More and more people are concerned about the appearance of their skin, their face and their hair. What before seemed a feminine issue, every day is gaining more ground in the masculine field, causing them to also worry about their appearance.
There are some areas that are the stars, skin, forehead or hands monopolize most of the care in terms of skin treatments, however, there are other areas of the body, more neglected, that suffer from the problems of inattention.
The elbows are the great forgotten of our body, so it is not surprising that in many people they look cracked and dry. The fact that we see them directly influences this, which is why the presence of dry elbows is so common in so many people. In the following FastlyHealarticle we will talk about them: dry elbows: causes and home remedies , so that you are clear about the cause that originates them and what treatments exist to end them.
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Causes of dry elbows
The fact that the elbows become dry, whitish and flaky does not have a single reason. Depending on the person, there may be a preponderance of one factor or another, so below we will talk about the most frequent causes that cause it:
- The thicker the skin, the more prone it is to dry out, and since the skin on the elbow is one of the thickest on the body, it is normal for it to tend to dry out.
- During much of the day the elbows are in continuous friction with the support surfaces, this causes what is known as hyperkeratosis , the thickening of the skin in this area, caused by the accumulation of keratin.
- Using too strong soaps or lotions can cause the skin to dry out, especially around the elbows and knees.
- Chronic diseases and skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis lead to dry elbows.
- The lack of nutrients such as vitamin E and vitamin A are also evident in a dry elbows.
- The elbows are one of the areas of the body that we wash the worst, either because we do not pay attention or because we do not pay enough attention, this causes them to dry out in some cases.
Home remedies for dry elbows
Home remedies to treat dry elbows should be geared towards two different goals. On the one hand, exfoliation must be used to minimize the thickness of the skin and on the other hand, hydrate the dermis so that it is constantly moist. Here we explain some of the best home remedies to treat this condition.
Exfoliation for dry elbows
- A very simple way to exfoliate dry elbows is to use a natural sponge while you shower. Giving you circular massages you will be able to eliminate the most superficial layer of dead skin, ensuring that the one that grows is born healthy.
- Another option is to make a homemade scrub with sugar and olive oil. Mix two tablespoons of the sweetener with 3 tablespoons of olive oil and, later, apply it in circular movements on the skin of the elbow. Leave 10 minutes for the mixture to act and rinse it off with a warm bath.
- Squeeze a lemon and put it in a cup, then mix it with two tablespoons of baking soda. Stir it until it forms a thick paste and rub it on the elbows, leaving it to act for 15 minutes.
Hydration of the elbows
When you already have your elbows exfoliated, the next thing is to provide them with enough hydration so that they do not damage more. For this you have different alternatives that we will explain below:
- If you opt for a moisturizer you must make sure that it contains vitamin E and aloe vera, which will provide you with the necessary nutrients to keep the skin on your elbows hydrated.
- Rubbing oil on your elbows will keep them in a perfect state of hydration: coconut oil, olive oil or lavender oil are perfect for these cases. What you should not do is use fragrant oils or alcohol, as they will make your condition even worse.
- Cut some butter and melt it for 10 seconds in the microwave. Then rub the liquid over your elbows, massaging in a circular motion for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Either with the moisturizing cream, with some oil or with butter, after applying it, cover your elbows with plastic wrap, letting it act for half an hour.
Other tips for dry elbows
In addition to home remedies for dry elbows, we recommend making some changes to your lifestyle to prevent this condition from reproducing:
- If you suffer from eczema or psoriasis on the elbows, it is necessary that you visit your doctor to prescribe an appropriate treatment.
- Try using a gentler, naturally derived soap to see if the symptoms go away.
- Do you know the properties of vitamin E for your skin? Increase the consumption of foods rich in this protein to treat dry elbows.
- Another way to prevent this condition of the dermis is to avoid dry environments, for example, using a humidifier in the rooms where you spend more time, especially in winter.
- Avoid spending too much time in the shower and do not do it with very hot water.
- If the skin is very rough, you can choose to use the pumice stone, taking special care not to cause any wound or bleeding.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Dry elbows: causes and home remedies , we recommend that you enter our category of Aesthetic treatments .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.