HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Dark Hardened Rough Patch Of Skin On Knee?

default
Posted on Sat, 29 Nov 2014
Question: On my Knee skin, a small rough patch has come. Dark hardened skin. But its not itchy.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (18 minutes later)
Thanks Dr. Kakkar...

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

doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
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
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Dark Hardened Rough Patch Of Skin On Knee?

Brief Answer: 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