dark knees

Hello,
My knees have taken on a darker appearance lately and also seem a bit rough. I thought I'd read something somewhere about using lemons to lighten them or something like that. Any suggestions? Thanks! Amanda

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Amanda:

Most cases I've seen of dark, rough skin on elbows and knees come from rubbing (leaning on elbows, praying on knees, etc.), though other cases have no such obvious trigger.

My advice: go to the drugstore and pick up a cream containing hydroquinone, a lightening agent, and a moisturizer containing 20% urea, a skin softener.  Use each once a day, the former in the AM, the latter at night.  Keep that up for a month or two.  If there is any potential trauma or rubbing, try padding or avoidance.

If these measures don't work, a doctor may help.

Best.

Dr. R