Dry elbows: cause, signs of the disease, treatment

As a rule, women take special care of their face, body, hair, and hands, but do not pay attention to the skin on their elbows. Looking in the mirror, they are surprised and wonder: why do the elbows on their hands dry out? And they immediately begin searching for ways to fix the problem.

Our elbows rarely come into view, most often they are under clothes and women remember them only with the onset of warmer weather, when a long sleeve is no longer able to hide their deplorable condition. Most ladies believe that caring for these parts of the body is in vain, but this is not so.

The skin on the elbows, as well as on the knees, is quite rough, as it is forced to constantly stretch due to the work of the joints. Not many people know that in these places the epidermis has practically no sebaceous glands, and therefore requires regular and intensive care.

External causes of dry elbows

External causes affecting the condition of the skin on the elbows:

• Insufficient skin care: refusal to use moisturizing and nourishing creams, use of low-quality detergents.
• Frequent contact with water: bathing and cleaning.
• Frequent contact with active detergents.
• Allergic reaction to skincare products.
• Excessive tanning.
• Frequent temperature changes.

  
  Men who play sports often face the problem of dry skin on their elbows. The reason for this is mechanical damage during classes. Treatment in this case consists of wearing special elbow pads.

• Mechanical damage to the skin, which leads to microcracks.
• Wearing clothes made of synthetic materials;
• Heredity.

How to avoid dry and flaky skin on your elbows?

The various causes of dry skin on the elbows require an adequate approach to solving this problem.

If the skin on your elbows is dry due to improper and poor quality care, then you need to pay attention to the soap you use. You should use soap with a moisturizing effect or liquid soap; it is also recommended to use gel for body care.

To lighten and nourish the skin in the elbow area, you can rub it with a piece of lemon or sauerkraut juice for 10-15 minutes (if the skin in the elbow area is not damaged in the form of scratches, cracks, etc.). Then rinse thoroughly and apply any moisturizing or nourishing cream; any hand cream is good for this purpose. The cream should be used daily and forever forget about the habit of leaning on your elbows.

If the skin on the elbows is dry due to a deficiency of vitamins D, B6, E and A or iron, then it is necessary to take vitamin complexes along with the use of nourishing cream. Osteo-Vit , a biologically active vitamin complex, will have a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, as it contains vitamins D3, B6 and drone brood homogenate, rich in vitamins, amino acids and macro and microelements. For iron deficiency, use preparations containing nettle (Nettle P) or decoctions of stinging nettle.

To identify the allergen in atopic dermatitis, which, as a rule, covers not only the elbow area, you should conduct tests with an allergist, and after finding out what causes dryness and flaking of the skin, follow the doctor’s recommendations and avoid exposure to this allergen in every possible way.

If dryness and flaking of the skin on the elbows are caused by pathological diseases of the endocrine system, then treatment of the underlying disease cannot be avoided. For diabetes mellitus, you should monitor your blood sugar levels and take medications under the supervision of an endocrinologist, as well as use herbal medicine for diabetes mellitus, both for the prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

Reduced thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is one of the most common thyroid disorders in women. If, in addition to dry and flaky elbows (like sandpaper), there is a constant feeling of fatigue, drowsiness and lethargy, the limbs are cold even in warm weather. Problems with memory, swelling of the face and limbs are inevitable, and when pressing in the anterior region of the leg, pits are not observed, dry and pale skin, falling hair and very peeling nails, often sweaty hands, bradycardia - urgently contact an endocrinologist for diagnosis thyroid gland. White cinquefoil, a unique medicinal crop that relatively recently gained great popularity in folk and traditional medicine, has shown high effectiveness in restoring normal thyroid function. This unique medicinal crop is cultivated in the Penza region in an ecologically clean area, located 150 km from the nearest large populated area. For treatment, white cinquefoil root is used, from which an infusion or decoction is made. The most convenient and effective remedy for normalizing the function of the thyroid gland is the drug Thyreo-Vit, based on white cinquefoil, produced using a unique technology of cryogenic grinding at low temperatures, which allows you to preserve all the medicinal value of this medicinal culture, which is partially lost in the manufacture of extracts, decoctions or tinctures.

Feel free to use our recommendations, and the skin on your elbows will not let you down!

Internal causes and diseases causing peeling elbows

Dry skin on the elbows, the causes and treatment of which may be associated with pathologies and diseases, can occur due to pathological factors:

1. Diseases of the endocrine system. In this case, the condition of the skin is affected by metabolic disorders. This leads to weakening of the skin's protection. At the elbows it is very thin and at the same time subject to increased pressure and friction.
2. Hormonal imbalance. Dry flaky skin on the elbows is often found in expectant mothers and women during menopause. If deterioration of the skin condition appears at another period and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult an endocrinologist or gynecologist.
3. Seasonal vitamin deficiency , deficiency of vitamins A, E and C.
4. The occurrence of skin diseases.

Reasons for the development of pathology

If the skin on the elbows is dry, the reasons must be sought within the body. The following factors can provoke the development of cosmetic defects:

• Hormonal imbalance in the female body is not uncommon. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, monthly changes before the onset of menstruation, taking oral contraceptives - all these factors affect the condition of the skin.
• Disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system most often lead to the failure of metabolic processes and the development of serious diseases, for example, diabetes.
• Sudden changes in temperature also play a role, because the body is unable to instantly adapt, which leads to a malfunction that provokes dry skin on the elbows.
• Deficiency of B vitamins , as well as retinol and tocopherol. These substances are responsible for the health of the skin. Their deficiency is manifested by dryness, flaking of the skin, rashes and irritation.
• Daily mechanical impact on the problem area. People whose work involves constantly sitting at a desk may notice that cracks appear on their elbows. The causes and treatment in this case should be discussed with a specialist.
• Improper care or lack thereof. The epidermis on the elbows constantly needs nutrition and hydration.
• Hot baths . Many people know about the dangers of tap water, which dries out the skin due to the presence of chlorine. If you take a bath too often with the addition of aromatic mixtures, sea salt and soap balls, the acid-base balance of the dermis is disrupted.

Signs of Health Problems in Children, Teens, and Adults Causing Dry Elbows

Diseases may manifest themselves with the following symptoms:

1. For the skin:

• dryness;
• itching;
• the appearance of plaques;

  

• redness;
• peeling;
• the appearance of small papules;

2. From the endocrine system:

• weight change, loss of appetite;
• changes in the size of the thyroid gland;
• increased sweating or dry skin and eyes;
• emotional instability;
• trembling in the body and limbs;
• fast fatiguability;
• short stature in children;
• severe acne in teenagers;
• impairment of cognitive functions of the brain.

3. From the reproductive system:

• decreased libido;
• menstrual irregularities, infertility;
• early or late onset of adolescence.

4. From the immune system:

• frequent allergic reactions in children;
• frequent colds;
• avitaminosis;
• hair loss, brittle nails;
• dulling of the skin, change in its color;
• frequent occurrence of foci of infection.

Traditional and folk methods of treatment

Traditional treatment methods include ointments, creams and gels that nourish, soothe and moisturize not only the upper layers of the skin, but also the deep epidermis. Tablets and injections are prescribed by doctors only in exceptional cases, when dry elbows are a symptom of a more serious disease.

Among the traditional methods of treatment can be used:

• ointments prepared at home;

  

• herbal infusions for preparing compresses and baths;
• baths with sea salt;
• compresses based on vegetable and animal fats;
• natural peelings;
• compresses from fresh vegetables and fruits.

Treatment methods

Treatment of dry epidermis should begin with a visit to a dermatologist, he will prescribe appropriate tests that will help find out the true causes of the problem. A clinical and biochemical blood test, as well as a clinical urine test, are mandatory. Taking into account the results obtained, the doctor will draw up a treatment regimen or prescribe additional research methods.

Professional products

On every woman's dressing table there is sure to be a cream for the face, hands and feet. There is no special cream for elbows, but the epidermis in this area is similar to that covering the feet and hands, so for the elbow area you can safely use products intended for these areas of the body. On the pharmacy shelves there are a lot of products designed to permanently rid a woman of the problem of dryness.

• Taking vitamin complexes helps replenish the deficiency of substances necessary for the skin. The drug must contain B vitamins, tocopherol, and retinol. The most popular and affordable drugs are Aevit and Undevit.
• Special ointments based on herbal ingredients will help relieve itching and inflammation in problem areas: Boro Plus, Gistan, Faretal and others.
• Among the healing agents, Salicylic and Zinc ointments have proven themselves well.
• Professional hand cosmetics perfectly nourish and moisturize the skin of the elbows. Among them are the Velvet Handles products, a line for the care of dry and sensitive skin from the L'Oreal company.

Pharmacy medicines: table of effective ointments and tablets

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 full examination.

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

If everything is fine in your body, you need to adhere to the following recommendations:

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

Cosmetic products for the treatment of dry elbows

The best cosmetics for dry elbows:

1. LIPIKAR SYNDET AP+. Cosmetic body gel. Suitable for all ages. Quickly softens the skin, protects it from irritation and itching. Apply to slightly damp skin and rub in, the residue is washed off with water.
2. Rich body cream. Refers to ultra-nourishing creams. It takes quite a long time to rub in – up to 20 minutes. Protects skin from dryness for 3 days.
3. Cream "Proteins-minerals". Apply once a day. Removes dryness and irritation after the first uses. Protects the skin with a lipid film.
4. Nourishing cream from Clarins. It has a very dense structure, but is quickly absorbed. Suitable for skin irritated due to dryness.

Traditional recipes for rough skin on the elbows

If your elbows are dry, the skin must be treated with a scrub before using masks and pharmaceutical preparations.

Honey-coffee scrub

If your elbows are dry, the skin must be treated with a scrub before using masks and pharmaceutical preparations.

To prepare it you need:

• a few tablespoons of used coffee grounds;
• liquid honey (if the honey has thickened, it can be melted in a water bath).

  

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Honey and coffee are mixed to a thick paste. It should be applied to the elbows with massage movements and washed off after 10 minutes. Coffee can draw out moisture, so after the scrub, the skin must be moisturized with a natural cream.

Potato mask

There are two ways to make such a mask:

1. The potatoes are boiled and mashed until pureed. You can add 1 tbsp to it. any vegetable oil. The elbows are immersed in the hot mass until it cools.
2. A large potato is cut into 2 halves. Most of them are cut out and crushed using a grater. Then the mass is poured into the remaining potato “cups”. The elbows are immersed there for 15 minutes. After rinsing, the skin is lubricated with a nourishing cream.

Homemade mask

To prepare it, mix 1 tsp:

• fine salt (without iodine);
• heavy cream;
• hydrogen peroxide;
• orange juice.

Before applying the mask, the skin is treated with a scrub and steamed in hot water. Then a mask is applied to dry elbows and wrapped in plastic wrap for half an hour.

Treatment of skin on elbows with dermatitis

Dermatitis is a chronic skin disease with an allergic nature. Characterized by dry skin, possibly with weeping areas, itching, peeling and severe irritation.

During the period of exacerbation it is necessary to use:

• antihistamine creams and gels (Fenistil);
• hormonal ointments (Sinaf, Akriderm);
• antihistamine drops (Parlazin, Fenkarol);
• antihistamine tablets (Zirtec, Suprastin);

  

• ointments with antibiotics (in case of infection).

During the period of remission, when the only symptom of the disease is dry elbows, you can use a wide range of folk remedies. For prevention, the skin is treated with sea buckthorn oil. You can make lotions from oak bark, chamomile, celandine and string every day, gradually reducing their number to 1-2 times a week.

Treatment for psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that is characterized by severe itching and the appearance of characteristic plaques on the skin.

In the acute phase of the disease, pharmaceutical products will help against dryness, peeling and itching on the elbows:

• ointments with solid oil (Magnipsor, Kartalin, etc.) - help get rid of peeling and the effect of “rough skin” thanks to oil components;
• ointments with tar (Antrasulfonic ointment, etc.) – help reduce itching and exfoliate dead tissue;
• ointments based on hormones (Betamethasone, etc.) - remove all symptoms of the disease, but have a depressing effect on endocrine health. It is recommended to use only in case of severe exacerbation in short courses;
• Osteotriol (a product with calcitriol) - a substance that helps improve the penetration of vitamin D into the skin and saturate the dermis with calcium, which is necessary for psoriasis.

During the period of using pharmaceutical products, dermatologists recommend combining them with medicinal baths. They are prepared on the basis of medicinal mineral waters, concentrated sea water and herbal decoctions.

1. Bath with sea salt. Add 1 tbsp to heated still mineral water. sea ​​salt without dyes or flavors. Elbows are lowered into the water for 10 minutes. Then they are lubricated with a thick cream or medicinal ointment.
2. Bath with herbs. Mix 1 tsp. similar herbs chamomile, celandine, valerian, calendula, string and calamus root. The mixture is poured with boiling water and left for half an hour. The liquid is cleared of grass. The elbows are immersed in it for 25-30 minutes.

Treatment of skin on elbows with adrenal dysfunction

Dry elbows, the causes and treatment of which are associated with adrenal dysfunction, appear due to disruption of the sebaceous glands. The skin needs constant nutrition and hydration.

In such cases, it is recommended to use pharmaceutical products to care for the epidermis. Additionally, you need to use ointments with an anti-inflammatory effect and hormonal creams with corticosteroids.

In the absence of exacerbation, the skin should be treated with olive or sea buckthorn oil.

Treatment for dry and rough elbows

The question immediately arises: what to do? We will look for treatment methods, and there are many of them.

If a dermatologist has determined that there is a deficiency of nutrients in the body, he will prescribe Vetoron or Vetoron E drops. Recommend changing your diet.

What should be included in the menu? Eat more sunflower seeds, almonds, and eggs, which contain large amounts of vitamin E.

To compensate for vitamin D deficiency, you need to eat cheese, dairy products, and liver. If you include carrots, spinach, and sorrel in your menu, your body will compensate for the lack of vitamin A.

Treatment of skin on elbows for anemia

Dry elbows with anemia are associated with a lack of microelements and vitamins. If you have mild vitamin deficiency, you need to take a comprehensive course of vitamins and microelements.

In case of severe damage, medications may be prescribed:

• Totem;
• Maltofer;
• Feramide;
• Ferrum lek et al.

They can be consumed only after consultation with a doctor and diagnosis of the disease.

Creams with vitamins will help improve the condition of the skin on your elbows. Due to a lack of microelements, the skin not only flakes severely, but is also easily injured. it is necessary to choose cosmetics with vitamins C, B, microelements iron, magnesium, potassium, etc.

To prepare the product at home you will need:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil;
• 1 tsp aloe juice;
• 1 tsp sea ​​buckthorn oil (or fresh juice);
• 1 ascorbic acid, crushed into powder.

The ingredients are mixed until smooth. The product can be warmed to room temperature in a water bath. Rub the liquid onto the skin of the elbows several times a day or use it as a night compress.

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Directions of treatment

Coarsening of the skin, cracks, peeling on the elbows is a reason to be examined by a dermatologist and endocrinologist.

If doctors have confirmed the absence of health problems, treatment of the integument can be limited to cosmetic procedures and other available measures.

What medications can be taken against peeling and crusty hands?

Since in many cases dry elbows are caused by a vitamin deficiency, it should be replenished. The best way is to correct the menu.

But if there is a significant shortage of substances or in the autumn-winter period, it is worth taking pharmaceutical drugs:

• “Aevit” – it contains vitamins A and E;
• “Vetoron” – vitamins A, E and C;
• complexes of vitamins and microelements - “Vitrum”, “Pikovit”, “Duovit”.

They must be taken in courses for 2-4 weeks, then take a break.

During pregnancy, you should not self-treat with pharmacological agents. An excess of certain elements (for example, vitamin A) can negatively affect the child’s condition. It is necessary to take special complexes for expectant mothers in consultation with the doctor.

Other medicines:

1. Antihistamines - “Loratadine”, “Tavegil”, “Erius”, “Citrine”. Prescribed for allergies or eczema.
2. Lacto- and bifidobacteria – “Bifiform”, “Linex”. Used in case of dysbacteriosis.
3. Hormone substitutes - levothyroxine (for hypothyroidism), insulin (for diabetes).

What creams and ointments can be applied at home against dryness and cracks?

Pharmacy cosmetics that can be used for dry elbows:

• “Lipikar” is a balm for dehydrated skin that helps restore the lipid mantle;
• “Pitival” – cream for irritated and reddened skin with antibacterial and antifungal components;
• Atoderm is a cream for dry skin that moisturizes it and protects it from external influences. Nitrogina hand cream has similar properties;
• “Radevit” is an ointment that prevents the coarsening of the epidermis, and also relieves itching, inflammation and heals microtraumas;
• “Bepanten” is an ointment with dexpanthenol (a precursor to vitamin B5), it helps reduce skin irritation and accelerates regeneration.

When using the listed tools, it is important to strictly follow the instructions. They are usually applied 2 times a day after showering.

In case of slight dryness and absence of peeling, it is enough to apply a nourishing hand or body cream with extracts of chamomile, alfalfa, glycerin, and lecithin to the elbows every day. It should be rubbed into the skin, making massage movements clockwise.

For thickening and roughening of the skin, it is recommended to lubricate the elbows with salicylic ointment for 10 days. It will help exfoliate the stratum corneum and at the same time disinfect the surface.

Watch a video about elbow care at home

Folk remedies for dry and cracked skin

The arsenal of folk remedies for elbow care includes masks and compresses. They nourish, moisturize, soothe and regenerate the skin.

Oils such as cocoa, shea, mango, coconut, avocado, olive, wheat germ, almond, peach or apricot kernels have a positive effect on dry and irritated skin. You can rub them into problem areas several times a day or make compresses:

• heat the oil until warm (in a water bath);
• soak a piece of gauze in it;
• apply the cloth to your elbows for 15-20 minutes.

Another option for using oils is baths. Pour the heated liquid into two bowls and place your elbows in them for 10-15 minutes.

Customer reviews of Schwarzkopf oil for thin and weak hair can be found here.

combine 1 tablespoon of almond oil and honey with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and 1 yolk;

• grind the cabbage leaf in a blender and mix with starch in equal parts;
• chop 2-3 apricots, heat the pulp for 5 minutes;
• mix “Extra” salt, cream, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice (1 teaspoon each).

1. Steam the skin and exfoliate. Recipes for the necessary compositions for the procedure can be found here.
2. Apply the mask to your elbows and cover with film.
3. After 20 minutes, rinse with water.
4. Dry with a towel.
5. Lubricate the skin with cream or oil.

The course of treatment is 30 days. Frequency – 3 masks per week.

Watch the herbalist's video recipe

As a scrub, you can use a mixture of equal amounts of coffee grounds, salt and sour cream. The product should be massaged onto damp skin for several minutes and then rinsed off.

Therapeutic baths and lotions

It is recommended to add vegetable oils to medicinal baths for elbow skin care. The effect of such procedures is noticeable within a few days.

To prepare the bath, you need to heat half a cup of olive oil in a water bath. Then a few drops of glycerin, almond or castor oil are added to this. Elbows are immersed in warm liquid for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, the skin is lightly wiped with a napkin. Baths can be done by pre-treating your elbows with a scrub.

On the elbows, lotions are used for very dry, rough skin, when the causes are internal diseases and additional treatment is carried out. Usually compresses are left overnight. The exception is a lotion with vinegar; you can keep it for no longer than half an hour.

1. Compress with honey. A teaspoon of honey and almond oil are mixed together, rubbed into the skin and wrapped in polyethylene.
2. Compress with tomatoes. Fresh sour tomatoes are crushed with a meat grinder or blender to a puree. It is recommended to remove the seeds from them first. The fruit acid of the vegetable not only softens rough skin, but also brightens it.

   

3. Compress with alcohol and vinegar. A teaspoon of alcohol, glycerin, vinegar and fat cream is mixed until smooth. The mixture is applied to the skin without rubbing for 25-30 minutes. After using this lotion, the skin is additionally lubricated with cream or Vaseline.

Diet for dry and rough skin on the elbows

If you have very dry, rough skin on your elbows, you need to eat a balanced diet and exclude from your diet foods and dishes that disrupt the water balance. It is advisable to give up coffee, reduce consumption of pure sugar and salty foods . They “pull” moisture from the body, which is the main cause of dry skin.

Protein foods will help improve skin condition: meat, liver and fatty sea fish. These foods contain the maximum amount of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids. Vegetables and fruits will become “suppliers” of vitamin C, a necessary substance to protect the skin of the elbows from the harmful external environment.

In case of severe vitamin deficiency, the diet must include vegetable oils: olive and flaxseed. They hold the record for vitamin E levels.

Causes of peeling and itching of elbows

The unhealthy condition of women's skin in the elbow area can be caused not only by spending a long time at a desk in the office, but also due to the presence of several types of diseases, namely:

1. Fungus of the upper epidermal layer. There are about 200 types of fungal infections that can make the skin rough, provoke the appearance of growths and other changes in the structure of skin cells.
2. Long-term vitamin deficiency. It is most often observed in the spring, when the body has already used all its nutrient reserves over the winter, and the season of fresh vegetables and fruits has not yet begun.
3. Malfunction of the endocrine system. It is known that the endocrine glands produce hormones involved in the organization of metabolic processes. The skin is no exception. Insufficient or excessive synthesis of one or another hormonal substance can cause a painful state of the epidermis.
4. Allergy. Both adults and children are susceptible to this disease. First, one pimple or a small number of them appears on the skin, as a minor reaction to an external irritant. Then, if the source of the allergens is not eliminated and the allergic reaction is not treated, a multiple rash will form, which can be very itchy and flaky. Much less common with allergies is an internal (subcutaneous) focus of inflammation or the appearance of a blister.
5. Psoriasis. In fact, this is a type of eczema of unknown origin. Modern dermatology has not yet learned how to resist this dermatological disease and can only support the skin until the disease goes away on its own. Most often, psoriasis begins to affect the epidermis from the elbow area of ​​the arms and gradually moves to the shoulders, back and neck. The skin around the elbow joint itches, peels, and becomes covered with large red spots of irregular shape. There is a theory that the cause of psoriasis is the consequences of daily stress and prolonged nervous experiences. This disease affects women and men equally. It practically never occurs in children.

If these causes of painful condition of the skin of the elbow are present, cosmetic products will not have a therapeutic effect, no matter how high quality they are. It is necessary to eliminate the cause of the painful condition, find out what provoked changes in the structure of the skin of the elbow and select the appropriate treatment.

Drinking regimen for dry elbows

Dry skin on the elbows may indicate a lack of moisture. This cause is temporary and does not require treatment.

The optimal amount of water consumption is 1.5 - 2 liters per day, depending on the person’s weight. In the summer heat, this volume needs to be increased by another 0.5 liters.

The entire volume of water should be divided into small doses throughout the day (10-15 times). There are special phone apps that tell you when to drink water. If a person consumes additional juices, compotes or fruit drinks, the amount of clean water must be reduced. Excessive drinking can cause swelling.

Causes of dry elbows

Summer is coming, you want to wear a light dress with short sleeves, but the skin on your elbows is dark and ugly. What are the causes of this condition of dry elbows?

This is, first of all:

• lack of care for this part of the body,
• lack of vitamins D, A and E in the body,
• disorders in the endocrine system,
• hormonal imbalances,
• improper functioning of the adrenal glands, pancreas,
• a type of eczema
• temperature changes.

When can you not do without medical help?

In most cases, it is possible to restore the skin on your own, using cosmetics and folk remedies. For some people, peeling skin on the elbows goes away on its own.

But there are cases in which it is necessary to consult a doctor:

• peeling is accompanied by itching and burning;
• the skin may periodically become wet;
• after taking a bath, irritation increases;
• areas of redness and peeling appear in other areas of the skin, hair falls out;
• the condition of the skin, nails and teeth worsens;
• there are problems with female sexual health (cycle instability, painful menstruation, infertility, etc.);
• weight increases or decreases sharply;
• fatigue, drowsiness, and decreased performance appear.

Doctors' recommendations for skin care on elbows

Dry skin on the elbows (its causes and treatment are interconnected, so you need to undergo an examination before treatment) requires special care.

Doctors recommend adhering to the following rules:

• Avoid using soaps and shower gels with high levels of sulfates;
• introduce daily consumption of fish oil into your diet;

  

• watch your movements: minimize pressure and friction on the skin of your elbows.
• use masks for the skin on the elbows in courses, do not stop after the first positive results, take breaks between courses;
• prevent skin and endocrine diseases;
• use high-quality skincare products.

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 the completely harmless habit of sitting at the table, leaning on it with your elbows. In such a situation, quite strong friction and compression 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 the hot summer, if the dermis is regularly exposed to sunlight.

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

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

• Diabetes mellitus and other endocrine diseases. As a rule, it is malfunctions in the thyroid gland that lead to disruption of the nutrition of all cells of the body. In addition, the rate of skin restoration slows down significantly, metabolic processes are disrupted, and dead cells are not exfoliated, resulting in unsightly, rough spots on the human body. Against the background of all the changes occurring 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. Typically, with endocrine disorders, 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. These can be both well-known neurodermatitis and dermatitis, and quite rare ichthyosis, scleroderma and other ailments;
• Quite often, during an 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 dermal cells do not receive the nutrients they need;
• Finally, in some cases, a sign such as dark elbows indicates a lack of vitamins A and E in the human body.

Prevention of dry elbows: basic care rules

There are 3 basic rules for caring for the skin on your elbows:

1. Cleansing. To cleanse the skin on your elbows, it is better not to use soap or a simple washcloth. For this, it is recommended to use scrubs with a moisturizing effect. Coffee, honey, and sea salt scrubs, which can be made at home, are considered effective.
2. Moisturizing and nutrition. To do this, cosmetologists recommend using a simple baby cream without fragrances or additives.
3. Additional funds. To prevent roughening of the skin on the elbows, vitamins A and E can be used not only for nutrition. They are added to the cream or simply rubbed into the skin several times a week.

Rough elbows - causes and how to deal with them?

Causes of rough elbows

The most harmless reason for this phenomenon is banal skin friction.

Think about the position you are in at your desk when you work. Most people have the habit of leaning their shoulders.

At this moment, the elbows give in to strong pressure. The body cannot help but react to such discomfort and responds in the form of a thickening on the epidermis.

One of the important reasons is also a lack of vitamins A and E in the body, against which the skin darkens and becomes flabby.

Pathological causes

Speaking about why dry skin forms on the elbows, one should not forget about possible pathological changes in the body:

1. Lack of thyroid hormone production, which slows down metabolic processes, causes skin aging and cell exfoliation. Against the background of all this, the skin becomes covered with spots and acquires a dark color. Therefore, all people with such a problem should be examined by an experienced specialist;
2. Diabetes. When this disease develops, a disruption in the nutrition of all cells in the human body occurs. Against the background of such serious changes, the skin becomes dry and thinner. Also, in addition to this, there is itching of the extremities, the heels and hands suffer greatly;
3. Autoimmune and skin pathologies. The list of diseases is quite wide, starting with skin diseases and ending with pathologies such as scleroderma;
4. Anemia. Against the background of this disease, the skin on the elbows becomes very flabby and rough.

Diagnosis of diseases

Therefore, if you have such a problem, you need a comprehensive study, which involves the following activities:

• check the functioning of the thyroid gland and endocrine system to rule out diabetes and hypothyroidism;
• exclude or confirm the presence of allergization in the body, skin pathologies, anemia.

If the examination shows that everything is fine with you, then you must definitely take a course of vitamins.

This phenomenon could be caused by excessive dryness in the room, which is observed in winter, or overheating in the sun.

How to quickly get rid of rough skin on elbows

Famous TV presenter and doctor Elena Malysheva recommends using rapeseed and linseed oil for rough skin on the elbows as an excellent alternative to expensive cosmetics. It is important that the oil is applied in a very thin layer to slightly damp skin of the elbows . This not only nourishes the skin, but also saturates it with fatty acids, vitamin E and microelements.

Dry skin on the elbows is a cause of discomfort and a symptom of some diseases. Treatment is recommended to be carried out under the supervision of a cosmetologist or dermatologist.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Causes of dry skin on elbows

The problem of dry and flaky skin on the elbows can only be resolved if the cause of this problem is correctly identified. And the reasons for dryness and roughness can be both trivial and quite serious! The main causes of dry skin on the elbows are:

1. Incorrect or poor quality care. If antibacterial or harsh soaps are used for personal hygiene, the protective sebum in the elbow area is destroyed along with harmful bacteria and dirt. In this case, the softness and elasticity of the ulnar skin tissue is impaired.
2. The bad habit of focusing on the elbows also negatively affects the skin of the elbows.
3. Lack of an important macronutrient for the body - iron or hypovitaminosis A, D and E, rightfully considered beauty vitamins. With a deficiency of these groups of vitamins, the skin first suffers (it becomes dry and cracked, itching), including the elbow skin tissue.
4. Skin disease (atopic dermatitis, chronically genetically determined skin lesions of allergic etiology, allergens can be food, contact or respiratory).
5. Dysfunction of the endocrine system (hypothyroidism), diabetes mellitus.