How to Cure Flaking Elbow

Even if your hair and clothes look good, your overall appearance will be less than appealing if you have dry, flaky elbows. If your elbows are flaking, they may also become painful to touch due to cracks in the skin. Elbows can begin to flake from simple dry skin or from more chronic conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. You can treat dry, flaking elbows through a variety of methods.

Things You'll Need

• Moisturizer
• Loofah sponge
• Humidifier
• Medicinal ointment
• Clothing with natural fibers

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Instructions

• 1

  Moisturize your elbows at least twice daily. Use a quality moisturizer such as Eucerin, Aquaphor or Cetaphil. These moisturizers are extermely therapeutic for dry skin because they are thick and form a moisture barrier that helps to keep skin from drying out.

• 2

  Exfoliate your elbows gently as long as the flaking isn't exposing raw skin. Exfoliate by applying a gentle, moisturizing soap to your elbows. Use a soap that is designed for sensitive skin, such as Dove or Olay. Dampen a loofah sponge and use it to gently work the soap around your elbows in a circular motion. Rinse and moisturize.

• 3

  Refrain from taking long baths or showers or from using hot water when bathing. Shorter bathing times, along with warm water, will help to prevent your skin from drying out.

• 4

  Use a humidifier in your home. Increasing the humidity in the air can help to lessen the severity of dry, flaking elbows.

• 5

  Wear clothing made of natural materials, such as cotton, when you are wearing long sleeves. Synthetic fibers can irritate the skin around your elbows, thereby worsening your problem.

• 6

  Seek help from your doctor if your elbows continue to flake or become uncomfortable. Your doctor can determine if you have a medical skin condition and can prescribe appropriate medications. Prescription-strength creams and ointments containing hydrocortisone are commonly prescribed for skin conditions such as flaking elbows.