Skin of colour as we know is prone to pigmentation problems. Along with being easily affected by hyper pigmentation, another vital issue is a tendency towards developing dark joints around the knees, elbows, knuckles and toe . The darkness is due to the type of skin in this area, which slightly bunches up when joints are extended is necessary to allow for movement of the joints, so you might see darkness in the elbows, knees, knuckles, toes, heels and anklebone.
However, there is no permanent way to lighten these areas. Because of this continual movement, the removal of some of the darkness in this area is only temporary. Another thing that contributes to the darkening of the skin is the frequent friction and pressure placed on these areas.
Knocking on doors with our knuckles, wearing poorly fitting shoes that rub against our heels, or flip flops that makes us grip our toes, plus kneeling and crawling on our knees, resting elbows on hard desks, and more causes trauma to the skin leading to discoloration.
In addition, the body also responds to damage by thickening the skin in the area it perceives as being under attack. We tend to consider this area of skin to be tougher and attempt to scrub away the roughness and darkness, only to make the condition worse. Bumps, bruises and other trauma lead to hyper pigmentation in Asian, olive and dark skin tones in which the melanocytes are especially active.
Below are 4 main causes of dark Joints In the Body
1. Eczema As a Cause Of Dark Joints
The irritated and thickened skin can be darker than the surrounding skin.
2. Scleroderma As a cause of Dark Joints
This is a condition that causes scarring of the skin and joints. The disease can affect skin pigmentation and cause dark spots and scarring of skin over the joints, leading to discoloration as well as difficulty in movement.
3. Acanthosis Nigricans as a Cause of Dark Joints
Though symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans is a growth of dark patches and thickened skin on folds of skin, such as the armpit, inside of the elbow backs of the knees and neck, it can lead to dark patches of skin over such areas as the knuckles.
This condition develops as a sign of insulin resistance. The excess insulin interferes with skin cells, leading to patches of excess skin growth and hyper pigmentation.
Dermatomyositis as a Cause of Dark Joints
This is an inflammatory muscle disease accompanied by skin rashes. One sign and symptom of the disease is Gottron’s papules. Abnormal pigmentation can develop over knuckles, knees, ankles and elbow joints. It’s often mistaken for psoriasis.
