that occur in the human body under the influence of insufficient or, conversely, excessive production of hormones, the dermis in different areas becomes very thin and dry. Usually, with violations of the endocrine nature, the skin becomes dark and rough, not only on the elbows, but also on the knees and heels;
Various autoimmune and dermatological diseases can also cause all sorts of changes in the nature and color of the skin. It can be both well-known neurodermatitis and dermatitis, and quite rare ichthyosis, scleroderma and other ailments;
Quite often, during the examination of a patient whose elbows are rough and dark, it turns out that he has a low level of hemoglobin in his blood and iron deficiency anemia. This condition leads to the fact that the cells of the dermis do not receive the nutrients they need;
Finally, in some cases, such a sign as dark elbows indicates a lack of vitamins A and E in the human body.

How to get rid of dark and dry skin on elbows?

First of all, in order to find out why such changes in the skin occurred, you need to consult a qualified doctor and undergo a complete examination.

In particular, you should definitely take blood tests to determine the level of thyroid hormones, glucose and hemoglobin.

In the event that everything is fine in the work of your body, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

Regularly take a multivitamin complex that contains vitamins A and E;
During the day, you need to drink at least 2 liters of water and other fluids. So you can ensure sufficient hydration of the dermis from the inside;
Use a humidifier. This is especially important during the heating season;
Avoid taking hot baths. A light warm shower has a much lesser effect on the skin;
When washing rough places, do not use soap, shower gels and other cosmetics;
Regularly lubricate damaged areas of the skin with creams and ointments that contain anti-inflammatory components.

What folk remedies can help in the fight against such symptoms?

Traditional medicine offers several effective ways that can help restore the normal state of the damaged dermis on the elbows and other parts of the body.

The following recipes will allow you to prepare useful remedies for getting rid of dark and rough skin:

Take a medium sized lemon and cut it into thin round slices. Using an elastic bandage, secure these circles to the damaged areas. Such a folk remedy should be held on the skin for about 30-40 minutes, then removed and smeared with dark elbows with a nourishing cream. If you repeat this procedure daily, after 2-3 weeks you will be able to notice a tangible result - your skin will become much softer and brighter;
Peel raw potatoes, then grate on a fine grater. The resulting slurry should be applied to the skin, wrapped with ordinary gauze or bandage and left for an hour or more. This procedure should also be carried out every day;
Mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons of clean boiled water. Soak a few cotton pads in the prepared solution and place them on dark and rough elbows. A similar compress must also be secured with a bandage or any fabric and left for half an hour.

In addition, such lotions or compresses should be alternated with therapeutic baths.

To prepare them, use the following recipes:

Dissolve 50 grams of baking soda and 100 grams of table salt in one liter of boiled water. In the resulting liquid, you should hold your elbows for about 20 minutes, then gently treat with pumice stone, wipe dry with a hard towel and apply a nourishing oily cream. This procedure helps to normalize blood circulation and cleanse the skin of dead cells and various impurities. Instead of ordinary water, you can use potato broth, in which case the effect will be noticeable much faster;
Also, in a liter of water, you can dissolve 1 teaspoon of ammonia and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. In such a bath, it is necessary to keep the damaged areas for 20-30 minutes. The effect of this procedure is achieved quite quickly, after 1-2 weeks you will be able to notice significant changes.

After all the above procedures, it is useful to lubricate areas of dark and rough skin with grape seed oil, black cumin seed oil or ordinary olive oil.

Compresses using warmed honey and soaking elbows in warm boiled milk are also well-deservedly popular among lovers of traditional medicine.

Thus, if you accidentally find that the skin on your elbows has become darker and also rough, you should immediately consult a doctor. Some of the reasons for such changes can be very serious, so they should not be taken lightly.

Only by fully examining your body and excluding the above diseases, you can use the recommendations outlined in our article, as well as choose the appropriate traditional medicine for yourself.