Sometimes we suffer some annoyances whose origin or cause is totally unknown to us and, although they may be mild, they can considerably condition our day-to-day life, and even affect our emotional and mental health due to the concern that it can cause 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 depending on the time of our life, but we do not know the reason for its presence and there are no other symptoms associated with it. The discomfort caused by this itching increases considerably if it occurs in certain areas of our body, which are more intimate or less accessible in order to relieve the itching. Those that have little amount of skin around them also cause more notable discomfort, such as in the joints, for example in the elbows. Is this your case and you want to discover the reason for the itchiness? In oneHOWTO we answer your question about why are your elbows itching.
Itchy bumps on the skin from atopic dermatitis
If you usually suffer from itching in the elbow area (and in other joints or areas of your body) regularly or for periods, and you only show this symptom along with redness or eczema of the area or the presence of small scabs from scratching , it is very likely that you suffer a condition called atopic dermatitis.
Atopic dermatitis is a disease of unknown cause that usually appears in the first years of life. It normally develops in children and usually disappears over the years, but there are cases in which it persists during adulthood.
The skin is reddened, with permanent eczema which worsens in the case of continuous and persistent scratching. Scabs and blood can even be generated due to the intensity of the itching and subsequent scratching. The most common areas of appearance are:
- The elbows
- The face area
- The knees
- Armpits
- The neck
- The back of the auditory pinna
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 it. Although it cannot be certain when there will be a more intense outbreak, it does seem to be related to times of greater stress or fatigue.
Rash on arms and elbows from dermatitis herpetiformis
Another alteration that can also cause itching or itching of various intensities is the dermatitis herpetiformis. This pathology is a chronic dermatitis that usually begins during youth or the first years of maturity.
The main difference between atopic dermatitis and herpetiformis 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 caused by scratching and the pathology itself are mainly the elbows and also on the knees and sometimes on the buttocks.
Like the previous alteration, it is also linked to modifications in the immune system and it affects in a more aggressive way in those times of life in which there is a greater stress.
How to relieve itchy elbows
In the first place, 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 specific way in the affected area. , accompanied by oral antihistamines. But you can also complement the relief of symptoms with some tricks and habits:
- Keep the skin well hydrated: one of the main characteristics of this type of alterations is the dryness of the skin, which contributes even more to the itchiness in the area. Use a moisturizer twice a day so that the area is well hydrated.
- Aloe vera gel: In addition to hydrating the skin, aloe vera will also relieve the itchiness 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 due to 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 for a paste that you can apply to your elbows. Keep it for 10 minutes and remove it. You will notice the relief of the itch.
Now that you know why my elbows itch, you may also be interested in this other oneHOWTO article on How to get pimples out of my arms.
This article is merely informative, at oneHOWTO we do not have the power to prescribe any medical treatment 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 Why do my elbows itch, we recommend that you enter our Family Health category.
References
(1) http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/es/d/Jh2920s/9.2.html#Jh2920s.9.2
(2) http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/es/d/Jh2920s/16.3.html