The skin on the hands, especially on the knuckles can become dark. This can happen as a result of multiple vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin B-12 deficiency, which could be megaloblastic anaemia or vitamin B-12 or folate deficiency anaemia. If you feel your knuckles are darker than normal, you do not have to rush to your dermatologist as there are cheaper and natural alternatives to orthodox medicine. So, look no further for information on how to get rid of dark knuckles with naturally remedies.
Dark knuckles can be quite frustrating to treat. In the process of treating this skin condition, many have bleached their skin and ended up causing more damage to themselves. Without further ado, let’s take a look at how to clear dark knuckles.
Using Home or Over-the-Counter Remedies
1. Exfoliate your skin daily
There are over-the-counter scrubs that you can buy to exfoliate your skin. If you are unable to get one, mix sugar and olive oil in equal parts, rub the mixture on your dark knuckles and leave for about 5 mins. Do this once a week when you notice your knuckle is lighting up.
2. Apply moisturiser and sunscreen every day
Sunscreen and moisturisers lighten the skin but they also improve the skin tone by ensuring they appear even. If used with some recommended treatment, sunscreen and moisturisers can lighten dark knuckles.
- You can get your sunscreen from Amazon.
- With Sunscreen, you are sure of preventing darkening.
- Ensure you stay away from the sun.
3. Avoid washing your hands too much or using bleach
Too much of everything is bad, so says a popular cliche. Contrary to popular belief, washing hands every now and then is not very healthy as it exposes the hands to more bacteria. Too much washing of the hands or the use of abrasive products can damage the skin and darken the knuckles.
4. Make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice for a vitamin-rich, homemade solution
Mix lemon juice and baking soda in equal proportion to make a thick paste. Apply the paste on your knuckle and allow for 20mins. Repeat the process daily for at least one month.
- If the paste is too thick to spread, add more lemon juice. If it is too watery, add more baking soda.
- Always moisturise after using lemon juice on the skin.
5. Use a cream with kojic acid or soy to lighten the skin
Kojic acid is naturally found in soy and this ingredient is known to lighten the melasma, freckles and brown spots. It must be applied as a thick layer over the knuckles at least once a day.
6. Find a product containing niacinamide for gentle treatment
According to research, Niacinamide is an ingredient that improves the general outlook of the skin. It is known to reduce fine lines, dark spots and inflammatory skin conditions. Niacinamide is best used when combined with a moisturiser and in a thin layer.
- For an even more effective solution, find a product with both niacinamide and vitamin C.
- Find a variety of niacinamide creams on Amazon here and some that combine niacinamide with vitamin c here.
7. Add some ellagic acid to your skincare routine
It can be gotten from pomegranates, strawberries, and cherries. By eating these fruits and adding them to scrub formulations, the knuckles can be made brighter. The mode of action is by suppressing the action of a certain enzyme involved in the synthesis of melanin. Therefore, to remove dark knuckles, look for a lotion that contains ellagic acid. Ellagic acid also functions as an antioxidant and helps reduce inflammation and aids in protection from ultraviolet rays.
8. Use a cream with lignin peroxidase
Lignin peroxidase is generated from a fungus. It is an ingredient used to treat pigmentation abnormalities. It has been researched to be a mild remover of dark patches from the skin. You may apply the cream twice daily on your dark knuckles. Within a few months, results will be visible.
9. Take vitamin B12 supplements
How To Clear Dark Knuckles With Natural RemediesThis water-soluble vitamin assists in the formation of erythrocytes. Erythrocytes transport oxygen throughout the body. When the body has an insufficient amount of vitamin B12, the knuckles may begin to lose their colour. Vitamin B12-related hyperpigmentation is reversed when the insufficiency is corrected. It can be derived from chicken, meat, dairy, and fish. To brighten your knuckles, take one tablet (about 500mcg) daily.
Seeing a Dermatologist for Treatment
1. Consult a dermatologist when home remedies are unsuccessful
Your hyperpigmentation might be an indication of a more critical illness. It could be the result of a metabolic disorder. In rare cases, it could be related to colon cancer, diabetes, or even hormonal imbalances. A dermatologist can provide guidance depending on the severity of your condition. However, ensure to inform your doctor of all the medications you might have previously taken.
2. Following your doctor’s prescription, apply knuckle lightening lotion once to twice daily
Several people who have scars and hyperpigmentation use lightning lotions to remove them. It is best to apply these products directly on your knuckles and gently massage them in. This can be carried out with the aid of a cotton bud, preventing the products from touching your fingertips. Additionally, these products should never be applied to sore or inflamed skin. According to the prescribed standards, you may leave the cream on your skin untouched for several minutes or hours. Numerous skin lighteners allow you to repeat the process twice daily until your desired shade is acquired. Lastly, avoid exposure to sunlight, or use sunscreen when using these products.
3. Consider laser skin-lightening treatment
Dark spots can also be lightened with a laser. This treatment either destroys the cells that synthesise melanin or removes the outer layer of the skin. It has the effect of making the skin look younger and more radiant. Usually, it is risk-free. An average laser treatment lasts thirty to sixty minutes. The skin typically takes two weeks to heal. Although your surgeon will administer anaesthesia during the surgery, your skin could become uncomfortable afterwards. While this approach might be effective for some people, it might not work at all for others or just temporarily.
Conclusion
Hyperpigmentation in certain areas of the body, such as the knuckles, is a fairly common problem. Since, it can be a sign of serious illness, finding and treating the root causes is of vital importance. When the underlying causes are properly treated, they often go away. So, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
