Sometimes we suffer some discomfort whose origin or cause is totally unknown to us and, although they may be mild, they can condition our day to day considerably, and even affect our emotional and mental health due to the concern that can produce us.
A clear example of these situations related to the health of our body is itching, also called pruritus, in any area of our body. It can appear and disappear according to the time of our life, but we do not know the reason for its presence and there are no more symptoms associated with it. The discomfort generated by this itching increases considerably if it occurs in certain areas of our body, which are more intimate or less accessible to relieve itching. Those that have a small amount of skin around them also cause more noticeable discomfort, such as in the joints, for example in the elbows. Is this your case and do you want to discover the reason for the itching? At we answer your question of why your elbows are itchy.
Pimples on the skin that itch from atopic dermatitis
If you usually suffer from itching in the area of the elbows (and in other joints or areas of your body) on a regular or seasonal basis, and you only show that symptom along with a redness or eczema of the area or the presence of small scabs from scratching, it is very likely that you suffer an alteration called atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a disease of unknown cause that usually appears in the first years of life. It usually develops in children and usually disappears over the years, but there are cases in which it is maintained during adulthood.
The skin is reddened, with permanent eczema that worsens in the event of continuous and persistent scratching. Even scabs can be generated and blood can be produced by the intensity of the itching and the consequent scratching. The most common areas of appearance are:
- Elbows
- The face area
- Knees
- The armpits
- The nape of the neck
- The back of the auditory pavilions
As we have already mentioned before, there is no specific cause for it to occur, there is simply an alteration in the immune system of the person who suffers from it. Although it cannot be assured when there will be an outbreak of greater intensity, it does seem to be related to times of greater stress or fatigue.
Rash on the arms and elbows from dermatitis herpetiformis
Another alteration that can also produce itching or pruritus of various intensities is dermatitis herpetiformis. This pathology is a chronic dermatitis that usually begins during youth or the first years of maturity.
The main difference between atopic and herpetiform dermatitis is the appearance, not only of eczema, but also of blisters or vesicles on the affected parts. The areas where this itching occurs with the wounds that are caused by scratching and the pathology itself are the elbows mainly and also in knees and sometimes in buttocks.
Like the previous alteration, it is also linked to modifications in the immune system and affects in a more aggressive way in those times of life in which there is greater stress.
How to relieve itchy elbows
First of all, if you are suffering from this discomfort, we advise you to go to the doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate medications that, in the case of the dermatitis described above, is probably a topical cream with corticosteroids for use in a timely manner in the affected area, accompanied by oral antihistamines. But you can also supplement symptom relief with some tricks and habits:
- Keep the skin well hydrated: one of the main characteristics of this type of alteration is the dryness of the skin, which contributes even more to the itching in the area. Use a moisturizer twice a day so that the area is well hydrated.
- Aloe vera gel: In addition to moisturizing the skin, aloe vera will also relieve the itching you suffer. Apply it to the area two or three times a day and you will notice a considerable improvement, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Cucumber paste: cucumber also has the ability to relieve itching thanks to the hydration it generates by the amount of water it contains. Take a cucumber, peel it and cut it into small pieces to crush it. Add a teaspoon of honey to get a paste that you can apply to your elbows. Keep it for 10 minutes and remove it. You will notice the relief of the itching.
Now that you know why my elbows are itchy, you may also be interested in this other article on How to get pimples out of my arms.
