How to Get Rid of Dark Elbows? Everything You Need to Know

Introduction:

People wish to have a pretty face and a pretty body. People are concerned with parts of the body. One such concern is the darkening of elbows. Dark elbows are when the elbows appear to have a darker skin tone than the rest of the body. This is, however, not a skin disorder and does not usually require any treatment unless one wishes to make them lighter. Though treatments for dark elbows may be available, these are temporary solutions, and one may need to keep taking measures to prevent them from turning dark again.

What Are Dark Elbows?

Dark elbows are also known as hyperpigmentation of the skin around the elbows. This also occurs in other body parts, like knees and ankles. Dark elbows are a common problem that several factors can cause. The most common cause is genetics. Dark elbows usually do not occur in light-skinned individuals. Dark elbows are a common concern among women. They can be unsightly and unattractive but are also important symptoms of underlying health issues. In the case of dark elbows with thick skin, it is essential to identify the cause and take steps to lighten them. Dark elbows are caused by excess melanin in the skin, which causes the pigment to deposit in darker areas of the body. The most common cause of dark elbows is sun damage, which occurs when ultraviolet radiation from the sun damages collagen fibers in the skin. If left untreated, this can lead to age spots on your skin and increased buildup of a thick dead skin layer.

What Causes Elbows to Become Dark?

Several factors contribute to dark elbows. People with darker skin tones are usually more prone to dark elbows and knees. Dark elbows are a common problem, especially among women. This can occur due to:

• Sweating - Excessive sweating can cause dark skin on the back and arms, which makes them appear darker than they are.

• Sun Exposure - Excessive sun exposure can cause hyperpigmentation, which causes dark spots on the skin.

• Genetics - Some people have genes that make them prone to hyperpigmentation, while others may have inherited genes from their parents that also make them more prone to hyperpigmentation.

Listed below are other reasons why elbows appear dark:

• Certain medications like birth control pills.

• Injuries like cuts, burns, and insect bites.

• Scars from injuries.

• Underlying skin conditions and diseases.

• Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy and other conditions.

• Dead skin layer buildup.

• Age spots.

• Sun exposure.

• Freckles.

• Reaction to certain skin products.

• Chronic use of bleaching agents.

What Are Some Ways to Get Rid of Dark Elbows?

Several ways and measures can be taken to lighten the elbows. However, one needs to understand it is not a one-time solution. Dark elbows need constant and regular care and attention to prevent them from getting dark again.

• Colloidal Oatmeal - Grinding oatmeal into a powder and combining it with liquids that absorb into the skin help to exfoliate the dead skin layer buildup and lighten the skin around the elbows. This also helps to moisturize the skin and treat skin conditions like psoriasis.

• Citrus Extracts - Vitamin C and citric extracts protect the skin from harmful sun radiations and help lighten the skin. Massaging the elbows with citric extracts, vitamin C gels, or lotions can help lighten elbows. A diet rich in vitamin C also helps the skin cells stay healthy.

• Aloesin - Aloesin content in the aloe vera plant is known to reduce skin pigmentation. In combination with arbutin, aloesin gives better results.

• Green Tea - Green tea contains anti-oxidant properties that may help remove the impurities from the skin cells and help lighten the skin.

• Turmeric - According to studies, turmeric has an anti-aging effect, helps reduce dark spots, and lightens skin.

What Is the Solution for Dark Elbows?

Dark elbows generally do not require treatments. However, if one wishes to make them lighter, there are ways one can get rid of dark elbows and lighten the skin around the elbows.

• Skin Disorder - Psoriasis-induced dark elbows are managed by first treating psoriasis (skin disorder). Treating the condition would help treat dark elbows eventually.

• Skin Lightening Creams - Skiing lightening creams for elbows and knees are readily available in medical shops. Such over-the-counter creams and lotions can help lighten the skin. However, it is best to consult a dermatologist in case of any skin allergies.

• Chemical Peels - chemical peels are procedures performed by a dermatologist. This procedure involves removing the upper dead skin layers using a chemical to expose the new skin layer. This helps to get rid of the dark skin layer over the elbows.

• Laser Therapy - In some cases, doctors may recommend laser therapies to lighten the skin around the elbows. However, this may initially cause some skin irritation, and there is a possibility of the conditions getting worse.

Can One Prevent Dark Elbows?

Yes, dark elbows can be prevented if one takes proper care and follows a good skincare routine. The following are steps one can take to avoid elbows turning dark:

• Use sunblock before going outdoors and while exposed to the sun.

• Avoid using a hard soap or cleansing agents.

• Avoid excessive exfoliation of the skin around the elbows.

• Keep the elbows moist and clean.

• Gently exfoliate the skin around the elbows using scrubs and gels.

• Apply vitamin C gels to lighten the skin around the elbows.

What Are the Home Remedies for Dark Elbows?

• Lemon Juice: Lemon contains vitamin C which is a natural antioxidant along with bleaching properties. It helps to lighten the skin.

• Potato: Potatoes have a bleaching property, which helps to lighten the dark spots. Potato slices or juice need to be used over the dark spots which helps to lighten the skin.

• Aloe Vera: Aloe vera can help to manage hyperpigmentation.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil helps with pigmentation by preventing dead skin build-up.

• Baking Soda and Milk: Baking soda and milk is a very good combination for treating pigmentation. Baking soda contains bleaching properties and also acts as an exfoliating scrub. Milk has lactic acid which helps in brightening the skin.

• Green Tea: It helps in skin lightening as it prevents melanin accumulation.

When Should One See a Dermatologist?

Dark elbows are not an alarming skin disorder to seek immediate help. However, one should consult a dermatologist if the elbows are turning black than before, have additional symptoms, or simply wish to lighten them for better body aesthetics. The dermatologist will examine the skin and recommend skin-lightening treatments best suited for the skin.

Conclusion:

Dark elbows are a common problem that can affect anyone. The condition is caused by increased skin pigment, which causes the area to be darker than normal. Treatments that reduce pigmentation are the most effective way to lighten dark elbows. Several options are available, including topical cream applications and laser therapy to lighten elbows for body aesthetics.