Why is elbow skin dry and what to do about it

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The reasons can range from dry air to serious illness.

What is the peculiarity of the skin on the elbows

The skin in this area is not the same as in the rest of the body. Firstly, there are almost no sebaceous glands, the secret of which creates a water-lipid acid mantle. Because of this, the upper skin layer - the epidermis - is practically not protected from moisture loss. Without a natural shield, it begins to peel off and even crack.

Secondly, the skin on the elbows is in constant motion: in order to withstand the additional load, it has to stretch and coarse. However, this is a problem not only for the elbows, but also for other joints: the skin on the knees and ankles has a similar problem.

Dry skin on the elbows in itself is not dangerous, but it is not worth bringing it to cracks: bacteria and viruses can enter through the damage into the deep layers, which lead to more serious problems.

What makes the skin dry

Typically, the skin condition worsens during the cold season due to dry indoor air, temperature changes and constant rubbing against clothing. However, the skin on the elbows can become dry in summer as well.

Here are the most common reasons:

• Too aggressive cleansers that dry out the epidermis even more. For example, regular alkaline soap destroys the skin's acid mantle, and it takes two to six hours for the epidermis to rebalance.
• The habit of leaning your elbows on the table, which creates additional pressure and friction.
• Rough or synthetic clothing that irritates the skin.
• Taking a hot shower or going to the bathhouse. At high temperatures, the body loses moisture, and dehydration is primarily noticeable in sensitive areas. Prolonged baths harm the skin more than showers: prolonged exposure to water leaches the epidermis, that is, deprives it of its protection.
• Chlorinated pool water. On the vulnerable skin of the elbows, chemical allergies are especially common.
• Lack of vitamins and minerals that stimulate skin renewal. The most valuable in our case are vitamins A and E, biotin, zinc.

How to help the skin

Without proper care, the skin on the elbows quickly becomes rough. Here's what dermatologists advise:

• Try to spend less time in water, especially hot or chlorinated water.
• Replace alkaline soaps with more gentle products, the pH of which is closer to the acidity of the skin - from 4 to 6. Synthetic products, for example, with lactic acid in the composition, are suitable. But soap with triclosan, sulfur or benzoyl peroxide should not be used every day.
• Be sure to moisturize your skin after water treatments. This will restore the washed-out lipid layer. German dermatologist Yael Adler in his book “What the skin hides. 2 square meters that dictate how we live”recommends universal creams for daily care, but not organic oils. In their pure form, they, on the contrary, wash out lipids and make the skin even drier.
• Include foods that are good for your skin in your diet: fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, fatty fish - anything that is rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.
• Protect your skin from sun, wind and cold: dress for the weather and don't forget sunscreen if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
• If you do not have skin conditions, use a gentle exfoliation or light brush massage. Such procedures should be carried out no more than once a week.

When to see a doctor

If, despite leaving, the skin on the elbows peels off, cracks, sores appear - you should be on your guard. Dryness may be a sign of more serious health problems. Here is some of them:

• Hormonal disbalance. For example, lowering estrogen levels, which helps the skin retain moisture. Fluctuations in this hormone are usually observed during menopause, pregnancy and menstruation.
• Diabetes and other endocrine disorders. They affect the condition of the skin, and this is especially noticeable on the elbows and knees.
• Anemia. In this disease, the production of hemoglobin is disrupted due to iron deficiency.
• Elbow eczema. It is manifested by cracks and non-healing sores.
• Psoriasis. It is accompanied by a flaky rash.

If you notice any suspicious symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor. Only a specialist can make a final diagnosis.