What are dry elbows – and what do they look like?
Dry elbows are a skin condition where the skin on and around the elbows is so dry that the skin feels tight and rough. Dry skin on the elbows can manifest itself in many ways, such as:
- Itching
- Redness or discolouration
- Skin flaking
- Skin cracks
- Wounds, irritation and discomfort
- Bleeding
Why does one get dry elbows?
If you're bothered by dry elbows, it's because the skin on and around your elbows lacks moisture. You can compare it to a lump of clay, which is supple and smooth when moisturised, but cracks and cracks when dry.
The same happens to your skin - whether it's dry skin on your lips, feet, hands or anywhere else on your body.
There are several factors that play a role in skin moisture loss. The typical causes of it and rough elbows are discussed here. Skin Care from Australian Bodycare is a moisturising cream for dry elbows.
Dehydration
Are you drinking enough water? If not, your skin could be suffering. Water is important for the condition of your skin. And if you don't drink enough of the clear drops, your skin will lack moisture from within. This is because your body primarily distributes the water you consume to other parts of your body.
If you also drink alcohol or sweat a lot, it's even more important to replenish your water stores so that the water reaches your skin.
Lack of skin care
It's not just a lack of moisture from the inside that can give you dry elbows. A lack of moisture on the outside can also be the cause. Your elbows are exposed all day long, for example, when you put them down on the table or otherwise wear out the skin.
If you don't moisturise and care for them with creams and moisturisers, your skin will let you know by cracking and becoming rough and uncomfortable.
Weather conditions
Wind and weather is a common cause of rough elbows. Cold, hot, windy and dry weather can be tough on the skin and can be a direct cause of it losing its moisture balance.Varme bade
Water is drying to the skin. Especially hot water can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it rough and dry. If you like to stand under a hot shower for a long time, it will affect the moisture in your skin.
Swimming pools
Are you on a long summer holiday relaxing in the pool or a frequent visitor to swimming pools? Then the chlorine in the water can be your skin's worst enemy.
Chlorine dries out the skin, causing it to lose moisture and vitality.
Smoking
Most people know that smoking is unhealthy. But it's not just your lungs that suffer - so does your skin. Smoke dries out the skin. This is true whether you smoke yourself or are exposed to second-hand smoke.
Underlying skin conditions
Dry elbows can be caused by several different underlying conditions. Here you can learn more about the different diseases.
Psoriasis
Dry elbows can be linked to psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that attacks different areas of the skin, but is most common on the elbows, scalp
scalp and knees.
The skin condition presents as:
- Dry patches on the skin
- Scaly skin
- Itching
- Burning or stinging sensation.
Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes a dry and itchy sensation on the skin. The skin condition is typically on the elbows, but can occur anywhere on the body.
Eczema often manifests itself as:
- Darker areas of skin
- Sensitive, red skin
- Swelling
- Bumps and blisters
How do you treat dry elbows
While there are many different reasons why you may have dry, cracked and rough skin on your elbows, there are also many ways to combat the problem.
Treat your elbows
If you suffer from dry elbows, it's important that you regularly moisturise your skin with high quality skin care products. Especially when you get out of the shower or have been swimming. But it's also a good idea to apply a good moisturising cream for dry elbows at night.
Australian Bodycare's Skin Care is a moisturising product with nourishing and soothing ingredients to help your dry skin regain its moisture balance.
The product is packed with moisture in a tube, and 100% natural Tea Tree Oil helps to counteract bacteria. The cream is suitable for elbows as well as other areas of the body that need a boost of moisture.
Stay hydrated
You can also help your dry elbows become soft again by moisturising them from the inside. The best way to do this is by drinking plenty of water.
Keep a water bottle by your side so you remember to drink enough water throughout the day.
Protect your skin from harsh weather and sharp objects
If you want to get your dry elbows back on track, you should think about protecting them as much as possible.
You can do this by wearing clothing that protects them from the wind and cold, but also from the sun.
You should also use mild body soaps and gentle exfoliation that doesn't irritate the skin.
How do you treat dry elbows with eczema?
If your dry elbows are caused by eczema, the most important thing is to treat them with nourishing, mild moisturisers.
If you can't treat your eczema adequately with moisturisers, it's recommended that you contact your doctor. He or she may recommend an adrenal cortex hormone cream or other harsher medications that can help treat your eczema.
FAQ
What is dry skin?
Dry skin is a skin condition where the skin can feel tight, itchy, rough, prickly and flaky.
Why are my elbows red?
You can get red elbows if your skin lacks moisture and has become very dry. Red elbows can also be caused by eczema.
Why is my elbow dark and dry?
A dark and dry elbow is caused by your skin not being in moisture balance, but is also seen as a specific symptom of eczema.
Can vitamin deficiency lead to dry elbows?
A lack of vitamin B can lead to dry elbows and dry skin elsewhere on the body.
How do I get rid of dry elbows?
You should moisturise your skin with a nourishing moisturiser and drink plenty of water. This way, you'll moisturise your skin inside and out.
Is vaseline good for dry elbows
Vaseline has an oily consistency that can moisturise your skin. Therefore, it can be an alternative to moisturising your skin. However, Vaseline doesn't care for your skin in the same way as a moisturiser does.
