Why the skin on the elbows, dry and what to do

What is special about the skin on the elbows

The skin in this area is not the same as the other parts of the body. Firstly, there is almost no sebaceous glands, the secret of which creates a water-lipid acid mantle. Because of this, the upper skin layer - epidermis - practically is not protected against moisture loss. Without a natural shield it starts to peel off and even crack.

Second, the skin on the elbows is in constant motion: to withstand the extra load, it has to stretch and grow coarse. However, this problem is not only the elbow, but also other joints: the same problem have the skin on the knees and ankles.

Dry skin on the elbows in itself is not dangerous, but it is not necessary to bring it to crack: after damage the deeper layers can get the bacteria and viruses that lead to more serious problems.

Which is why the skin becomes dry

Typically, the skin condition worsens during the cold season due dry air in the room, the temperature difference and the constant rubbing of clothing. However, the skin on the elbows can become dry and summer.

Here are the most common causes:

• Too aggressive cleanser which further dries the epidermis. For example, a conventional alkaline soap destroys the acid mantle of the skin, the epidermis, and you need two to six hours to restore the balance.
• Habit rely elbows on the table, because of which there is an additional pressure and friction.
• Rough or synthetic clothes, which irritates the skin.
• Accepted hotDry skin - Symptoms and Causes shower or going to the bath. At high temperature, the body loses moisture and primarily dehydration markedly sensitive areas. Prolonged baths damage the skin is greater than shower: A long stay in the water leaches the epidermis, that is, deprive him of the protection.
• Chlorinated water in the pool. On the vulnerable skin of the elbows are allergic to chemicals is particularly frequent.
• Lack of vitamins and trace elements, which stimulate skin renewal. The most valuable in our case - vitamins A and E, biotin and zinc.

How to help your skin

Without proper care skin on elbows quickly becomes rough. That's what dermatologists recommend:

• Try to spend less time in the water, particularly hot or chlorinated.
• Replace alkaline soap more sparing agents, pH closer to the acidity whichPH of the skin: from basic science to primary care Skin - from 4 to 6. Suitable synthetic means, e.g., with lactic acid in the composition. But soap with triclosan, sulfur or benzoyl peroxide should not be used every day.
• be sure to moisturize the skin after water treatment. So you restore the lipid layer is washed away. German dermatologist Yael Adler in his book "What hides skin. 2 square meters, which dictate how we live "tips for daily care creams are universal, but not organic oil. In its pure form, they, on the contrary, is washed out lipids and make the skin more dry land.
• Include in the diet productsSkin benefit: fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds, oily fish - all that is rich in antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids.
• Protect your skin from the sun, wind and cold: dress for the weather, and do not forget the sunscreen if you spend much time outdoors.
• If you do not have skin problems, do gentle exfoliation and light massage brush. Such procedures should not increase the frequency of twice a week.

When should you see a doctor

If, despite the care, the skin on the elbows, shelled, cracks, sores appear - standing guard. Perhaps, dryness is a sign of more serious health problems. Here are some of them:

• Hormonal disbalance. For example, reducing the level of estrogen, which helps the skin retain moisture. Fluctuations in this hormone is usually seenHow Does Menopause Affect the Skin? during menopause, pregnancy and menstruation.
• Diabetes and other disorders of the endocrine system. They affect the condition of the skin, and this is especially noticeable on the elbows and knees.
• AnemiaHow to Tell If You Have Iron Deficiency Anemia. In this disease, hemoglobin production is disturbed due to iron deficiency.
• Ulnar eczema. manifestedAtopic dermatitis (eczema) - Symptoms and Causes cracks and non-healing ulcers.
• Psoriasis. accompaniedPsoriasis - Symptoms and Causes scaly rash.

Noticing itself suspicious symptoms, make an appointment with the doctor. Definitive diagnosis can only be a specialist.