Knees and elbows are the areas most susceptible to injury. When falling backwards, they often land on their elbows, push forward - and they suffer again. That is why so often a rash on the knees and elbows of adults and children (this is especially true for them) appears initially here - in places that are involved everywhere. On the elbows themselves, the rash can be of different locations: on the outside, on the folds, on the side, etc. The same applies to the knees, and there are many reasons for this.
When a child has pimples and itches on his elbows, you should pay attention to this, because the pathology can be contagious. Bumps on the knees are no less rare.
Causes of rash on elbows
The skin can be damaged not only from the outside in the form of a rash, but also from the inside by:
- infections;
- allergic reactions;
- trophic and innervation disorders in chronic diseases;
- for oncology;
- from old age.
- diaper dermatitis;
- chickenpox, scarlet fever, rubella, measles;
- food allergies;
- prickly heat;
- skin irritation from contact with clothing washed with allergenic powder;
- bites of stinging and blood-sucking insects;
- skin contact with some plants (nettle).
- hives;
- atopic dermatitis;
- eczema;
- psoriasis;
- lichen;
- scabies;
- mycoses (rare).
The causes of a rash on the elbows and knees of a child can be:
In adults, the etiology is to some extent determined by age. In the elderly, for example, there is a clear connection between the rash and the use of certain medications, stress, metabolic and dystrophic disorders and inflammation (neurodermatitis, bursitis, etc.). Since the structure of the skin and elbows, as well as the function of these areas, is practically the same, everything said in the following will apply to both areas.
There are some pathologies that tend to affect the elbows: for example, a common cause is the constant friction of the elbows on the surface of tables and desks.
Such constant contact creates a certain degree of humidity and temperature, microcracks appear in the skin, microbes settle in them, multiply, and cause inflammation.
This is especially common when working at a computer desk, bartenders, accountants, etc. The skin on the elbows is sensitive, dry and prone to peeling.
The following factors may also cause a rash on the elbows and knees in children and adults:
Reasons for appearance
This may be the result of an allergic reaction to soap or various cosmetics, household chemicals, medications, or pet hair. After an insect bite, you can also find pimples that itch. Rashes often occur due to plants whose pollen is an allergen.
With measles, chickenpox, hemorrhagic fever, rubella and herpes zoster, rashes may also appear on the knees and elbows.
Intestinal and stomach diseases make themselves felt through rashes on the knee. The same effect provokes natural overheating or hypothermia. Often, formations on the knees and joints can be caused by a malfunction of certain organs. In this case, the rashes on the elbows become itchy and small reddish rashes begin to appear.
This symptom can be associated with vitamin deficiency or insufficient amounts of certain microelements in the body. In this case, the doctor will prescribe a course of treatment, which will include medications containing vitamin A and C.
Acne can occur as a result of the following diseases:
- Eczema.
- Granuloma annulare.
- Psoriasis.
- Atopic dermatitis.
Eczema is characterized by inflammation of certain areas of the skin that become red and itchy.
Acne appears on the knees and elbows, they appear periodically and then disappear. This disease is typical for both adults and children. Each new rash looks like a bubble with liquid, which periodically bursts, causing itching and peeling.
If the case is advanced, the area of skin with eczema may bleed and present as an open wound. Before consulting a doctor, you need to thoroughly wash the affected area and treat it with an antiseptic.
Granuloma annulare is most susceptible to women, but the disease also occurs in men and children.
The rash does not cause particularly unpleasant sensations; only the aesthetic side suffers. Psoriasis is a hereditary disease characterized by pimples on the joints. The rash is very itchy and itchy. This disease is extremely unpleasant and incurable. Its symptoms can only be relieved temporarily, but the disease almost always returns.
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by clusters of small pimples that are itchy and can be very itchy. It can be caused by contact with strong toxins or certain allergens. Most often, such a reaction is possible to cosmetics, medications, fabrics, foods, animals, etc.
Children can also get acne on their knees and elbows. It could be chickenpox, rubella or shingles. At best, it could be an allergic reaction to pollen, an insect bite, soap or laundry detergent. Also, the baby may eat something that will then cause rashes on the baby’s skin.
Nature of the rash
The rash in these areas can be located: on the inside or outside of the elbow, on the kneecap, on the inside of the knee, above and below the knee.
A rash under the knee is almost always combined with the same on the elbow, and its cause is often a chronic allergy. The outer side of the elbow and knee is “loved” by fungi.
Rashes come in the form of: small dots, red spots, white blisters, cracks, peeling, and bumps.
Blisters and blisters should never be squeezed out. Accompanied by the rash may be:
But the rash may not be accompanied by additional symptoms. Wetting indicates a bacterial etiology of the rash.
Diseases with rash on elbows
Among them are the following: granuloma annulare, psoriasis, eczema, pityriasis versicolor.
Granuloma annulare is a type of chronic rash that is common in women and children. The bodies of such people are usually healthy. The etiology of the rash is unknown. A rash in the form of round ring-shaped papules appears on the elbows, knees and hands.
There is no danger in it, except for disturbing the appearance. Communicating with stray animals or caring for sick animals if protective measures are not observed can lead to the appearance of ringworm, scabies, and the infestation of fleas from animals on the body. All these lesions cause a rash to appear in the indicated areas.
Treatment of rashes for various diseases
Treatment depends entirely on the source of the rash. Hospital admission is usually not required; skin irritation can be treated at home. Most likely, the specialist will prescribe antibacterial, hormonal ointments, antibiotics, and a special moisturizer. You should not self-medicate, as this can only cause harm, because hormonal ointments, for example, are not used for children under 7 years of age, and almost all medications have side effects and contraindications.
A rash in the area of the elbow joints is a characteristic sign of psoriasis. This is a hereditary disease, it can appear at any age, its causes have not been studied. Perhaps this is a metabolic disorder, stress, the consequences of past infections or skin damage. Psoriasis manifests itself as redness and peeling of the skin. If the disease is started, it will cover a large area and will be difficult to treat. Complications can include inflammation in the joints and arthritis.
A child with psoriasis is bothered by severe itching; acne occurs at the initial stage of the disease. Birch tar, medicinal baths with the addition of celandine, ozone therapy and phototherapy will help relieve symptoms. Doctors usually prescribe hormonal drugs, Ichthyol or Salicylic ointment, antihistamine tablets and local preparations with zinc.
In advanced cases, allergies grow to the size of atopic dermatitis. It looks like small pimples that are very itchy. An allergen can be anything, often food, household chemicals, medicines and much more. To determine the cause of the allergy, the doctor will prescribe special tests; contact with the allergen must be eliminated. The rashes are most often localized on the inner surface of the elbow, on the legs, wrists, but can appear on any part of the body.
In children, atopic dermatitis occurs due to weakened immunity and gastrointestinal disorders. It is treated with antihistamines and external agents: Erythromycin and Lincomycin ointments, and, if necessary, antibiotics.
The rash usually appears on the inside of the elbow and on the knees. In the initial stage, eczema looks like small blisters under the skin. They itch and when damaged, fluid is released. Eczema pimples can be a complication of atopic dermatitis.
If eczema appears in an infant, the mother needs to follow a diet and limit allergenic foods. Remove all possible sources of allergies from the interaction area: dust, pets, down pillows, etc. To relieve the symptoms of eczema, sedatives, Tar ointment, Naftalan paste, Panthenol, Bepanten are usually prescribed. You can see what eczema looks like in the photo.
Granuloma annulare mainly affects children under 10 years of age. Pimples appear on the elbows, knees and hands and often go away on their own without treatment. This disease is not dangerous and is chronic.
The causes of granuloma annulare are not fully understood. It is believed that it is inherited. It can appear and then disappear for no apparent reason. To treat granulomas, non-steroidal local agents, corticosteroid and hormonal ointments are used. The lesions are injected with Acetonide or Diapsone.
Mycosis is a fungal skin disease. Most often it appears in places with high humidity: on the inside of the elbows and knees, between the fingers, in the groin area. Mycosis causes severe itching. A rash rarely appears on the elbows only if infection has occurred through this area or an advanced form has spread.
Mycosis is treated with local remedies: Mikozolon, Mikoseptin, Mifungar. Diflucan, Griseofulvin and others are taken internally.
Follicular keratosis, popularly called pimples, is usually localized on the skin of the arms above the elbow and on the fingers. The rash is accompanied by dryness and slight itching. Chicks occur due to a lack of vitamins, exposure to a stressful situation, cold, and endocrine disorders.
Treatment for keratosis pilaris depends on the cause of its appearance. Usually, special ointments, proper nutrition, exclusion of allergens, vitamin therapy, and quartz treatment of the skin are prescribed.
This is a viral disease and can be contracted through household means. Local manifestations look like dense white pimples (see also: pimples appear on the cheeks of a newborn). If you press on them, you can discern the white contents. The rashes are quite large, usually located in the elbow, under the knee, under the armpits. You should not allow your child to scratch the rash, because then the disease will quickly spread throughout the body.
Experts believe that the child’s body must overcome the disease itself by developing immunity to it, so no specific treatment is prescribed. The doctor can only prescribe drugs to increase general immunity, remove rashes with liquid nitrogen, and in severe cases, antibiotics. In the photo you can distinguish the characteristic features of molluscum contagiosum.
Hives blisters are a manifestation of an allergic reaction of the body. The site where the rash appears swells and looks like a nettle burn, hence the name. With proper treatment with antihistamines, it goes away quickly. Urticaria is treated with Zodak, Claritin, hormonal agents, and enterosorbents.
Thin and dry skin on the elbows is a favorite habitat for scabies mites. At first the pimples are small and red in color, then they turn into watery blisters. Scabies is accompanied by severe itching, which gets worse at night. Scabies spreads through household means - it can easily be contracted in transport, clinics, schools or kindergartens.
If the doctor detects scabies, all family members will have to be treated. All clothing and bedding will need to be thoroughly processed. Scabies is treated with antihistamines, sulfur ointment, and lotions. During treatment, not only the affected area is treated, but also healthy skin of the entire body.
A red rash on the elbows is a manifestation of an allergy. It also causes itching and flaking. In this case, exclude the child from interacting with the allergen. A pediatric allergist will prescribe antihistamines to relieve symptoms and local remedies to relieve inflammation.
Lack of body and clothing care
Wearing dirty clothes contributes to the proliferation of pathological flora on the body. Unwashed skin is extremely attractive to mosquitoes, mosquitoes, and various ticks. They love the smell of sweat. Mosquitoes, for example, can smell it at a distance of 10-15 meters.
Such skin poses a danger from wasp and bee stings. Dirty skin will contribute to the appearance of a pustular rash. Its unwashed surface has enlarged pores, where allergens and infections can easily penetrate.
Eczema
Eczema causes a rash, an inflammatory reaction on the skin, flaking, redness and itching. The disease is characterized by periodic disappearance and appearance of a rash. Pathology can manifest itself as rashes not only on the elbows, but also on the knees and other open areas of the body. First, pinkish blisters appear, which then crack, itching and peeling begin, then crusts appear, they become wet, and a watery liquid oozes from the wound.
The essence of the pathology is that there is a failure in the nervous regulation of the trophic processes of the skin. Moreover, all types of disorders are present at the same time - destruction of skin structures and the process of its regeneration. But attempts at “repair” remain unsuccessful, everything ends in tissue degeneration. There is no complete healing, so an episode of remission inevitably gives way to an exacerbation.
On the skin you can see areas with active red inflammation and tissue in the scarring stage (all shades of pink). At the border between inflammation and healthy skin, a strip of peeling appears, covered with whitish scales. They can be completely separated and free or still remain connected to the skin.
Prevention
The rules to avoid rashes are simple. It is important to clean the cover with soap and water when returning home. It is advisable to wear clean underwear, especially those clothes that come into direct contact with the skin. It is necessary to avoid sources of allergies and infections, and to prevent the occurrence of wounds in the joint area. If an abrasion appears, it should be immediately treated with disinfectants. It is important to maintain health by protecting the body from mental stress and physical exhaustion. To do this, it is recommended to take walks in the fresh air and follow a routine of work, sleep and rest.
News MirTesen
Allergic reactions
Allergies to the knees and elbows in adults and children develop according to the same pattern and are associated with the release of biologically active substances - histamine, which causes unbearable itching. There is only one reason - contact with an allergen. This may be exposure to household chemicals, temperature changes, consumption of certain products, inappropriate cosmetics, dust, pollen, washing powders.
The cause of the allergy can sometimes be assumed depending on the location of the rash: for example, if the diet is overloaded with sweets, the rash will be on the inside of the elbows; from the outside - the effect of chemical allergens, etc.
How are acne treated?
If a rash appears on the knees, you need to immediately determine the cause, and then begin treatment, because this is only a symptom, which can be gotten rid of after eliminating the provocateur. A general practitioner, dermatologist, or immunologist will help you decide on a therapeutic regimen. Traditional medicine will help provide symptomatic treatment. Chamomile and oregano in the form of a decoction for drinking, chamomile for a bath serve as a means of relieving itching when the joints itch. It is advisable to use aloe-based gels, antihistamine lotion and olive oil for acne on the knees. It should be applied to clean and dry skin, gently rubbing. Cosmetics that cause allergies are excluded.
Depending on the disease, the following complexes are prescribed:
Diet and hormonal drugs (in the form of ointment) to eliminate granuloma annulare.
The method of treatment is a complex of products that help restore health. It is recommended to consume fruits and vegetables, grains, liver and fish oil (contained in Omega-3). You should not forget about citrus fruits. They provide the body with ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
Manifestations of allergies on the elbows
After contact with the allergen, the elbow area swells and severe itching occurs. The rash occurs in the form of papules and blisters, they are almost the same size. Their contents are transparent. All elements of the rash tend to appear simultaneously, they do not have clear boundaries, they tend to merge.
If contact with the allergen continues, the rash spreads to the entire surface of the elbow joint. Over time, the bubbles burst, leaving a wet surface, increasing the risk of infection. If the allergen is removed, the rash disappears without a trace.
Preventive recommendations
There are no special preventive measures, but there are simple rules that should be followed:
- maintain body hygiene and promptly moisturize dry areas of the skin;
- avoid mechanical damage to the knees and elbows;
- consume large amounts of vegetables and fruits;
- a course of vitamin therapy is recommended twice a year;
- avoid tactile contact with people suffering from fungal diseases;
- minimize contact with allergens, especially pesticides;
- work with household chemicals (cleaning powders, dishwashing detergents) wearing thick rubber gloves.
Nursing mothers are advised to follow a diet: avoid large amounts of coffee and chocolate, seafood, concentrated juices, oranges and tangerines. Allergens received by the mother due to poor nutrition may not bother the woman, but are transmitted through breast milk to her baby and cause an atopic rash in him.
Clothes for children are preferably made from natural fabrics. Large manufacturers of household chemicals are developing children's series of antiallergic baby care products: washing powders, shampoos, washing gels. There is no need to wait for the symptoms of allergic dermatitis to appear - it is better to immediately, from birth, use special products from the children's line.
Pimples or spots can appear on any part of the skin, but in some cases the rash is characterized by a favorite location. Places where pathological elements accumulate are often the areas of the elbows and knees. When rashes appear there, it is worth taking a closer look.
Drug therapy
The cause of the rash, the age of the patient, the type and size of the rash are taken into account. May be assigned:
- Antibacterial agents - help destroy pathogens, thereby relieving inflammation and itching. There are a variety of release forms, which is convenient for any age. These drugs prevent the development of infection and complications.
- Antiseptic medications - these solutions treat the entire affected surface of the skin. They have drying and antibacterial properties. This prevents further infection and spread of pathology to other areas. Moisturizers are indicated for dry skin, peeling and cracks.
- Hormonal ointments are the most powerful remedies against rashes. They have high anti-inflammatory properties, but in case of overdose they cause side effects. Can only be used as prescribed by a doctor.
- For rashes and pimples on the folds of the arms and legs in children, symptomatic remedies are prescribed: antihistamines, pain and fever relievers; ointments, gels with regenerating, cooling effects.
After the rash has resolved, treatment will be aimed at suppressing the body’s inappropriate immune system response to:
Self-medication without testing can be dangerous.
For scabies, acaricidal external agents such as sulfur ointment, benzyl benzoate, sodium thiosulfate, permethrin, etc. are used.
For eczema, the mandatory and most important thing at the beginning of treatment is the prescription of sedatives. For local treatment, hydrocortisone, prednisolone, zinc ointment, Soderm, Advantan are indicated. Baths with a decoction of string, celandine, and calendula will help dry wet areas.
For psoriasis, ointments and creams will help - “Daivobet”, “Akrustal”, “Elokom”. Taking vitamins and photochemotherapy is mandatory.
If the cause of the rash on the elbows and knees of a child is an allergic reaction, then the allergen must first be determined. This is difficult for children; here the mother must find it herself. In addition to local treatment, it is necessary to take antiallergic drugs. They suppress the production of histamine and relieve itching. These drugs include: “Pipolfen”, “Tavegil”, “Suprastin”, “Claritin”, “Erius”, “Diphenhydramine”, etc. Today there are 4 generations of such drugs and they have a wide range of release forms.
If the tablets are ineffective, the drugs are administered parenterally. For severe allergies on the elbows and knees, glucocorticosteroids are used - Prednisolone, Hydrocortisone, Dexamethasone, etc. Also indicated for topical use are: Flucinar, Cetirizine, Laticort, Rupafin, Fluorocort, “Loratadine”, “Celestoderm”, “Fenistil”, etc.
If granuloma annulare is diagnosed, then for concomitant infections, anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs to improve microcirculation are prescribed - “Tocopherol”, “Actovegin”, “Retinol”. Sometimes the affected areas are injected with “Dapsone” or “Acetonide” (anti-leprosy, antibacterial). Cryotherapy is also used.
For mycosis, antimycotics are prescribed locally and orally: Fluconazole, Mycoseptin, Nystatin, Ketoconazole, Clotrimazole, etc. To improve metabolic processes, biostimulants are used - Aloe extract, Phibs, vitamins, blood circulation stimulants (Mildronat) , "Ripronat").
For general improvement and maintenance of tone, physiotherapy is indicated: magnetic therapy, ultraviolet irradiation, radon baths, etc.
Diagnosis and treatment of rashes
A dermatologist diagnoses rashes. The specialist conducts a visual examination of the rash and collects an anamnesis. In some cases, a general blood test may be prescribed. A number of laboratory tests are carried out: scrapings for the presence of infections and fungal parasites. It is important to identify incipient chickenpox or rubella in time to prevent further contact with healthy family members.
If the allergic nature of the rash is identified, a blood test for immunoglobulins may be prescribed, which allows identifying specific allergens. Until the underlying disease is established, it is recommended to refrain from contact with other people, since the rash may be a sign of a contagious disease (chickenpox, rubella, mycoses).
Drug therapy
Depending on the causes, appropriate treatment is prescribed. Allergies are treated with antihistamines. Children are prescribed drops "Fenistil", "Zyrtec", "Erius". Older children can take, in addition to these drugs, other antiallergic tablets (Suprastin, Tavegil, Loratadine). All antihistamines have unpleasant side effects when used over a long period of time, so you should not take these medications uncontrollably at the first sign of an allergic reaction. In case of severe intoxication with allergens, enterosorbents are prescribed that remove poisons from the body (Polyphepan, Polysorb, Enterosgel).
If parasitic infestations have been identified in the thickness of the dermis, insecticidal treatment is indicated: ointments based on tar (“Nafthalan”, “Ichthyol”, “Dermatolov”) or based on purified sulfur (“Sulfur ointment”). In parallel with these drugs, Permethrin, Crotamiton, and Benzyl benzoate are used. All ointments and gels are applied to a clean skin surface and left on the body for several hours. To eliminate severe itching and treat eczema, hormonal ointments (Hydrocortisone, Prednisolone, Soderm) are used.
It is important to understand that if a rash appears, you should consult a doctor to accurately determine the nature of the origin of the rash. Independent use of ointments as recommended by pharmacists can only relieve itching and alleviate the condition, but it will not be possible to eliminate the underlying cause without correct diagnosis. As a result of uncontrolled use of ointments, the body gets used to it and sensitivity to the active substance is lost, and the underlying disease is not treated - by temporarily masking the symptoms, a person only loses precious time and aggravates his illness.
READ ALSO: What are papule and pustule: types of skin rashes, treatment with medications and folk remedies
ethnoscience
There are quite a few folk methods for getting rid of skin itching and rashes, but you should understand that not a single old recipe can replace a competent consultation with a dermatologist. Traditional medicine can come to the rescue if the patient has minor rashes on the elbows and knees caused by poor hygiene or excessive dry skin. To moisturize and disinfect, it is effective to wipe the affected areas of the skin with warm olive or linseed oil. These oils help cope with peeling, dried crusts, and also quickly heal microcracks and wounds.
Aloe juice and chamomile decoction have a bactericidal effect, and an infusion of calendula or string helps eliminate severe itching. It is recommended to soak a cotton swab in decoctions of these herbs and apply it to the affected areas for 10 to 15 minutes. A weeping rash can be dried with hydrogen peroxide, then rinse the wounds in a decoction of St. John's wort.
Treatment in children
Treatment of an allergic rash on the knees and elbows in a child also begins with eliminating the allergen, as in adults. For small children under 3 years of age, identifying an allergen can be difficult, and much depends on the attentiveness of the mother herself.
The baby's immune system is not yet fully formed. Even if the rash on the child’s knees and elbows causes unbearable itching, parents should make sure that he does not scratch it.
The mother should review the child’s diet and adjust it, excluding baked goods, chocolate, milk, red fruits, etc. In addition, sorbents are needed: “Smecta”, “Polysorb”, “Lactofiltrum”.
How to treat a rash on the elbows and knees of a child of a different etiology? This is determined by the doctor after finding out its cause.
Health care
Acne on the elbows and knees should be treated after determining the cause of its occurrence. After detecting such rashes on the body, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. He will examine the areas, identify the cause and prescribe treatment.
But if you can’t go to the doctor, then to fight acne you need to follow the following steps. Immediately stop using cosmetics that can cause a rash, wash the areas with rashes with cold water, using soap or chamomile decoction. After the skin is cleansed, you need to smear it with antihistamine lotion.
You can apply olive oil to your skin by gently rubbing it in. This will relieve the itching sensation and promote rapid healing.
If the skin on the acne area is dry, then you can use aloe vera gel or olive oil before going to bed. These products are not medications, so there are no contraindications to them. On the contrary, they will help get rid of the disease or minimize discomfort.
By consulting with a good specialist, you can avoid deterioration in your health and alleviate your suffering. Today, there are many medications and ways to combat acne on the elbows and knees. The doctor will be able not only to identify the problem, but also to begin the fight against the disease in time.
Often, such a rash is not contagious, but no one is immune from side effects, which can subsequently develop into a more painful disease. The main thing is not to start the disease and deal with the rash in time.
Acne on the elbows and knees is a consequence of internal disorders. When such a rash appears in an adult or child, the question immediately arises as to what the cause is. Such skin rashes can become the basis for the occurrence of some other diseases. Pimples on the elbows and knees, which also itch, are a kind of warning to a person that not everything is in order with his body. So how can this be recognized immediately and treated in time?
Preventive measures
They always start with hygiene. It is necessary to avoid prolonged mechanical impact on the skin in the elbow area and monitor its condition. Allergens and stress should be excluded. A good night's sleep is essential.
For infections in children, vaccination is used. To combat dry elbows, use creams and ointments that moisturize and soften their surface.
If the skin is damaged, treat the damaged area with an antiseptic. If you are prone to allergies, choose cosmetics and perfume very carefully.
We must not forget about hypoallergenic products. When using chemicals, you must wear gloves. Clothes (especially for children) should be made only from natural fabrics. To avoid rashes on the child’s elbows and knees, there should be no chemical fiber in the clothing fabrics. After contact with pets, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap, and it is better not to come into contact with stray animals at all.
Causes
Symptoms of itchy palms in children can be manifestations of various diseases and everyday problems.
Enterovirus infection
Enterovirus has many faces in its manifestations; different parts of the body are affected, including the palms and feet. The skin infection is called viral exanthema. This is hyperemia (redness), manifested mainly on the head, chest and palms of the hands.
Sometimes it appears as a vesicular rash on the palms and soles. The bubbles disappear within a week, leaving behind pigment spots that go away on their own over time.
Allergic reactions
If a child is prone to allergies, first of all you need to check the list of his food products, the quality of his clothes, detergents and hygiene products, as well as medications that the baby or nursing mother is taking.
There are allergies to pet fur. Children's and mother's cosmetics are not always hypoallergenic. Allergy can also be a hereditary disease; it is also associated with unfavorable environmental conditions, poor quality of drinking water and excessive solar activity, and air pollution from industrial enterprises.
