Why does the skin on the elbows crack? Dry skin on the elbows: understanding the causes, treating and caring for. There are several important reasons for this phenomenon.

Rough elbows are a phenomenon that is not uncommon, but it brings discomfort to a person and does not look aesthetically pleasing. There are many reasons for the onset of pathology, as well as ways to get rid of it. In this post, we will look specifically at why elbows can become rough and dry, as well as ways to eliminate this trouble.

Causes

As a rule, if a problem is discovered suddenly, the reasons must be sought in the incorrect functioning of the organs of internal secretion. Due to the fact that metabolic processes are disrupted in the body, the stratum corneum begins to increase. And this means that he simply does not have time to exfoliate in a natural way. As a result - the appearance of keratosis, the so-called condition in which dry skin appears in certain areas of the body. There is another pathology - hyperkeratosis, in which case the skin peels off all over the body, and in this situation the help of a qualified dermatologist is required.

Sometimes the skin on the elbows becomes dry and rough due to mechanical stress. For example, if a person often rests on their elbows (for example, when working at a computer), then it is possible that the skin changes regardless of the general condition of the body.

If the problem appeared as a result of mechanical action, it is easy to fix it, and it is not at all necessary to consult a doctor. Greasy creams, peeling products - and after a couple of weeks, the elbows will again become soft and pleasant to the touch. In the event that malfunctions in the body become the cause, it is imperative to consult a doctor, since very dry skin may indicate a number of certain diseases.

Based on the foregoing, we can say with accuracy that the main external causes are lack of proper care, as well as mechanical effects on the skin. But there are other, more serious pathologies, due to which the skin on the elbows begins to peel off:

  1. Hyperthyroidism. If the level of certain hormones in the body rises in case of disorders of the thyroid gland, special processes are triggered in the body, due to which the vessels relax, cease to perform their main functions, which leads to a number of disturbances in the functioning of the body, one of them is peeling of the skin.
  2. Diabetes. A serious disease that manifests itself as a disruption in the work of all systems and organs, in particular, metabolic processes change completely. If you notice frequent thirst, bouts of dizziness and uncontrolled hunger, while the epidermis peels off, this is a reason to consult a doctor.
  3. Avitaminosis. One of the common causes of dry skin on the elbows. In the human body, for its normal functioning, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, trace elements must be present. Otherwise, not only the appearance worsens, but also the general well-being. Often, a lack of vitamins is observed in women who are trying to lose weight - due to a lack of nutrients in the body.

Healthy skin on the elbows: what vitamins are needed?

Since vitamin deficiency is a fairly common cause of skin problems, consider which vitamins you need to pay special attention to in order for the epidermis to recover:

  1. Vitamin C. Takes an active part in tissue metabolism - if it is not enough in the body, the skin can begin to crack and peel off.
  2. Retinol. With its lack, the skin regenerates much more slowly, which means that a person will be disturbed not only by dryness, but also by cracks that will heal over time.
  3. Vitamin E. The strongest antioxidant that is vital for every person. Prevents aging of tissues and skin, accelerates the exfoliation of dead cells of the epidermis.

Important! All of the above vitamins can be easily purchased at the pharmacy. But you need to drink them according to the instructions and the characteristics of the body, otherwise hypervitaminosis may develop. Therefore, before starting the use of such medicines, it is advisable to consult with your doctor.

Initially, women have a much thinner skin than women, which means that the skin will deteriorate faster. That is why people of the beautiful half of humanity need special and more thorough care of the epidermis.

Basically, physiological reasons become the cause of pathology, namely:

  1. Anemia. If the body lacks iron, the metabolism is disturbed, which makes the skin sagging and aging quickly. Accordingly, the epidermis also changes its structure on the elbows.
  2. Hormonal problems. During growing up, during pregnancy, during menstruation - practically throughout life, the level of hormones in the blood of women changes. All these conditions cannot but affect the state of the epidermis.
  3. Substance abuse. Every woman loves to bask in a warm bath with aromatic foam - it relaxes and soothes. But do not forget that gels and foam for baths can significantly dry the skin - it is imperative to add essential oils to the bath. Detergents for dishes and cleaning are extremely aggressive for the skin of not only the elbows, but also the hands. Always wear protective gloves when cleaning.

During menopause in women, a significant decrease in the functions of the skin can also be noted, it becomes much drier, loses its elasticity. The general level of all hormones begins to change, and this primarily affects the condition of the skin, nails, hair. In such cases, problems with the epidermis are far from the only symptom of problems with hormonal levels. Also, a woman may experience the following symptoms:

  • intense hot flashes;
  • decreased performance;
  • drowsiness;
  • mood changes, tearfulness.

After the birth of a child, a woman's hormonal background also changes, which can provoke increased dry skin. The same goes for the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is important to provide the mother with a full-fledged diet - as soon as the hormonal background returns to normal, the skin condition also normalizes.

Men often suffer from dry elbows due to external stimuli - for example, leaning their elbows on the table while eating, watching TV, etc. Due to the fact that the stronger sex has a rather high body weight, the elbows are under increased stress, which is why they begin to peel off, the skin cracks, etc.

Thanks to research, it was found that men often visit baths, saunas - in institutions of this kind there is always chlorinated water, and this inevitably leads to severe dryness of the skin. In addition, males rarely pay due attention to the skin - not everyone uses skin care products, etc. And this is important, because in the absence of proper moisture, the epidermis becomes rough and flaky.

There are also diseases that can cause keratosis in both men and women:

  • hereditary predisposition;
  • the impact of aggressive environmental factors;
  • fungal diseases;
  • liver and gastrointestinal tract diseases;
  • lichen;
  • Cesari's syndrome.

Hypervitaminosis can also cause skin lesions in the elbows.

How to get rid of flaky skin: treatment methods

If you are very worried about this problem, you should consult a doctor. It can be a therapist - he will prescribe general studies, or you can go directly to an endocrinologist or dermatologist.

As a rule, in order to find out the cause of the pathology, you need to go through the following studies:

  • hormone analysis;
  • scraping the skin;
  • general blood analysis.

According to the results of the study, the doctor will prescribe treatment, because if the reason for the rough elbows lies precisely in the malfunction of the body, it is not necessary to eliminate external causes, but to influence the factors that provoke the problem.

As a rule, the therapy is prescribed as follows:

  • the use of vitamin complexes;
  • hormonal drugs;
  • antifungal drugs;
  • exfoliating and moisturizing cosmetics.

The doctor will also prescribe a special diet. The diet should contain nuts, fresh vegetables, cold-pressed vegetable oil, various types of herbs, liver and chicken eggs. Such food contains a large amount of vitamins, which means it will eliminate their deficiency in the body.

If there are no pathologies in the patient's condition, then it will be relevant for him to visit the beautician's office. The specialist will prescribe special procedures that will restore the smoothness of the skin, make it elastic and soft to the touch.

Traditional methods of treatment

According to many people, practitioners of traditional medicine - the surest remedy in the fight against dry skin of the elbows is lemon. The procedure is carried out as follows:
  1. Steam the skin - for this you can take a warm bath, or hold your elbows over a bath of hot water.
  2. Next, the steamed skin should be rubbed properly with a coarse brush.
  3. Cut the lemon in half and place it on the skin for at least 20 minutes.
  4. After applying almond oil to the skin, glycerin or any cream containing petroleum jelly will do.

Dry elbow skin is not such a big problem if you can pay attention to it in a timely manner. Make moisturizing compresses, use care products - and in this case, keratosis will not threaten you. If all else fails, and the pathology continues to bother you, you need to consult a specialist.

Video: how to get rid of dry skin on the elbows

As a rule, women take special care of their face, body, hair, hands, but do not pay attention to the skin on the elbows. Looking in the mirror, they are surprised and ask themselves: why are elbows on their hands dry? And they immediately start looking 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 warmth, when the long sleeve is no longer able to hide their deplorable state. Most ladies think 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 rather rough, since it is forced to constantly stretch due to the work of the joints. Not many people know that in these places the epidermis practically does not have sebaceous glands, therefore it needs regular and intensive care.

If the skin on the elbows dries, the reasons must be sought inside the body. The following factors can trigger the development of a cosmetic defect:

Often internal diseases can provoke dry skin on the elbows. The causes and treatment in this option must be considered separately. The following pathologies provoke a problem:

Taking into account the factors provoking dry elbows, the causes and treatment of the pathology must be agreed with the doctor. Ignoring the symptoms leads to complications.

Treatment methods

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

Professional remedies

On the dressing table of every woman 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 the one that covers the feet and hands, so for the elbow zone, you can safely use products intended for these areas of the body. On the pharmacy shelves there are a lot of products designed to save a lady from the problem of dryness forever.

  • Taking vitamin complexes helps to replenish the deficiency of substances necessary for the skin. The composition of the drug must necessarily contain B vitamins, tocopherol, retinol. The most popular and affordable drugs are Aevit, Undevit.
  • Special ointments based on herbal ingredients will help to 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 cosmetics for hands perfectly nourish and moisturize the skin of the elbows. Among them, one can single out the products Velvet handles, a line of care for dry and sensitive skin from the Loreal company.

The use of cosmetic oils will soften the epidermis, have an antibacterial effect on dermatitis, eczema. Apricot, peach, almond, grape have regenerating properties and in rare cases cause an allergic reaction.

Peeling at home

If dryness is not associated with serious internal diseases, the elbow area can be treated with home peeling procedures. They will help to remove dead cells of the epidermis and start the processes of tissue regeneration.

The duration of the course depends on the degree of damage to the epidermis. Procedures are allowed no more than 2 times a week. Acid cleaning - no more than 1 time in 7 days. It should be remembered that peeling is only suitable if there are no cracks on the elbows. The use of the procedure, especially with citrus acid, provokes inflammation and irritation on the damaged dermis.

Nourishing masks

Smearing elbows with cream and carrying out cleansing procedures is not always enough to fix the problem. In most cases, it is necessary to use homemade masks, which will not only soften the skin, but also help eliminate growths and calluses.

Use homemade masks with caution. Many recipes contain honey, which is a strong allergen.

Healing baths

In the complex treatment of dry skin of the elbows, medicinal baths are necessarily present.

  • You can soften and moisturize your skin with a bath of warmed olive oil. Elbows are lowered into it for 10 minutes.
  • Starch diluted in warm water with the addition of vegetable oil will also help eliminate dryness. It takes 15 minutes to keep your elbows in this composition.
  • Plain baking soda is often used for medicinal baths. For a liter of water, you need to take 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate and place your elbows in the solution for 10 minutes.

It is necessary to use such recipes only after the permission of a specialist.

Dry skin of the elbows looks unaesthetic and spoils the woman's appearance. In some cases, it can indicate serious disorders in the body. The first signs of dryness that do not respond to conventional treatment require immediate contact with a dermatologist.

Most people do not pay attention to the dry skin of the elbows or fight it only with the help of cosmetics.

If the condition of the integument worsens periodically and is easily corrected, you can try to fix the problem yourself.

But if dry elbows are not amenable to home treatment, you should consult a doctor.

Signs of dry skin on your elbows

The skin on the elbows is rougher than on other areas of the body. This is due to its constant stretching as a result of flexion / extension of the joints.

In addition, this area is almost devoid of sebaceous glands, which plays an important role in the natural hydration of the epidermis and its protection from external factors.

Possible signs of excessive dryness of the integument on the elbows:

  • local thickening and coarsening of the epidermis;
  • roughness felt when touched;
  • peeling;
  • darkening - the skin becomes gray or brown;
  • cracks;
  • dry rash ("goose bumps");
  • redness and pain - occur if pathogenic bacteria enter the microtrauma, triggering the inflammatory process.

Dryness of the integument can be due to various factors: from improper care to serious endocrine and autoimmune diseases. It is better to understand the causes of the problem together with a dermatologist.

Among women

In children

The protective function of the skin of young children is reduced compared to adults.

Their integuments are characterized by a thin stratum corneum, a minimum number of sebaceous glands, immaturity of local immunity and active blood supply.

As a result, they are easily injured.

Dry elbows in childhood are most often caused by external factors:

  • an allergic reaction to chlorine in water, soap, cosmetics, or washing powder;
  • rubbing against clothing;
  • hot and dry indoor air.

Among internal problems the deterioration of the skin condition can lead to:

  • lack of vitamins;
  • anemia;
  • dysbiosis - an imbalance of beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestine;
  • hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus.

Endocrine disruptions in babies are rare. They can be suspected in the presence of similar diseases in close relatives.

In pregnant women

With the onset of pregnancy, the resources of the female body are redistributed: their main part goes to the formation of tissues and the work of the internal organs of the baby. As a result, the expectant mother may suffer from a lack of moisture and nutrients, which affects the condition of her skin.

The main causes of dry elbows during pregnancy are:

  • hormonal changes;
  • insufficient fluid intake;
  • vitamin deficiency;
  • anemia;
  • improper skin care.

What are

Treatment directions

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

If doctors have confirmed that there are no health problems, treatment of the integument can be limited to cosmetic procedures and other available measures.

What medications can I take?

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

But with a significant lack of substances or in the autumn-winter period, it is worth taking pharmaceutical preparations:

  • "Aevit"- it contains vitamins A and E;
  • "Vetoron"- vitamins A, E and C;
  • complexes of vitamins and minerals- "Vitrum", "Pikovit", "Duovit".

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

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

Other medicines:

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

Oh, in detail in the article.

Cream and ointment

Pharmacy cosmetics that can be used for dry elbows:

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

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

Find out how to do

In the case of a slight dryness of the integument and the absence of peeling, it is enough to apply on the elbows a nutritious hand or body daily with extracts of chamomile, alfalfa, glycerin, lecithin. It should be rubbed into the skin, making massage movements in a clockwise direction.

Watch the video about taking care of your elbows at home

Folk remedies

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

Have a positive effect on dry and irritated integuments. oils- cocoa, shea, mango, coconut, avocado, olive, wheat germ, almond, peach or apricot kernels. They can be rubbed into problem areas several times a day or compressed:

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

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


Mask recipes:

  • 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, warm the pulp for 5 minutes;
  • mix "Extra" salt, cream, hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice 1 teaspoon each).

Application:

  1. Steam the skin and hold.
  2. Apply a mask to the elbows and cover with foil.
  3. Rinse off with water after 20 minutes.
  4. Pat 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 phytotherapist'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 a few minutes and then rinsed off.

It's no secret that body care for a girl is an important part of her lifestyle. Each lady, trying to prolong her youth, takes care of herself. Morning runs and gyms, creams and lotions, masks and scrubs, massages and wraps ... However, despite this, picky young ladies still find areas that still need to be worked on. And sometimes dry skin on the elbows becomes such an annoying defect that prevents you from enjoying perfect beauty. She looks unpresentable, and, often, even rude. This is especially striking in the summer, in the season of shirts, T-shirts and short-sleeved blouses. How to overcome this external flaw? What are the reasons for this dryness? This is exactly what will be discussed later.

Why do elbows dry

Sometimes dry skin on the elbows is caused by quite serious reasons. For example, in this way the body can signal violations of the adrenal or thyroid glands, or even diabetes mellitus or a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Whether it is really a hormonal imbalance or an incipient disease, only ultrasound results or tests prescribed by a doctor can show. In this case, it is better not to delay the visit to the endocrinologist, who will prescribe competent treatment.

However, more often than not, everything is much more prosaic. So, the skin can become very dry due to a banal malnutrition. The diet should be varied and saturated with all the necessary valuable substances. Keratin and vitamins A, E and D are especially important for the beauty and elasticity of the skin. They can be obtained from lean fish, meat, eggs, dried apricots, vegetable oils, and dairy products. It is also important to help the body maintain its natural water balance and drink clean water every day. Not less than a liter, but preferably one and a half.

Makes dry skin on the elbows and frequent baths and swimming pools. After all, chlorinated water does not have the best effect on the skin, irritating it. The exact same effect is observed after using liquid soaps and shower gels with sulfates in the composition.

And sometimes dryness on the elbows is the result of office work. During the day, young ladies who have a habit of resting on the table, the place of the elbow is rubbed, and as a result, mechanical damage and dryness are obtained.

In addition, so that the skin does not dry out or flake off, you should not forget about air humidifiers. Because when the humidity in the room is too low, the cells cannot maintain their natural hydrobalance.

These are the main reasons why dry, dark skin can form on the elbows, and sometimes even rough and cracked. What can be done to mitigate it?

There are some proven folk methods.

The best recipes for dry elbow skin

One of the most wonderful and simple remedies is linseed, almond or olive oil. They perfectly nourish, remove inflammation and make the skin soft. You can simply rub any of these oils into the elbow area instead of body cream, or you can make a bath. To do this, warm the oil to a pleasant temperature, pour it into two bowls and lower your elbows into them. Sit like this for a quarter of an hour, blot with a napkin, rub in the remaining oil.

The bath will soften your elbows well

A starch bath is also good. To prepare it, you need to mix two or three tablespoons of starch with two glasses of warm water. Dip your elbows in a starchy solution and hold them there for 20 minutes. Then rinse with running water and spread with greasy cream.

This nourishing elbow bath should be done twice a week.

Do not forget about peels. Elbows are prone to coarsening, so you need to regularly help the cells to renew themselves by removing the stratum corneum with a scrub. You can buy a ready-made one or make it yourself. For example, mix fine salt with sour cream or drunk coffee with honey and massage the skin of your elbows two to three times a week.

Cryotherapy is also effective - rubbing dry skin on the elbows with ice cubes. But not simple, but healing: chop a tablespoon of fresh mint, pour a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour. Then cool, drain and freeze. In the morning and in the evening, take one cube and massage your elbows. This will help the skin to be always in good shape.

And, of course, masks are an excellent tool. Here are the most effective ones.

Honey


Masks will help to moisturize the skin on the elbows

Mix a tablespoon of liquid honey with the same amount of grated raw potatoes. Smear the skin of the elbows with a thick layer and wrap with cling film. Walk like this for half an hour, then wash off and use the cream.

This mask perfectly softens and nourishes the skin. And potatoes, if desired, can be replaced with egg yolk. The effect will be the same.

Creamy

Mix a teaspoon of heavy cream with the same amount of lemon juice. Add a teaspoon of fine salt and the same amount of hydrogen peroxide, mix. Spread over the skin of the elbows, fix with a plastic bag. Relax for half an hour, lightly massage your skin, wash off the mixture with cool water and spread cream on your elbows.

This mask perfectly cleanses the rough skin of the elbows, whitens it and makes it smooth.

Almond

Mix a tablespoon each of almond oil and liquid honey. Warm up a little, apply on the elbows and wrap with cling film on top. Sit for half an hour and wash off. Repeat every other day, course - two weeks.

This mask moisturizes the skin well and makes it soft.


Apricot puree fortifies and softens the skin

Apricot

Free a few ripe apricots from the pits and mash them in puree. Warm up in a water bath for a couple of minutes, cool and mix with a spoonful of olive oil. Spread the mixture on your elbows, secure with a plastic bag and rest for half an hour. Wash off, use a cream.

This summer mask will give vitamins to the skin of the elbows, soften and heal it.

We wish you good luck in your fight for the beauty of your skin!

In the absence of regular care, many people notice that the skin becomes rough, itchy and flakes. These symptoms indicate dry skin. But what are the main causes of very dry skin all over the body and what are the treatments for this condition?

Why does dry skin occur?

Dehydration of the epidermis on the hands and feet can occur due to the negative influence of factors of the external and internal environment. Before starting therapy, the dermatologist must establish the causes of the unpleasant symptoms. Otherwise, the treatment will be ineffective, and even the use of expensive drugs will not bring positive results.

Environmental factors

Dermatologists include external provoking factors:

  • using improperly selected skin care products;
  • low indoor humidity. this factor often provokes dry skin in infants;
  • regular contact with hard tap water;
  • natural factors: ultraviolet radiation, low temperatures in winter and high in summer, strong winds;
  • poor hygiene or lack of it;
  • frequent contact with household chemicals: soaps, detergents and compounds, washing powders, cleaning agents;
  • work in a hot shop;
  • smoking and alcohol abuse.

Internal environmental factors

Internal factors include various pathologies that develop inside the body. The following causes of dry skin on the hands and feet are distinguished:

  • Unbalanced diet, which leads to a lack of vitamins and nutrients. As a result, depletion of the skin develops;

  • insufficient fluid intake during the day;
  • the presence of a genetic predisposition;
  • various pathologies of the nervous and endocrine systems;
  • menopause;
  • age-related changes;
  • diseases of the digestive organs;
  • anemia;
  • allergies and various skin pathologies;
  • metabolic disorders;
  • dysbiosis;
  • a history of renal failure.

Also, specific additional factors are distinguished that can lead to the development of dehydration of the epidermis in a certain part of the body.

Why does dry skin develop on the hands?

Both men and women face the problem of dry skin with equal frequency. In the male half of humanity, the epidermis is dehydrated due to regular contact with aggressive substances, exposure to cold in the winter season.

Women often have to come into contact with chemicals during washing, washing dishes, cleaning.

Also, with the onset of menopause, the female body undergoes age-related changes, within which the hormonal background is disrupted. This has a negative effect on the condition of the skin of the hands - the epidermis is rapidly losing moisture, and cracks may appear.

Why does dry elbows occur?

Sedentary work is a common cause of dry elbow skin and does not require specific treatment. The skin becomes coarser due to constant rubbing of the elbows against the table or armrests of the chair during work.

Often, dry elbows indicate a dysfunction of the thyroid gland.

Dryness and scaling on the elbows may indicate the development of psoriasis. After all, the first symptoms of the disease arise precisely in this area. If you suspect psoriasis, you should not self-medicate, you should immediately contact a dermatologist.

If the surface layer of the epidermis is greatly thickened, then the development of hyperkeratosis can be suspected. This pathology provokes increased division of the stratum corneum of the dermis against the background of a violation of the processes of desquamation of dead cells. As a result, the skin can thicken by several sentiments.

Hyperkeratosis is not an independent pathology, but develops against the background of impaired functioning of internal organs.

Why dry feet occur?

The driest spots on the legs are the feet and knees. Dehydration of the epidermis on the knees usually develops due to friction of the skin against rough clothing (jeans, tights) or prolonged kneeling (during construction work or at a mine). If a patient develops psoriasis, then the first symptoms of the disease may occur in the knee area along with the elbows.

The skin on the feet becomes dry mostly in the summer, when people walk in open shoes: flip flops, sandals, flip flops. The negative impact of provoking factors (heat, dehydration, dust) leads to the fact that the epidermis cracks, calluses and corns may appear on the left or right leg.

Flip flops can cause dry skin between your toes.

In the summer, many patients report a coarsening of the heels, the appearance of deep cracks, and the appearance of pain when walking.

The following causes of cracked skin are distinguished:

  • high ambient temperature;
  • a history of diabetes mellitus;
  • flat feet;
  • obesity;
  • improper care or lack of it;
  • varicose veins, which provoke blood stagnation and disruption of local blood flow.
Various vascular diseases provoke circulatory disorders, therefore they can lead to excessive dryness of the skin in the lower leg area.

Features of therapy for dry skin of hands

If dryness has arisen against the background of the negative influence of environmental factors, then it is enough to use gloves when doing housework or at work. This will limit contact between skin and corrosive substances.

  • wear gloves in winter;
  • regularly apply sunscreens in the summer;
  • thoroughly wipe the skin after hygiene procedures with a soft towel;
  • use exceptionally gentle and high-quality soaps to cleanse the skin of your hands;
  • adhere to the rules of a balanced diet.

If, against the background of dry hands, cracks appear on the fingers, then you should consult a dermatologist. This symptomatology may indicate the development of hypovitaminosis, or it may be a sign of a fungal infection of the skin. With a fungus, spots are often formed on the surface of the skin, the shade of which can vary from red to slightly bluish.

Patients also note the appearance of itching and burning. Only a dermatologist can treat fungal skin lesions in an adult and a child after laboratory diagnostics and determination of the causative agent of the infection. It is not recommended to take antifungal drugs on your own, because self-medication can only complicate the course of the disease.

Using folk remedies

To cure dry skin, you can use pharmacy wound healing agents and traditional medicines, which effectively nourish and moisturize the dermis. For home therapy, the following formulations are recommended:


The first results from using traditional medicine will be noticeable after 5-7 days. However, for a complete cure, regular use of the drugs will be required for 1-2 months.

How to cure dry elbows?

If the skin in the elbow area has become rough, dark, has acquired a brown tint, then therapy is recommended to start with the use of exfoliating and softening compositions. For this purpose, salicylic ointment is widely used, which normalizes the processes of sloughing off dead cells. For additional skin nutrition, it is recommended to apply pharmacy creams.

If dry skin is due to insufficient intake of vitamins from food, then it is recommended to take vitamin complexes, revise the diet. In case of endocrine pathologies, consultation and treatment of an endocrinologist is necessary.

With severe irritation, dermatologists recommend applying Lipikar balm, Atoderm or Pitival cream, Radevit ointment.

Preparations should be used twice a day after preliminary cleansing of the integument. If severe itching appears in the elbow area, then fish oil can be applied to the skin.

To moisturize the skin, you can use a pharmacy cream based on chamomile or alfalfa. These drugs can not only soften the skin, but will help the cracks heal. If the skin is bumpy, you can apply a cream based on lecithin and glycerin.

The use of folk remedies

Traditional medicine is widely used to treat dry elbows:


Regular use of traditional medicine recipes will restore the moisture balance of the skin in the elbow area within 7-10 days. However, to consolidate the effect, it is recommended to continue therapy for 30 days. After this period, you can use your usual skin care products.

How to treat dry feet?

If a person has dry skin on the legs, feet, knees from birth, then additional procedures are required to ensure sufficient moisture of the skin. These include:


Dermatologists also recommend regularly applying therapeutic oils, creams or ointments to the calves, feet and knees.

Additionally, you can use effective folk recipes:


If dry skin appears, a dermatologist's consultation is necessary. The doctor will be able to prescribe a comprehensive diagnosis in order to establish the cause of the pathology. After all, a complete cure of the patient is possible only after the elimination of the negative influence of provoking factors.

0