HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Thick Knuckles, Black And Hard Skin. Used Lightening Creams And Moisturizers. Help!

default
Posted on Sat, 16 Jun 2012
Question: I have extremely thick knuckles, the skin skin is near black, wrinkled and at times very hard. I've used lightening creams (maybe not potent enough), moisturizers, and nothing thus far seems to work. I hide my hands every chance I get. It is humiliating. Please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (5 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for your query.

The problem that you have mentioned is called 'knuckle pad pigmentation'. It is a common, innocuous but a troublesome problem. The cause is unknown and sometimes it tends to run in families.

Unfortunately, creams do not help much in this condition.

You may go for chemical peeling such as strong Trichloro acetic acid (TCA) peels. I have done quite a few patients with reasonable improvement and a few failures too (mind you, this is not a FDA approved treatment).

Continue using good moisturizers.

Consult a dermatologist personally and discuss the option of chemical peels.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Gaurang Krishna (46 hours later)
Hello Dr. XXXXXXX

I do not have health insurance; and would like to know if the Trichloro acetic acid you referred to can be purchase online. If so, can you advice on a legit site to purchase it. Also, how do I apply it and how often?

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Gaurang Krishna (4 hours later)
Hello,

Trichloroacetic acid or TCA cannot be bought online and it is strictly for a medical professional's use only. It is not a home based treatment. I would strictly advise you not to use this product on your own.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Gaurang Krishna

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 520 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Thick Knuckles, Black And Hard Skin. Used Lightening Creams And Moisturizers. Help!

Hello,

Thanks for your query.

The problem that you have mentioned is called 'knuckle pad pigmentation'. It is a common, innocuous but a troublesome problem. The cause is unknown and sometimes it tends to run in families.

Unfortunately, creams do not help much in this condition.

You may go for chemical peeling such as strong Trichloro acetic acid (TCA) peels. I have done quite a few patients with reasonable improvement and a few failures too (mind you, this is not a FDA approved treatment).

Continue using good moisturizers.

Consult a dermatologist personally and discuss the option of chemical peels.

Hope I have answered your query. Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.

Regards