Got Dark Elbows? 8 home remedies that work!

A condition or substance that triggers the skin to create additional melanin could cause dark spots and patches on the skin. Melanin gives colour to skin. Dark elbows have no treatment or cure. However, treatments and home remedies might temporarily reduce the appearance of dark elbows.

Some common causes of dark elbows include:

• certain medications, such as birth control pills
• a healed scar 
• psoriasis
• some skin conditions
• skin care products
• hormone fluctuations from pregnancy or other conditions
• a buildup of dead skin
• sun exposure
• age spots
• freckles

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People with dark skin tones develop dark skin patches on the elbows and other parts of the body at a comparatively higher rate.

Treatment options for dark elbows: 

 The treatment options could vary among individuals depending on the cause.

Some over the counter (OTC) creams and ointments might be effective for some people. 

Also, creams that lighten skin could sometimes cause skin irritation. When a rash, itchiness or redness occurs, a person should discontinue the use of the product.

If OTC or home remedies do not work, a person could talk to their doctor about prescription strength creams and ointments.

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In some cases, the doctor might recommend laser therapy. However, laser therapy might cause additional skin irritation that could make dark skin worse. Explore Gytree’s dermatology packages to get the experts guidance.

Prevention from dark elbows: 

Sometimes, triggers of dark elbows might be preventable with proper skin care, such as:

• using sunblock
• taking care of wounds on the skin
• avoiding harsh cleaning and skin care products
• A person can manage skin conditions, like psoriasis by using regular treatment.
• A person could also take steps such as:
• keeping the elbows clean and moist
• use exfoliating soaps for the elbows
• applying sunblock before going into the sun and reapplying it regularly when in the sun

Home remedies to lighten: 

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Home remedies are used for lightening dark elbows. For one, they are relatively inexpensive. They also do not pose side effects like medicated products could. Try the following methods:

• Aloe vera

Studies suggest that aloe vera could lighten the skin. This is due to the process known as alpha adrenergic receptor stimulation, which occurs when one applies the product to the skin. Use gels or lotions with aloe vera, and apply up them twice a day.

• Baking soda

Baking soda has both exfoliating and skin lightening properties that might help treat dark elbows. Add one teaspoon at a time with water in a bowl. Keep adding and mixing well until one has a desired amount of product. Then, apply directly to the elbows.

Treat the process as a face mask, where one leaves the product on for about 10 to 15 minutes and then rinses off. Repeat twice per week. But avoid using baking soda on the face.

• Citrus fruits

Things like lemons are rich in citric acid. Squeeze out the juice and apply it on the skin daily for better results.

• Oatmeal and yogurt

Both oatmeal and yogurt have soothing qualities that could add extra moisture to dry skin. Make a mask, apply it on the skin and rinse off after 30 minutes.

• Turmeric

This ingredient comes from an Indian root plant that’s like ginger. Turmeric powder might help a variety of skin conditions when used as a paste.

Mix the powder with water, and then apply directly to the elbows. Leave on for up to 10 minutes and then rinse off.

Skin care that could be used: 

• Cleanse and moisturize

Take time to make sure one wash the elbows daily when in the shower or bath, and always follow up with a moisturizer. one could also put on a thicker moisturizing agent on top of the daily body lotion, such as coconut oil or aloe vera. Products containing soy, lignin, ellagic acid, and vitamin B3 could also lighten skin.

• Exfoliate the elbows

In addition to moisturizing the elbows for softness, one will need to take steps to get rid of dead skin cells and prevent their accumulation. Exfoliating the skin is required to be done at least twice a week.

You might use an exfoliating body wash or a sugar scrub for extra intensity. Make sure one rubs the product onto the elbows in a smooth, circular motion.

Also, do not rub very hard; this might only irritate the skin around the elbows and make any perceived imperfections more noticeable.

• Wear sunscreen

You should also wear sunscreen every day. When the arms are exposed to the sun, be sure to apply a broad spectrum sunscreen 15 minutes beforehand. Due to the stretch in elbow area applying sunscreen becomes often difficult and needs extra care.

It is also important to keep in mind that sunscreen not only protects the skin, but it also helps preserve the effects of any treatments one uses.