Darkening of the skin on the hand joints with white patches
Jun 01, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Darkening of the skin on the hand joints accompanied by white flakes may be due to physiological factors, or could result from vitamin deficiency, keratosis, and other causes. In such cases, it is important to seek medical evaluation promptly and receive targeted treatment based on the underlying cause to avoid delaying proper care. Besides these common reasons, other possible conditions include acanthosis nigricans, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Darkening of the skin on the hand joints accompanied by white peeling may be due to physiological factors, or it could result from vitamin deficiency, keratosis, and other causes. In such cases, timely medical evaluation is necessary, followed by targeted treatment based on the underlying cause. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
This is usually related to excessive physical labor or repeated friction. It typically does not cause discomfort and is considered normal. Proper skin care is recommended, and no specific treatment is required.
2. Disease-Related Factors
1) Vitamin Deficiency
If the body lacks essential vitamins, skin aging may accelerate, leading to rough, dry, and peeling skin in localized areas. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability and fatigue. It is generally recommended to take supplements such as B-complex vitamins or multivitamin tablets (29-II) under medical supervision to improve symptoms.
2) Keratosis
This condition typically presents with abnormal skin keratinization, causing localized skin to become rough and darkened, along with flaking and peeling. In such cases, topical treatments such as tretinoin cream or salicylic acid ointment should be used under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, other conditions such as acanthosis nigricans, scleroderma, or rheumatoid arthritis may also be responsible. Patients should follow medical advice and seek prompt treatment to avoid disease progression.
