Why do i have ashy elbows

This article discusses easy fixes for dry elbows and when to reach out to your healthcare professional for help. When elbows are dry, some of the causes are common, and improvement can be made with lifestyle adjustments. The dryness can also be a sign of an underlying condition. Some common reasons for dry elbows include exposure to cold air, frequent hot baths or showers, swimming, dry climates, or a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. Symptoms of dry elbows can include the following:.

Managing dry elbows can be an easy task. The key is understanding the reason why the elbows are dry in the first place. To combat dry elbows, it is important to keep the skin moisturized. Certain lifestyle habits can cause elbow dryness. When a person lives in a dry climate or is faced with extreme cold temperatures, dryness is inevitable. People who enjoy swimming tend to experience dry elbows and skin as well, due to the chlorine in the water.

Further, exposure to water that is frequent, like during showers and baths, can be a reason for dry elbows, especially if the water is too hot. Moisturizing the elbows can help with the dryness in all of these cases. Clothing can be another cause of dry elbows. Some people are allergic to natural fibers used in clothing, including wool, cotton, silk, and linen. In other cases, if the clothing is made of a man-made or synthetic material, like polyester, rubber, spandex, or rayon, this can cause dryness.

In addition, dyes and glues that are used in the process of making the clothing can also irritate the skin. If there is dryness, flakiness, or itching after wearing certain fabrics, stop wearing them. If the dryness or itching does not improve, contact a healthcare professional. Other factors that can cause dry elbows include stress, smoking, and certain medications. Ingredients in soaps and products that contact the skin can also irritate and dry out the skin.

When people are stressed, it can aggravate skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Smoking is known to dry out the skin and elbows because nicotine reduces blood flow. Medications such as diuretics water pills and retinoids used to treat acne and psoriasis are known to result in dry elbows as well.

If your medication is making your elbows dry and it is a concern, contact your doctor to discuss other options for treatment. Products that are known to seal in moisture and rehydrate the top layer of the skin have three main ingredients:.

Products like shea butter, cocoa butter, mineral oil, and aloe vera can help moisturize dry elbows. Research has found that incorporating specific humectants into a topical moisturizer for dry skin is important to reduce dryness. There are some additional causes for dry elbows as well. If you find that the area is consistently itching, infected, develops a rash, or is painful, contact your doctor right away so they can provide the proper treatment.

The following may also cause dry elbows:. Dry elbows are common. If you have lifestyle habits that cause dry elbows, try to change them or get a product that provides proper moisture for your skin and elbows.

At times, a separate product is suggested just for the elbows. They can help you with your concerns. Learn 10 tips for keeping your skin hydrated, and learn more about other causes of that dry skin. Cream, lotion, butter, whip? Get the scoop on which to use to treat your skin right. Here are 16 of the best sunscreens on the market in spray, lotion, and solid forms, and for different needs.

They're tried and true. Everyone can benefit from a good facial cleanser, and many products are specially formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Blue lips are most often caused when something is preventing you from getting enough oxygen into your body. Read on to discover some of the causes of…. Congested skin refers to skin that becomes bumpy, irritated, and acne-prone.

Learn what causes it and how to treat it. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Switch up your shower Stay moisturized Avoid irritating fabrics Prep for the weather Use the right products See your doctor Outlook Why your elbows are dry There are many possible reasons for why your elbows may not be as silky smooth as they once were.

Remedy 1: Re-evaluate your shower routine. Remedy 2: Use the right moisturizer. Remedy 3: Take note of your tops and outerwear. Remedy 4: Guard against the outside environment. Remedy 5: Choose the best skincare products for you.

When to see your doctor or dermatologist. Read this next. Remedies for Dark Elbows. How to Heal and Prevent Dry Hands. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. So how often should you exfoliate your elbows? Experts recommend increasing exfoliation to your elbows by using a gentle scrub two to three times per week. This one may sound a little bizarre, but experts recommend rubbing a banana peel in a circular motion on your elbows to reduce dryness.

Bananas are a fruit rich in vitamin C which aids in healing , and the peel has been scientifically shown contain both antifungal and antibiotic components. Rubbing a banana peel on your ashy elbows could help keep them healthy and healed. According to our trusted experts, using a humidifier to add moisture into the air can help hydrate and relieve dry skin. Have you worn a new top or blouse recently, or have you snuggled up into a new blanket?

If you have sensitive skin, some fabrics can cause irritation and lead to dryness. If you notice your elbows feel especially dry after coming into contact with a certain fabric, it may be worth looking into. Limit your contact with the material and take note of your symptoms. If they lessen once you remove that material, the dryness may be the result of fabric irritation.

When the weather changes, so do your skin care needs. Getting too much sun can severely dry out your skin, especially on your elbows. If you plan on being in the sun for an extended period of time, be sure to apply fragrance- sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

For optimal protection, reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Extremely cold temperatures can also dry out and dull the skin on your elbows.