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

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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

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