Dark Knuckles Causes and the top 5 effective ways to reduce it

Dark knuckles are mainly caused by hyperpigmentation, which is usually due to the overproduction of melanin. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color and it's very common to see dark patches around the skin. The symptoms are harmless and there are fewer chances to have some underlying disease for it.

Most people do not have any specific cause for it, however, it might also be due to metabolic conditions while taking medicine, or any other problem which is very rare. But if you are one of those with Dark knuckles, then continue reading and how you can reduce them easily.

In this Article:-

• What causes Dark Knuckles?
• How reduce the Dark Knuckles?
• Take Aways
• FAQs

What causes Dark Knuckles?

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin condition that results in having small dark patches around the body parts like the neck, groin, armpits, and elbows, and also seen in knuckles. Sometimes it also causes the skin to have a bad odor and also itching as well.

Diabetes or Prediabetes

Sometimes people develop dark skin as a sign that they have started to have diabetes. People with Acanthosis Nigricans have a higher risk of developing diabetes. Prediabetes which means having higher blood sugar levels is also one of the causes to develop dark knuckles.

Hormonal conditions

Thyroid or PCOD (Polycystic ovary syndrome) is caused due to hormonal imbalance. PCOD leads to the excessive production of testosterone which results in acne and also darkening of skin especially knuckles as well as the elbow.

Addison’s diseases

As a result of the body attacking its own adrenal glands, Addison's disease causes low levels of the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. One of the common symptoms of Addison's disease is having dark skin, especially near the knuckles. Along with that, you might also have clinical symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, etc.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

According to the studies of 2016, it has been shown that the darkening of knuckles is also one of the signs caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

How reduce the Dark Knuckles?

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is the powerhouse of antioxidants which is why it is considered one of the blessings for the skin and its concern. Many skin products are packed with Vitamin C and are mostly found in the form of Serums.

According to the researchers, it is shown that Vitamin C products have a concentration between the ranges of 10% to 20%. A concentration higher than that might cause irritation to the skin.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin is the active component found in turmeric and according to the studies shown in 2012, it effectively reduces the tyrosinase enzymes. This enzyme is responsible for increasing the melanin pigment, resulting in the darkness around the knuckles.

It is quite simple to use turmeric, just combine a small amount of raw milk with one spoon of turmeric and make a paste. It will then be applied to your knuckles, left on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then washed off with warm water.

Green Tea

Using green tea can help in reducing dark knuckles as they epigallocatechin gallate which is responsible for inhibiting the work of tyrosinase. Therefore, applying green tea topically can help in reducing dark knuckles.

You can simply make a decoction of green tea by steeping the green tea bag or you can also boil some green tea leaves in warm water. Apply it on your dark knuckles with a cotton swab and do it continuously for a few days.

Learn more benefits you can enjoy by applying green tea.

Curd

Curd has the potential to lighten those dark knuckles as they have a high amount of lactic acid in them. Along with that, it helps in exfoliating the skin hence reducing skin inflammation as well as increasing skin cells.

It can be applied directly to the knuckles, where you should leave it on the area for 20 to 30 minutes. After that, wash it off with warm water.

Other remedies

There are products available in the market that could easily work in the dark and are found in the form of gels, moisturizers, serums, and creams as well. It is important to notice that each skin care product work differently on different skin type.

Here are some of the ingredients that could easily help you in reducing dark spots including:-

• Kojic acid
• Niacinamide
• Azelaic acid
• Glycolic acid
• Retinol

Tip:- When you do not suffer from any type of serious problem resulting in dark or dry knuckles, then it can be easily prevented. Moisturizing them keeps the hand hydrated and after that apply sunscreen which will reduce the chances of dark knuckles caused due to exposure of UV Rays.

Take Aways

It is common to have dark skin on the knuckles and is commonly associated with problems like signs of being diabetic, obese, etc. If you do not have a medical condition that causes dark skin, particularly on the knuckles. Then applying some simple steps or home remedies will help you in reducing the dark knuckles. If any of these does not work then it is better to consult a doctor and get rid of those dark knuckles.

FAQs

Q. What type of deficiency could lead to dark knuckles?

Ans. Vitamin B12 deficiency could result in having dark knuckles and also making you feel fatigued and anemic.

Q. Which oil can help in reducing dark knuckles?

Ans. Coconut oil or Almond oil can help you in reducing dark knuckles as they are packed with fatty acids that help in reducing pigmentation.

Q. How to remove knuckles?

Ans. One of the easy ways to remove knuckles is applying Vitamin C serum along with that moisturizing and protection will reduce any further pigmentation of knuckles.