What Causes Dark Hardened Rough Patch Of Skin On Knee?
Colloused skin; would like to rule out psoriasis
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic
I am Dr. kakkar. I have gone through your query and I have also seen the attached photograph. In the photograph I can make out a patch of dark skin, looks like thickened skin; dry and scaly.
I will keep a first possibility of calloused skin. However, a calloused skin is a form of body's response to repeated rubbing and friction. Is there any such factor involved in your case?
I would also like to rule out psoriasis since the site is classical of a psoriatic plaque.
Kindly provide more information regarding the query
-Is it painful when you press hard on it?
-Is it on both the knee joints? Or do you also have it elsewhere like elbows, shins Or scalp etc?
-How long since you have noticed it?
Regards
Its not painful...I noticed it in the starting of this month...a fortnight.
I dont have it elsewhere. Its not even itchy. Looks like eczeme.
Warm Regards, XXXX
Skin Biopsy;visit dermatologist in vicinity
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thank you for additional information. A short history of just 2 weeks goes against something like a callous/callosity.
Eczema is a very broad category; I would like to rule out psoriasis in particular.
A skin biopsy would be very useful in that regard
A skin condition such as this could very well be psoriasis. A psoriatic lesion is usually a red, raised scaly patch located commonly on extensor surfaces such as knee, elbow, shins etc.
Scalp involvement in the form of patches or generalized scaling/dandruff is common in psoriasis.
However, a single early lesion of psoriasis may not be easy to diagnose clinically; and more so because it may be just be a single plaque such as this without involvement of other areas.
Rather than coconut oil, use an intensive moisturizing cream, twice daily. That would help with the condition.
Regarding specific treatment, a lot of the eczema's including psoriasis have a lot in common. A thick dry scaly plaque such as this should be ideally treated with a potent topical steroid + salicylic acid ointment, twice daily for a few weeks.
I would suggest that you visit a dermatologist in your region for a confirmatory diagnosis, a skin biopsy and appropriate treatment.
Regards