Dark Knuckles, generally referred to as Hyperpigmentation, on the skin simply means appearance of darker patches or areas of darkness on the skin.

It commonly occurs in areas likely to more friction or areas with thicker skin, for example the knuckles of the fingers and toes, the elbows, the knees, etc.

Causes of Dark Knuckles

Hyperpigmentation can occur for several reasons ranging from medical to cosmetic.

 

– USE OF BLEACHING CREAMS:

The most common factor is the use of bleaching and whitening products. The strong acidic substances found in these products breaks down the melanin in the skin.

These acid substances include Hydroquinone, Lipohydroxy acid derived from salicylic acid. They can also be found in creams used to treat acne scars, eczema, dark spots, melasma.

When these are frequently used on the body, the cells of the hard areas may resist them leading to slower lightening or increase in melanin production in these areas.

 

– DRUG REACTION:

Some drugs like Nicotine, Injected Insulin, Contraceptives, Oestrogen Therapy, Growth Hormone Therapy, Protease Inhibitors, etc can initiate reactions that lead to hyperpigmentation.

 

– LACK OF VITAMIN B-12:

Vitamin B-12 helps the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When there is shortage of this vitamin, the body begins to loose colour and becomes paler and darker.

Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency that may accompany dark knuckles include; shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, fatigue.

To gain this vitamin, one can consume eggs, milk, cheese and meat in appropriate amounts (not too little and not too much as it can have its own consequences).

 

– DIABETES:

Dark patches on screen may signal diabetes even before the disease begins to manifest fully.

In prediabetes, a condition where your blood sugar is higher than normal, knuckle pigmentation can be an indicator.

In already diagnosed patients, dark knuckles and patches could mean that the disease is not being properly managed.

 

– PCOS:

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that arises due to imbalance between female and male hormones in women of child bearing age. Dark pigmentation is one of the many symptoms.

This condition is also frequently associated with insulin resistance, hence reducing the amount of unnecessary carbs and sugar intake may help, just as in diabetes.

 

– AUTOIMMUNE DISORDERS:

In Autoimmune disorders, your own immune system attacks your very own cells and organs instead of protecting them. This can cause skin darkening and patches on the body among other symptoms.

Solutions / Remedies For Dark Knuckles

 

While hyperpigmentation can be a worry, there are simple remedies that can help clear this.

– TREAT UNDERLYING CAUSE:

Seeing a doctor or dermatologist cannot be overemphasized, especially if you experience other symptoms in addition to hyperpigmentation. For example, autoimmune disorder, PCOS, diabetes, etc require adequate doctors consultation to treat or control the ailment.

 

– TUMERIC:

Tumeric contains Curcumin which is used for skin lightening. Blend or grind tumeric and apply the paste the knuckles and other affected areas. Rinse after some minutes.

– SOY:

Soy beans or soy milk contains skin nourishing nutrients, hence can be applied on the surface of the skin for a few minutes and then rinsed with water.

– BROWN SUGAR WITH HONEY / OLIVE OIL:

Brown sugar exfoliates or scrubs away the dead cells on the surface of the skin. Honey or Olive oil can be used separately. These serve as a moisturiser and provides nutrition to the skin. This can be done once or twice a week.

– ALMONDS:

These are rich in vitamin E. Almond powder can be mixed with rose water and massaged into the skin.

– POTATO JUICE:

Potatoes contain vitamin C which is a natural brightening agent. Blend potato, apply juice and leave for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

– BAKING SODA:

Baking soda which has lightening properties can be mixed with water to form a paste, rub on skin in a circular motion, wash and apply moisturiser.

– RIPE PAWPAW:

Papaya contains vitamin C which is a natural lightening agent. Rub on face and skin, rinse and repeat. It can also be eaten as fruit.

– ELLAGIC ACID:

This acid inhibits the production of an enzyme which secrets Melanin in the skin. It can be found in cherries, pomegranates and strawberries. These fruits can be ingested or used directly on the skin.

– LEMON JUICE:

Lemon belongs to the citric acid family. This fruit is highly acidic and exhibits lightening properties when applied on the skin. Use once or twice a week.