Why my elbows itch

Sometimes we suffer some annoyances whose origin or cause are totally unknown to us and, although they may be slight, they can get to condition our day to day in a considerable way, and even affect our emotional and mental health due to the concern that 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 according to 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 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 you want to discover the reason for itching? In a COMO we answer your question of why your elbows are stinging .

Granites on the skin that itch for atopic dermatitis

If you usually suffer from itching in the area of ​​the elbows (and other joints or areas of your body) on a regular basis or for periods, and only show that symptom along with a redness or eczema of the area or the presence of small scabs by 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 a permanent eczema that worsens in the case of continuous and persistent scratching. Scabs can even be generated and blood can be produced by the intensity of the itching and subsequent scratching. The most common areas of appearance are:

• The elbows
• The area of ​​the face
• The knees
• The armpits
• The neck
• The back part of the auditory pavilions

As we 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. Although it can not be guaranteed when there will be a more intense outbreak, it does seem to be related to periods of greater stress or fatigue.

Rash on the arms and elbows from dermatitis herpetiformis

Another alteration that can also cause 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 dermatitis and herpetiformis is the appearance, not only of an 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 changes in the immune system and affects more aggressively in those times of life in which there is greater stress.

How to relieve the itching of elbows

First of all, if you are suffering from this discomfort, we recommend that you go to the doctor so that he can prescribe the appropriate medication that, in the case of the dermatitis described above, is probably a topical corticosteroid cream for occasional use in the affected area. , accompanied by oral antihistamines. But you can also supplement 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 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 in 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 generated 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 obtain a paste that you can apply on the elbows. Measure it for 10 minutes and remove it. You will notice the relief of itching.