Changes in the quality of the skin are always associated with certain reasons, both external and internal. It is important to determine in time what exactly underlies negative changes. Some areas of the epidermis are more susceptible to this effect than others, and therefore suffer first. For example, most often you have to deal with peeling in the elbows and knees. This is understandable, because these are the parts of the body that face the maximum surface load. In addition, the condition of the skin is affected by internal processes and imbalances in the body. Peeling skin on the knees can be caused by:
- hormonal disorders;
- external irritation;
- dehydration;
- lack of vitamins and microelements;
- lack of vegetable fats in the body;
- endocrine diseases;
- dermatological pathologies (red spots on the skin, rashes, itching), etc.
If the peeling is local in nature and covers only the knee area, and has the appearance of dry skin without signs of swelling and papular formations, perhaps the problem lies in external irritation. Then you can eliminate the unpleasant symptom with the help of additional, and most importantly, proper care. Thick crusts and plaques, cracks and atrophied areas with loss of sensitivity indicate that the underlying lesion is a disease that requires treatment.
Skin lesions on the elbows and knees
The content of the article
Skin rashes are the result of an allergic reaction to foods, cosmetics, and environmental factors. The symptom accompanies infectious and systemic diseases. Skin lesions appear on the face, back, neck, elbows and knees, and in severe cases throughout the body.
Rashes due to an allergic background occur more often in the summer - in the heat, the bends of the elbows and knees sweat. Heat rash can occur in adults and children.
Skin changes on the elbows or knees occur during Dühring's disease and allergic urticaria.
The onset of psoriasis is indicated by characteristic red spots covered with silvery-white scales. The autoimmune disease is accompanied by itching, redness, and burning. The symptoms of psoriasis are identical to those of atopic dermatitis. Skin lesions occur at any stage of life.
Causes of a pathological nature
Unfortunately, not all problems can be solved with moisturizer. Sometimes peeling is a consequence of diseases of internal organs and their systems, as well as a sign of skin diseases, parasitic activity, etc. Possible reasons for this phenomenon include:
- disorders of the adrenal glands;
- thyroid diseases;
- diabetes;
- anemia;
- avitaminosis;
- bacterial and fungal infections;
- dermatological diseases.
The actual cause can only be determined through professional diagnostics. However, based on the external signs and characteristics of peeling, one can make assumptions regarding its nature and methods of treatment. For example, if the skin on the knee of the right leg is peeling, but its condition on the left has not changed, then the reason most likely lies not in internal causes, but in a directed effect.
If the skin on one knee was damaged (even slightly) and was not treated with an antiseptic in time, pathogenic microorganisms could penetrate into the resulting wound. In this case, an inflammatory process will develop here, accompanied by peeling. Fungal activity can manifest itself in a similar way. If the fungus gets directly onto the skin of the knee and becomes active there, then the primary focus will be formed in this area. However, if left untreated, it will soon spread to other surfaces.
With vitamin deficiencies and hormonal disorders, as a rule, the entire skin suffers. The skin may lose elasticity, and small keratinized scales appear on its surface. But on the knees and elbows it becomes especially dry. To solve this problem, it is necessary to take measures to normalize metabolic processes and hormonal levels, while at the same time strengthening measures to care for the skin in general and the surface of the knees in particular.
Symptoms of atopic dermatitis
The main symptoms of atopic dermatitis:
- red spots;
- pustules resembling herpes;
- persistent itching of the affected areas and a tendency to recurrent bacterial infections.
In children under 2 years of age, the rash appears on the head, cheeks and forehead. Infantile eczema causes scaly skin and red patches on the face, arms and legs. In addition to redness, bubbles filled with liquid form, bursting over time. Crusts form on the baby's body and the skin becomes very dry. This disease is more common in girls
In older children and adults, symmetrical skin lesions of an erythematous and papular nature are noted. They appear on the neck, face, wrists, in the bends of the elbows and knees, but can cover the entire body. A characteristic symptom is annoying itching, which provokes scratching. The skin becomes dry, red and irritated.
What's the point of peeling the skin on wheels?
- Why the skin on your knees peels: medical and other reasons
- How to get rid of peeling knees
- What to do if the skin on your child’s knees is peeling
For many people, the skin on their knees, as well as on their elbows, periodically peels off, which most often indicates simple inattention to this area of the body. Peeling is most noticeable in women, as they often show off their knees, especially if they have a nice shape. But such peeling, especially in children, can also be a sign of certain skin diseases. Therefore, it is useful to know about the causes and methods of eliminating this unpleasant cosmetic defect, as well as which doctor to contact in order to rule out a more serious problem.
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Why the skin on your knees peels: medical and other reasons
Any cosmetologist or dermatologist can tell you that the skin on the knees is special - dry, practically devoid of sebaceous glands. Therefore, she is very sensitive to factors affecting her condition:
- hot water and soap;
- clothing made of rough and synthetic materials;
- excessive tanning;
- pressure (when kneeling);
- dehydration, vitamin deficiency, lack of fats and oils in the diet;
- sudden weight loss.
When the knee bends, the skin stretches, and when it extends, it gathers into folds, so it ages earlier, becomes rough, flaky, dark, “elephant-like.” In addition, you need to remember that signs of various dermatological diseases may appear on your knees: lichen, psoriasis, ichthyosis, hyperkeratosis.
With all these diseases, the process of keratinization of the upper layer of the skin is disrupted, which is expressed in the appearance of peeling. With ichthyosis, the skin resembles fish scales. With psoriasis, psoriatic plaques appear, covered with silvery scales. Hyperkeratosis (thickening and peeling of the epidermis) also occurs in healthy people, but sometimes it becomes a chronic pathology that worsens the quality of life. Severe peeling can also occur with some endocrine diseases, for example, disorders of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands. Therefore, a dermatologist may refer the patient to an endocrinologist.
Thus, it is better to determine why the skin on your knees is peeling with the help of a doctor. And if necessary, also under his guidance, you need to undergo a course of treatment and in the future follow the recommendations and advice that he gives.
How to get rid of peeling knees
If we are talking about the manifestation of a disease, a specialist (dermatologist, endocrinologist) prescribes appropriate treatment, including the use of local (ointments, lotions) and systemic (tablets, injections) medications. If this is a purely cosmetic defect due to insufficient care, then it can be eliminated with the help of cosmetic or spa treatments in appropriate institutions. You can “rehabilitate” your knees on your own, after first consulting a cosmetologist.
As with any dryness, the skin in the area of the flexor surface of the knee joint needs two procedures - peeling and moisturizing (nutrition). Therefore, it is advisable to include three manipulations in the body care system:
- scrubbing your knees with a gentle exfoliator, such as a fruit acid or salicylic acid peel (note that harsh scrubs will only make the situation worse);
- applying a moisturizing or nourishing cream for dry body skin;
- applying a product that creates a surface film that keeps dry skin moisturized (vaseline, cosmetic oil).
This set of procedures should be carried out two to three times a week for one month, then the result must be constantly maintained (repeating the cycle at least twice a month). It is better to select the above-mentioned products in a pharmacy rather than in a cosmetic store.
Fans of home cosmetology can use the following effective remedies:
- scrub: prepare a mixture of two tablespoons of sea salt, two tablespoons of honey and one teaspoon of castor oil and use as directed;
- compress: make a solution of two teaspoons of alcohol, two teaspoons of glycerin and a teaspoon of vinegar; Make compresses with it for three days in a row, holding them for an hour, then treat your knees with a scrub (the composition should be stored in a tightly closed bottle);
- mask: mix the juice of half a lemon with any vegetable oil, apply to the problem area, rinse with warm water, lubricate your knees with cream.
In order not to cause even more drying out, you should not take a hot bath often and stay in the sun for a long time. It is advisable to constantly use moisturizer. Support from the inside also helps a lot: taking vitamins A, C, D, E, regularly eating fish, nuts, and olive oil.
What to do if the skin on your child’s knees is peeling
In this case, parents need to show the child to a pediatrician, who, if necessary, will refer him to a dermatologist and allergist. Severe peeling of such localization may indicate one of the skin diseases that need to be treated immediately:
- eczema (atopic dermatitis), which is very common in children under two years of age and is accompanied by itchy skin;
- various types of lichens (pink, pityriasis versicolor, Zhibera), which can be easily cured with timely diagnosis;
- ichthyosis, a genetically determined pathology that can begin with minor peeling and later develop into a chronic disease that significantly reduces the quality of life;
- psoriasis, which in children does not always manifest itself in the form of typical psoriatic plaques.
Dry, flaking-prone skin of babies is very susceptible to various infections (staphylococcus, fungi), so it needs to be carefully looked after in order to prevent skin diseases. It is advisable to coordinate the use of care products with the pediatrician who is observing the child.
Modern dermatology and cosmetology have all the necessary methods to distinguish when an adult or child simply has peeling skin on their knees, and when there is a serious pathology that requires treatment. In addition, they have all the necessary means to cure skin disease and prevent its new manifestations, as well as eliminate the consequences of improper care and return your knees to a healthy and attractive appearance.
Causes of atopic dermatitis
Atopy is a predisposition to the development of allergic diseases. Indicates a tendency to overproduce antibodies in response to an allergen. Develops in children with a hereditary predisposition: if parents have atopic dermatitis, the risk of inheriting the disease is 70%.
The pathology is diagnosed by a laboratory blood test, which determines the concentration of IgE antibodies against specific allergens.
Dermatosis appears after contact with atopenes. Irritants are divided into:
- food: cow's milk, wheat, crayfish, crabs, soybeans, chocolate, citrus fruits;
- pollen: ragweed, wormwood, birch, alder;
- dust: animal hair, bed mites, mold fungi, paper dust, varnishes, paints;
- allergenic chemical compounds.
The rash appears on the elbows and knees as a result of wearing woolen clothing. Atopic skin reacts pathologically to cosmetics containing alcohol, parabens and preservatives.
Treatment of atopic dermatitis
Cause-and-effect treatment involves eliminating the allergens that cause chronic symptoms. Sensitization is possible when antihistamines are prescribed as medications for allergic reactions in order to reduce the body's increased immune response.
In the case of children, the basis of treatment is the restoration of the damaged epidermal barrier and the temporary exclusion of harmful foods from the diet.
To treat rashes in the bends of the knees and elbows, the dermatologist selects steroid medications.
Symptomatic treatment consists of pharmacotherapy (treatment with drugs) - immunosuppressants, antihistamines or corticosteroids, wearing anti-allergic clothing and bandaging the affected areas after bathing. And. Dermatologists recommend phototherapy (UVA and UVB radiation) and photochemotherapy (PUVA).
Skin care for atopic dermatitis
Patients are recommended to systematically moisturize and lubricate the dry epidermis, and use dermocosmetics with a neutral pH. The use of emollients that create an occlusive layer is recommended to prevent water loss from the epidermis.
Hypoallergenic powders should be used for washing. It is better to avoid using softeners.
Skin prone to allergies and severe itching should be dried with a soft towel. Rubbing the epidermis should be avoided. The duration of bathing is no more than 10-15 minutes.
Diet for people with atopic dermatitis
People with dermatological problems need to exclude allergens from their food: gluten, cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat and citrus fruits. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, which have an anti-inflammatory effect, should be included in the daily menu.
Sources of healthy fats:
- fatty sea fish (mackerel, salmon, tuna, sardines);
- oils (linseed, rapeseed, hemp);
- flax-seed;
- walnuts and almonds.
Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants have anti-inflammatory effects.
It is important to avoid fast food, limit the consumption of sugar, hot spices, animal fats, coffee and tea. Drinks can be replaced with herbal decoctions of nettle, chamomile, and plantain. Vitamin D3 supplements, probiotics and prebiotics are helpful.
Treatment
If the cause of peeling is hidden in a lack of vitamins, a course of vitamin therapy will help. The diet should contain seasonal vegetables and fruits, fatty dairy products, deep sea fish, nuts and vegetable oils.
Why the skin peels off on the fingers and palms of the hands: causes and treatment
Vitamin A (carotene) is found in dried apricots, carrots, pumpkin, beef liver, egg yolks and sweet peppers. Tocopherol slows down involutive processes in the body and improves skin regeneration. To obtain it, it is necessary to introduce liver, olive and flaxseed oil, and eggs into the diet. Ascorbic acid stabilizes cell growth, improves metabolism, and strengthens vascular walls. Sources of this vitamin are bell peppers, citrus fruits, black currants, and rose hips.
If inflammation, severe itching or growth of pathological lesions is observed, you should urgently contact a dermatologist.
Men rarely pay attention to dry elbows and go to a specialist only in case of an obvious medical problem. Meanwhile, it is better to start treatment at the moment the first symptoms appear, without starting the disease.
