How to remove dark spots on elbows and knees

These joints are exposed to bending, pressure, rubbing, and dryness. Repeated irritation can leave post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, while thick scale can make the colour look deeper. Eczema, psoriasis, or another rash may be present when there is itch, redness, cracking, or a defined border. A new pattern on several body sites should be assessed rather than assumed to be simple friction. Sun spots and melasma have different usual distributions and may need different management.

Use a gentle wash, apply moisturiser to damp skin, and avoid kneeling or leaning on rough surfaces when possible. Do not scratch, bleach, or use strong exfoliants on cracked skin. Once any rash is controlled, a dermatologist may discuss skin brightening treatment, chemical peel, or picosecond laser treatment. Procedures should be selected with your skin tone, texture, and tendency to develop pigment changes in mind.

Arrange care if the areas become painful, swollen, warm, rapidly darker, scaly, or persistently itchy, or if similar patches appear elsewhere. Prompt evaluation is needed for pus, fever, open sores, or rapidly spreading redness. A clinician can examine texture and distribution and decide whether testing or treatment for inflammation is needed first.

Ask whether pressure and dryness explain both areas, whether there is an underlying rash, which products are safe on your skin, and how to prevent the colour from returning.