The skin on the knees and elbows, in comparison with other parts of the body, is more susceptible to external influences and dryness, because it is located in the place of the most mobile joints. That is why the skin here needs special care and care, which most people do not. The problem requires a solution only when it takes on a significant scale: severe itching, pain, severe irritation on the elbow. Often, a rash on the elbows is the result of poor hygiene, but it can also be a sign of illness. So do not be irresponsible even to a small and minor rash.
Causes of rash on the elbows
The skin on the elbows and knees is a rather unusual location for the rashes, so do not ignore the irritation on the elbow. Most cases are symptoms of an allergic reaction, but similar signs may indicate some infectious diseases, such as rubella or chickenpox. In this case, the rash may also be accompanied by fever, general lethargy, rashes throughout the body.
Irritation on the elbow, which is accompanied by itching, may be the result of such diseases:
- eczema;
- hives;
- psoriasis;
- mycosis;
- atopic dermatitis;
- scabies;
- annular granuloma;
- molluscum contagiosum;
- follicular keratosis.
There are other, more serious diseases, so do not delay the visit to the doctor in the long box. If irritation on the elbow only appears on one arm, make sure it is not a reaction to an insect bite.
Ways to treat rashes
The method of treating irritations on the bend of the elbow is selected depending on the cause of the rash. Most often, irritation on the skin can be cured at home, without visiting medical facilities (hospital). Usually, the doctor prescribes antibacterial and hormonal drugs in the form of ointments, antibiotics, as well as a special moisturizer to get rid of dryness.
Remember that self-medication of skin irritations on the elbows can only aggravate the situation, since all medicines have their contraindications and side effects. So it is better to entrust the treatment to a professional.
And now it's worth figuring out what disease can cause rashes and how to get rid of it. It is allowed to use alternative methods of treatment. Honey is considered a good product. If there is no allergy to it, then you need to apply it to the affected areas. In addition, use decoctions of chamomile, take an herbal bath. Relieves inflammation and cottage cheese, which must be applied to the skin. Fresh and pickled cabbage has the same effect. Among the useful herbs and yarrow. One of the folk remedies for skin irritation. Boil pomegranate juice over low heat for half an hour, cool, mix in a ratio of 1: 1 by volume with honey. Store in a cool dark place. Lubricate the skin several times a day.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a hereditary disease that can occur at any age. Even irritation on the elbows of a child for this reason is not a rare occurrence. By the way, the exact reasons for its occurrence are still not fully known. There is an assumption that psoriasis may be the result of metabolic disorders, stressful situations, severe infectious diseases or injuries to the skin.
It manifests itself in the form of peeling and redness of the skin. The main thing is to notice the first signs of the disease in time and consult a doctor for timely treatment, otherwise the rash will spread throughout the body, and after it will be more difficult to get rid of it. Psoriasis is dangerous for its complications: it can be arthritis or inflammatory processes in the joints.
The rash with psoriasis is very itchy, small pimples appear from the very first days. To eliminate the symptoms help tar from birch, celandine bath, as well as photo and ozone therapy. In most cases, doctors prescribe hormonal drugs, salicylic or ichthyol ointment, antihistamines and topical preparations with zinc.
Hives
Urticaria blisters occur as a result of an allergic reaction. In the place of the rash on the skin, puffiness manifests itself and it looks like a nettle burn, therefore the name of the disease received the corresponding - urticaria. In most cases, antihistamines for the treatment of the disease are quite enough. Usually, Zodak, hormonal drugs, Claritin, and enterosorbents help well.
Eczema
This disease causes irritation on the elbows and is manifested by a small rash on the inside of the elbow and on the knees. In the early days, these are small pimples-bubbles under the skin. Rash causes itching, and when combed, fluid appears. By the way, eczema can be a manifestation of complicated atopic dermatitis.
To get rid of the disease, it is necessary to remove from the environment all possible sources of allergens: pets, avoid dust, hide down and feather pillows. To reduce symptoms, it is recommended to use sedatives, naphthalene and tar ointments, Bepanten and Panthenol.
Atopic dermatitis
If you run an allergy, then it can develop into atopic dermatitis. It manifests itself in the form of irritation on the inside of the elbow, accompanied by severe itching. In this case, an allergic reaction of the body can be to anything, in particular to household chemicals, certain medications, foods and nutrition.
To find out what caused the disease, do special tests. This is necessary in order to avoid contact with the allergen. For the treatment of atopic dermatitis, antihistamines and topical preparations are prescribed, for example, "Erythromycin" or "Lincomycin ointment", in rare cases, antibiotics are prescribed.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a viral disease that can be obtained in the domestic environment. Irritation on the elbow from the outside manifests itself in the form of rather large dense white pimples, which, when pressed, become even more white due to the internal contents. When combing, the disease spreads rapidly throughout the body.
In children, it is practically not treated with drugs, because it is believed that the body must cope with it. Only medications can be prescribed to strengthen the immune system, in some cases it is recommended to remove the rashes with liquid nitrogen. In severe cases, antibiotics are prescribed.
Granuloma annular
This disease is characteristic mainly for children under 10 years old. Rashes in the form of small pimples disappear on their own, the granuloma does not pose any threat to health and is chronic.
It has not yet been precisely determined what causes the development of annular granulomas. Some experts suggest that it is hereditary. As it appears, this disease disappears without any special causes and consequences. To eliminate the symptoms, non-steroidal topical preparations, hormonal or corticosteroid ointments are used. Sometimes in the largest congestion of pimples use “Diapsone” or “Acetonide”.
Allergy
If irritation on the elbows itches, then this may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Skin peeling may also occur. It is necessary to stop contact with the allergen. The doctor usually prescribes antihistamines and topical drugs to eliminate the inflammatory process.
An allergy is dangerous because it spreads uncontrollably and very quickly. So at the first signs of swelling, immediately take an allergy medication and consult your doctor for help.
Mycosis
Mycosis refers to fungal skin diseases. Basically, it occurs in those places where the level of perspiration is increased: the groin area, the inside of the elbow, on the knees, between the fingers. Rashes are accompanied by severe and intolerable itching.
Mycosis rarely occurs on the elbows. But it can develop if the infection of the disease began in this place, as well as if the disease was launched and began to spread throughout the body.
Orally prescribed "Griseofulvin" or "Diflucan", of the local drugs recommend "Mycoseptin" or "Mykozolon."
Follicular keratosis
The common name for the disease is chicks. Most often occurs on the skin just above the ulnar region and on the fingers. Along with rashes, itching and dryness of the skin occur. The cause of the disease can be an insufficient amount of vitamins in the body, stress, cold, as well as violations of the endocrine system.
Treatment of chicks is prescribed depending on the cause of their appearance. Most often, these are special ointments, a balanced diet, vitamin complexes, the termination of contacts with possible allergens, as well as quartzing of the skin.
Scabies
The favorite place to “settle” the scabies mite is the skin on the elbows, because it is the driest and thinnest there. Mange is manifested in the form of small red pimples, which are then converted into blisters. Symptoms also include severe itching, which intensifies at night. The disease is easy to pick up in everyday life: in transport, hospital, kindergarten and school.
If scabies is detected, a course of treatment is prescribed to all family members. Disinfect clothing and bedding well. Usually, the treatment of the disease consists of antihistamines, sulfuric ointment and special lotions. Moreover, you need to process not only the rash site, but the whole body.
What should be done at the first sign of a rash?
- First of all, you need to contact a specialist to establish an accurate diagnosis and competent treatment;
- disinfect and keep the rash clean;
- In no case should you comb the rash, otherwise you can bring the infection;
- with an allergic reaction, itching can be reduced, for example, using the Fenistil gel.
In most cases, a rash in the elbow area does not mean anything serious, but it is not worth it to be irresponsible. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe the right course of therapy. To exclude the possibility of developing a serious disease and various complications, do not self-medicate. It is better to recognize the sore in time and immediately eliminate it, so that then you do not deal with the consequences.