What should you know about crepey skin inside elbows?

The inner elbow bends and stretches throughout the day, so its skin naturally forms creases. Dryness can make those lines look sharper, while ageing and sun exposure can reduce the skin's supple feel. Eczema or contact irritation may also affect the fold, particularly when there is itch, redness, scaling, or soreness. Texture alone does not identify the cause, so notice whether symptoms appeared after a new soap, detergent, fabric, or topical product.

Wash with lukewarm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, then apply a thick moisturiser after bathing and whenever the fold feels dry. Avoid scrubbing, fragranced products, and prolonged rubbing from tight clothing. If the inner elbows are exposed outdoors, cover them or apply sunscreen. Do not use steroid or exfoliating products repeatedly without guidance, because the crease can be sensitive. A dermatologist can discuss treatments for laxity after checking that eczema or another irritation is not driving the appearance.

Book an appointment if the fold is persistently itchy, red, cracked, wet, painful, or thickened, or if symptoms keep returning despite gentle care. Seek prompt assessment for spreading redness, pus, fever, a bleeding area, or a rapidly changing mark. A clinician can look for dermatitis, infection, allergy, or a different cause before suggesting cosmetic treatment.

Does this look like dryness, eczema, or laxity? Which moisturiser or cleanser should I use? Could [Sun-Damaged Skin](/conditions/photoaging/) be contributing? Would [Radiofrequency Skin Tightening](/treatments/laser-and-energy/radiofrequency-skin-tightening/) suit this delicate fold? How should I protect the area during treatment?