What can dry skin on your elbows mean?

Gout is a chronic disease that is accompanied by an increase in the concentration of uric acid in the blood. As a result of its accumulation, urate salts begin to be deposited in the joint area. Subsequently, destruction of the joint tissue and impairment of functional abilities occurs.

Fatty foods, a sedentary lifestyle and alcohol abuse lead to an increase in morbidity among the population. The Yusupov Hospital provides a full course of diagnosis and treatment of gout at any stage of development. Modern equipment, a professional team and high quality services distinguish the clinic from other medical institutions.

According to statistics, men are several times more likely to suffer from gout compared to women. The onset of the disease occurs at 40 years of age. In women, gout is diagnosed closer to 60 years of age. This is explained by a set of certain hormones that help remove excess uric acid from the body. In recent years, doctors have been talking about diseases. Gout can be diagnosed at the age of 20-30 years.

Reasons for the development of the disease

Hyperuricemia is the main cause of gout. This condition occurs in the following cases:

• Obesity. The diet of a gout patient included an excessive amount of fatty foods, simple carbohydrates and high-calorie foods. In addition, eating large amounts of meat increases the risk of developing gout;
• Alcohol abuse;
• History of psoriasis and hypertension;
• Hereditary predisposition.

An increase in the concentration of uric acid occurs as a result of the fact that healthy kidneys are not able to filter its sharply increased amount. Kidney pathology does not allow them to process even normal amounts of uric acid.

What to do if your elbows are cracking and peeling

The first thing to do if the skin on your elbows is peeling is to visit a doctor. A comprehensive analysis of hormones and the presence of concomitant diseases will not be superfluous.

Reconsider your attitude to nutrition and change your daily menu. You need to balance the menu not only when your elbows start scratching the top of the dinner table, but preferably even at the first symptoms of a change in skin condition. Excessive indulgence in foods that are too fatty or, conversely, avoidance of animal products will inevitably lead to skin problems. For greater confidence, it is recommended to drink a multivitamin complex containing vitamins A, B, E twice a year.

In addition to the internal attribute of vitamins necessary for the body, you should introduce into your arsenal special, effective means to solve problems with darkening, dryness and roughening of the skin on the elbows.

You can try to solve the reason why women's elbows are peeling by using the services of a good cosmetologist. However, it is worth remembering that you cannot remove dead epidermal cells using rough peeling. The skin will probably respond to such a harsh impact with even more intense keratinization. Weekly soft scrubs and gommage will help deal with the problem as delicately as possible.

It’s better not to fill your closet with a bunch of jars and tubes, but to use a universal and dermatologist-tested cosmetic product for special skin. The EVO elbow and knee cream contains an optimal concentration of Vitamin B3 (5%), which helps quickly restore healthy skin color and protect it from negative external influences. To enhance the softening properties of the cream, carbamide (urea) is added to its composition. It perfectly softens and moisturizes dry, rough and cracked skin, and also promotes its renewal. If you apply this cream regularly, then after 7 days of use the skin on your elbows will noticeably improve, and after a month it will be completely restored and will make you happy with a healthy appearance.

Classification

Depending on the nature of the course of the disease, primary gout is distinguished - an independent disease that occurs against the background of exposure to provoking factors, and a secondary form of the disease, which develops against the background of concomitant pathology. Based on the prevalence of the pathological process, gout is divided into the following types:

1. Monoarticular arthritis. Urates accumulate in the area of ​​one joint. Characteristic of the onset of the disease. The most common site of monoarticular arthritis is the big toe joint;
2. Polyarticular arthritis. Inflammation affects more than 2 joints. Polyarticular arthritis is characteristic of chronic gout. Localized in the joints of the elbows, wrists, legs, feet and hands.

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For whom is the papilloma virus most dangerous?

The constant occurrence, disappearance, and then recurrence of condylomas and papillomas are due to the fact that they are manifestations of a viral infection, and their presence is influenced by the state of the immune system. Those who smoke, abuse alcohol or are promiscuous are more likely to become infected.

Women who have been using oral contraceptives (COCs) for a long period of time are also at risk of contracting the virus. As for age, it does not affect the likelihood of infection: both a young and a mature woman can catch the virus with equal ease.

The risk of infection seriously increases if the body has suffered internal stress, regardless of its origin: a person has had the flu or ARVI, gastrointestinal problems have worsened, the body has had a hard time with prolonged medication use - all this leads to a weakening of the body’s defenses, and therefore to papillomavirus .

Close contact, a long stay near a person carrying the virus, swimming in a “contaminated” pool or shower in a public bath, even a simple walk on the beach - this is enough for the virus to enter the body in case of weakened immunity. It is easiest to catch the papilloma virus in hot weather and high humidity, when the skin is not covered in clothing. In this case, the pathogen quickly finds refuge on the hot skin.

Symptoms in men

At the initial stages of the disease, there are no clinical signs of gout in men. During preventive examinations or examinations for other pathologies, a biochemical blood test detects an increased level of uric acid - hyperuricemia.

The first sign of gout in men that forces you to see a doctor is pain in the joints. Acute gouty arthritis at the initial stage is most often short-term. The attack develops suddenly, mainly at night. The pain syndrome is intense, constant, pronounced. Target joints affected:

• big toe;
• Thumb;
• Knees;
• Elbows;
• Ankle.

The skin over the joint is hyperemic, swollen, and hot to the touch. The joint is limited in movement, since any mobility provokes increased pain. After a few days, the pain goes away, and the patient returns to his usual way of life.

Further progression of the disease leads to a longer exacerbation of gout symptoms in men, and periods of calm are constantly decreasing. Over time, periods of remission are completely absent, and the pain becomes chronic.

In the stage of chronic arthritis, urates are deposited in connective tissue, organs in the form of nodules, which are called tophi. Deposition of urate in the kidneys is the cause of urolithiasis. Sometimes kidney inflammation develops.

Expert opinion

Author:

Elena Yurievna Panasyuk

Rheumatologist, doctor of the highest category, member of the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia

According to WHO data, 5-20% of Russian residents suffer from pathological accumulation of monosodium urate crystals. They are at risk of developing gout. The disease is registered in 0.1% of the population. Similar statistics in Europe and the United States indicate a more deplorable situation.

The number of newly diagnosed cases of gout is growing every year. The main role among the reasons for the early onset of the disease is given to a person’s lifestyle. The prognosis for recovery and quality of life after diagnosis depends on the stage at which the pathology is diagnosed. Severe gout can cause loss of self-care and normal skills. Late access of the population to a doctor is associated with the absence of a specific clinical picture of the disease in the early stages of development.

Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital perform differential diagnostics, which makes it possible to determine the diagnosis. An individual approach to each patient is necessary to select the correct therapy. The doctor’s tasks include relieving symptoms of gout exacerbation and preventing relapses. For this purpose, the Yusupov Hospital prescribes modern drugs that have passed quality and safety control.

How are warts on the elbows removed?

There are many ways to remove warts.

The most widespread are physical methods.

They are the fastest and most efficient.

Applicable:

• cryotherapy
• laser removal
• radio wave removal
• electrocoagulation
• surgical excision

Alternative ways to combat warts:

• cytotoxic treatment - the use of ointments for warts, lasts several weeks and does not guarantee a positive result;
• chemical coagulation is the simplest and most inexpensive method, but not always effective and not the safest (burns of the surrounding skin and scar formation are possible).

✔ Cryotherapy

A wart on the elbow is often removed with liquid nitrogen.

But this technique can only be used for small formations.

It is inexpensive, effective in most cases, but has a number of disadvantages.

The essence of the method:

1. The doctor applies a swab containing liquid nitrogen to the wart.
2. The formation is affected by temperatures down to minus 196 degrees.
3. The fluid in the cells freezes.
4. When thawed, crystals form that rupture cell membranes.
5. Blood circulation in the affected area worsens.
6. The wart dies.
7. After healing, young skin grows back.

The main disadvantages of the procedure:

• In a person, after cryodestruction, the area of ​​skin in the area where the wart is located often becomes inflamed and painful.
• If the exposure time is insufficient, the formation may not be completely removed, in which case a repeat procedure is required.
• There is no material that could be sent for histological examination.
• Excessive exposure to liquid nitrogen can cause scarring.
• Large warts cannot be removed.

But there are also advantages:

• Cryodestruction is a bloodless procedure.
• Most patients do not require anesthesia.
• Removal with liquid nitrogen is inexpensive.
• The procedure is available in any clinic, as it does not require special equipment.

Cryodestruction can be performed using different methods.

Sometimes this is one application of liquid nitrogen.

Its duration ranges from 10 to 60 seconds.

More often they do two cycles of freezing and thawing.

In this case, there is less risk that the wart will not be completely removed.

At the same time, the likelihood of scar formation on the elbow is reduced.

Application time is reduced.

It ranges from 10 to 30 seconds.

After cryodestruction, blisters and ulcerations appear in the area exposed to cold within a few days.

Healing time is up to 2 weeks.

✔ Laser

Medium-sized warts can be removed with a laser.

This is a painful procedure, so it is performed under anesthesia.

An injection is made into the affected area with a thin needle.

After the administration of the anesthetic, the sensitivity of the skin of the elbow completely disappears.

A doctor can remove a wart with a laser, but the patient does not feel anything.

Once the anesthesia wears off, there is no pain.

The essence of the method:

1. An anesthetic is injected into the base of the wart.
2. The doctor evaporates the formation with a laser - it is completely destroyed.
3. A dense white film forms on the surface of the skin of the elbow.
4. After the crust comes off, normal healthy skin is revealed.

Laser advantages:

• Efficiency is close to 100%: the doctor removes the wart under visual control, with complete control over this process.
• The wound turns out sterile, since the laser destroys all bacteria - infectious complications do not develop.
• After laser exposure, the wound heals quickly.
• There is no pain or inflammation of the elbow skin after the procedure.
• The wound is covered with a dense fibrin film - it prevents infection and ensures regenerative processes.
• Instant coagulation of blood vessels allows the doctor to work in a dry surgical field (blood does not leak from the vessels and does not obstruct vision, allowing the wart to be completely removed under visual control).

But there are also disadvantages:

• The laser is not suitable for removing large warts.
• There is no material left for biopsy, since the formation is completely destroyed.

✔ Electrocoagulation and radio wave removal

Both methods use electric current.

The radio wave method is considered more advanced, since high-frequency electromagnetic waves are used.

Unlike low-frequency ones, they do not heat the surrounding tissues.

Radio waves can be used both to destroy a wart on the elbow and to excise it.

Therefore, it can be used to remove formations of any size.

The radio wave method has the same advantages as the laser.

In addition, after radio wave exposure, the wound can be sutured.

Therefore, if necessary, even a large wart can be excised and sent for histological examination.

Diagnostics

A comprehensive diagnosis of gout includes the following studies:

1. Inspection of joints. It is carried out to identify painful areas;
2. General and biochemical blood test. They are carried out to identify the inflammatory process in the body. This is evidenced by high concentrations of leukocytes and ESR. Biochemical analysis shows the level of uric acid and creatinine;
3. Radiography. Examination of the affected joints determines the development of tophi, as well as the presence of areas with destroyed articular and bone tissue;
4. Ultrasound examination of the kidneys. Against the background of severe gout, urate may begin to be deposited in the kidneys. Ultrasound diagnostics allows you to identify pathological foci in organs;
5. Examination of synovial fluid. It is necessary to clarify the etiological factor of the resulting inflammation.

Differential diagnosis

Quite often, gout is mistaken for other diseases. This is due to the similarity of the clinical picture of the pathologies. Differential diagnosis is carried out between gout and the following diseases:

1. Purulent arthritis. Occurs after an infectious disease. Purulent arthritis is characterized by hyperthermia. The diagnosis will be clarified with the help of additional studies;
2. Rheumatoid arthritis. It occurs more often in women than in men. The final causes of the development of pathology are not fully understood. Unlike gout, rheumatoid arthritis does not increase the concentration of uric acid;
3. Psoriatic arthritis. Occurs against the background of skin manifestations of psoriasis;
4. Pyrophosphate arthropathy. It differs from gout by characteristic changes on x-ray and in the analysis of synovial fluid;
5. Osteoarthritis. The disease not only has similar symptoms, but can also occur against the background of gout.

Only a doctor can distinguish diseases and make an accurate diagnosis. Self-medication can lead to aggravation of the condition and the development of undesirable consequences.

Diagnosis of warts on the elbow

When a wart appears on the elbow, diagnostic procedures are not required in most cases.
Such a wart can be removed without even undergoing any tests.

In some situations, which are listed above, the doctor may recommend a histological examination of the formation.

In this case, it should be removed surgically or radio wave, or using electrocoagulation.

The removed wart is sent to the laboratory for examination, which will determine whether there are signs of malignant degeneration.

If excessively large or multiple skin lesions appear on your elbows, your doctor may recommend an immunogram.

This is a blood test for indicators of the immune system.

Usually, an unfavorable course of human papillomavirus infection indicates immunodeficiency.

Based on the results of the immunogram, the immunologist can prescribe treatment.

Within a few months it will improve your immune system.

Often such therapy leads to the cure of human papillomavirus infection.

Treatment

Doctors at the Yusupov Hospital provide complex therapy for gout. It includes the following components:

• Medications;
• Diet food;
• Lifestyle correction.

Drug therapy for gout at the Yusupov Hospital is carried out using the most effective pharmacological drugs that are registered and approved for use in the Russian Federation. They have a minimal range of side effects. Medicines for gout are prescribed for a long term. The dosage is selected according to the levels of uric acid in the blood.

The objectives of drug therapy are:

• Reduced uric acid levels;
• Reducing the severity of pain and inflammatory syndromes.

The choice of drugs is made by the attending physician on an individual basis. The results of the diagnostics performed are taken into account. For gout, the following medications are prescribed:

1. Allopurinol. The action of the drug is aimed at reducing the level of uric acid in the blood. In addition, allopurinol destroys existing urate deposits. It is a sought-after drug for the treatment of gout;
2. Febuxostat. Dissolves uric acid salts and reduces the risk of their re-formation;
3. Probenecid. Most often used during gout remission. This is due to the lack of effect of the drug on the formation of uric acid;
4. Pegloticase. Used in cases of ineffectiveness of other medications;
5. Colchicine. The drug prevents the accumulation of uric acid in the body. Due to the large number of side effects, colchicine is used exclusively for the purpose of relieving an acute attack of gout;
6. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Reduce the severity of inflammation and have an analgesic effect;
7. Glucocorticosteroids. Prescribed to relieve an acute attack of gout. Due to immunosuppression, glucocorticosteroids are used in limited quantities and according to strict indications.

Following a certain diet is an important part of the comprehensive treatment of gout. The daily menu may include:

• Vegetarian soups;
• Limited amount of chicken or duck meat;
• Lenten varieties of fish;
• Fermented milk products (kefir, fermented baked milk, yogurt, cottage cheese);
• Cereals;
• Pasta;
• A sufficient amount of fresh vegetables and fruits;
• Nuts;
• Dried fruits;
• Honey;
• Paste;
• Fruit drinks, compotes, juices;
• Weak tea.

Following a diet is necessary not only during an exacerbation of gout, but throughout life. In this way, it is possible to minimize the number of relapses of the disease.

To reduce uric acid levels, the patient is prescribed medication. Dosages of drugs are selected depending on the indicators. In order to dynamically monitor the effectiveness of treatment, it is necessary to regularly determine the level of uric acid in the blood. A decrease in its concentration indicates positive results of therapy. Control studies are recommended to be carried out every 2-4 weeks, and then once every 6 months. The dose of drugs is gradually reduced until maintenance values ​​are reached. It is extremely rare to completely stop taking medications. Most often this is accompanied by an exacerbation of gout.

After the level of uric acid decreases and the clinical manifestations of the disease disappear, the patient can return to normal life. To prevent recurrent exacerbations, doctors recommend maintaining proper nutrition and leading an active lifestyle.

How to get rid of warts on elbow at home?

Some people try to get rid of warts on their own.

This is possible, but very risky.

It’s worth saying right away that most of the methods that are recommended to you on the Internet are ineffective, unsafe or painful.

Including:

• conspiracies;
• tying with threads;
• impact on education by apple, celandine, ice, potatoes, rowan porridge, etc.;
• treatment with hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid, iodine, alcohol.

Real ways to get rid of warts at home:

• buy podophyllotoxin (Condilin) ​​at the pharmacy and apply it for several weeks, intermittently, according to the scheme indicated in the instructions;
• buy Solcoderm or a similar product at a pharmacy and remove the wart using a chemical method (the drug is dangerous and is intended exclusively for medical use);
• buy a cryosystem at the pharmacy for home removal of warts with liquid nitrogen (for example, Wartner Cryo).

You need to understand that home methods for removing formations on the elbow are less reliable and not always safe.

Hundreds of negative reviews have been published on the Internet about Wartner Cryo.

It causes frostbite and inflammation of the skin, but often does not get rid of the wart.

It is unsafe to apply concentrated solutions of alkalis and acids to the elbow.

Because the location is inconvenient, you can burn healthy skin.

For some, the marks remain for life, which creates an even greater aesthetic defect than the wart itself.

The safest method is cytotoxic.

It is not always effective, but sometimes a person actually manages to remove a small wart on the elbow in this way.

You need to continue using the drug until it disappears completely, but no more than 5 weeks.

If the wart has not disappeared within this period, you should use another, more effective method.

Home removal has some disadvantages:

• you do not have experience, so the procedure may be performed incorrectly, which reduces its effectiveness;
• Exposing a wart to a chemical or liquid nitrogen for too long can lead to damage to the deeper layers of the skin and the formation of scars;
• even with not very prominent, but extensive scar changes in the skin, the function of the elbow joint may be impaired;
• warts are often not completely removed or recur;
• People often burn the skin next to the wart with chemicals, and the marks can remain for life.

Forecast

The prognosis for life with diagnosed gout is favorable. Most patients with the disease live to old age. The quality of life improves by following measures to prevent relapses of the disease and undergoing regular examinations by a doctor.

You can get tested for gout at the Yusupov Hospital. The clinic is located in Moscow. The hospital’s equipment makes it possible to accurately determine gout at the initial stages of development. After receiving the research results, experienced doctors develop individual treatment tactics. Modern therapy helps to quickly alleviate the patient's condition. The drugs used meet quality and safety standards. To make an appointment with a rheumatologist, call the contact center of the Yusupov Hospital 24 hours a day, any day of the week.

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