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What Causes Hardened Skin On Knee And Elbow?

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Posted on Thu, 2 Jul 2015
Question: Hi Healthcaremagic,
Good Day
I am XXXX (Age 38). I have recently noticed certain darkened hardened skin in some areas of my body. Its not painful or itchy and its on only one knee & a elbow (Both Left side). I am attaching Hi-resolution images of three areas: My neck, Elbow & Knee.
I have a healthy athletic profile and not suffering from any ailments/diseases.I am 5 ft 9 inches in height and weighs 80 kgs. But all life, my weight was around 75 kgs, I have gained 5 kg in last six months.
Thanks & Regards, XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lichen planus hypertrophicus & lichen planus pigmentosus

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query and i have also reviewed the images.

I can see dry, rough, thick, dark patches on elbow and knee joint.
I can also see a band of dark skin on front of neck.
I suggest a possibility of hypertrophic Lichen planus on knee and elbow and Lichen planus pigmentosus on neck.

For elbow and knee, I would suggest you to use an intensive moisturizing cream/ lotion at these sites, twice daily.
I also suggest that you use a topical potent steroid+ salicylic acid combination
ointment, twice daily, specifically for the patches on knee and elbow, over and above the moisturizer e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream + salicylic acid 6% ointment.

For neck, I would suggest a mid potent topical steroid e.g mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, to be used, on dark areas on neck, twice daily.

Topical steroids are prescription products and should be used under supervision of a dermatologist, therefore I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your vicinity for the needful.

Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Hardened Skin On Knee And Elbow?

Brief Answer: Lichen planus hypertrophicus & lichen planus pigmentosus Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query and i have also reviewed the images. I can see dry, rough, thick, dark patches on elbow and knee joint. I can also see a band of dark skin on front of neck. I suggest a possibility of hypertrophic Lichen planus on knee and elbow and Lichen planus pigmentosus on neck. For elbow and knee, I would suggest you to use an intensive moisturizing cream/ lotion at these sites, twice daily. I also suggest that you use a topical potent steroid+ salicylic acid combination ointment, twice daily, specifically for the patches on knee and elbow, over and above the moisturizer e.g clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream + salicylic acid 6% ointment. For neck, I would suggest a mid potent topical steroid e.g mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, to be used, on dark areas on neck, twice daily. Topical steroids are prescription products and should be used under supervision of a dermatologist, therefore I suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your vicinity for the needful. Regards