Dry skin on knees: what helps

Kneeling, tight clothing, frequent rubbing, hot showers, and strong cleansers can leave the knees coarse or flaky. Darker appearance may follow repeated irritation, but colour change should be assessed alongside texture, itch, and inflammation. Thick or sharply bordered patches, symptoms on the elbows or scalp, or persistent itch can occur with Psoriasis or Atopic Dermatitis; widespread fine cracking may fit Asteatotic Eczema.

Keep showers lukewarm and use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. Apply a rich moisturiser soon after washing, especially before activities that cause rubbing. Choose clothing that does not chafe and use padding when kneeling. Do not scrub, scratch, or use bleaching products to change the colour. If ordinary moisturising is not enough, ask about Emollient Therapy and whether an anti-inflammatory treatment is appropriate.

See a clinician if the dryness persists, spreads, becomes painful, or develops marked redness, swelling, oozing, or crusting. Seek prompt help for rapidly worsening inflammation or fever. An examination is also useful when one knee changes suddenly, symptoms limit movement, or home care has not helped.

Could friction explain this, or is there eczema, psoriasis, or another cause? Which moisturiser suits the thickness and sensitivity of my skin? How can I protect the knees during work, exercise, or kneeling?