Black spots on elbows and knees

Matching dark, rough areas on both sides often have a different explanation from a single new lesion. Look at the surface as well as the colour: scale, cracking, raised edges and itch help narrow the possibilities.

Elbows and knees repeatedly meet clothing, floors and other surfaces. Friction can thicken the outer skin and make its pigment look deeper, while dryness adds an ashy or rough appearance. Scratching an itchy rash can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation once the rash settles.

Broad velvety darkening that also affects body folds, or darkening accompanied by other unexplained skin changes, warrants a health assessment. Discrete pimples are less typical on these joint surfaces than follicle-rich areas, although nearby follicles can become inflamed.

Apply a plain moisturiser after washing and reduce leaning or kneeling on hard surfaces when possible. Avoid pumice stones, vigorous rubbing and unregulated bleaching mixtures; abrasion and chemical irritation can make colour and texture less even.

Use sunscreen when elbows or knees are exposed. If a product intended to soften thick skin causes burning, open cracks or pronounced redness, stop it and allow the barrier to recover before seeking advice.

Have one spot assessed if it enlarges, develops an irregular border or mixed colours, bleeds, ulcerates or repeatedly crusts. Seek earlier care for a hot swollen joint, severe pain, spreading redness, fever, pus or rapidly blistering skin.

A planned visit is useful for persistent itch, thick plaques, cracking that interferes with movement, or darkening that appears across several body folds without a clear friction trigger.

Ask whether the surface suggests simple friction, eczema or another skin condition; whether medicines or health factors could contribute; and which moisturising or softening ingredients suit intact skin. Describe when the darkening began and where else it occurs.