black knuckles

[cking]

A friend of mine in his early 20's has had 'blackening' of his knuckles over ~6 weeks. They are also thick, like a callous, but no boxing, or other trauma, and no pigmentation or rash anywhere else, including elbows, knees, etc. This is not itchy or painful.

[lottielastic]

It could be acanthosis nigricans - have a look here http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/acanthosis-nigricans/DS00653

[lexxie871]

i have dark knuckles on my hands and am wondering if anyone can recommend a product to use which will help them get lighter and look like my hands actually belong to me. its so embarrassing and i constantly hide them. help plse

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

Does your friend have the habit of clenching his fists or rubbing his knuckles?
Thickening and discoloration of the skin in these areas are usually due to frequent irritation and trauma. Does your friend work? Does his job entail using his hands most of the time?

This may not be something to worry about. He may have this assessesd  by a  dermatologist. Mild dermabrasion and exfoliation may be able to help. Some exfoliants may be used to gently scrub off thickened skin. Moisturizing the area with Vitamin E may help soften the skin. Just be careful when exfoliating so as not to injure the area. For more severe conditions, your dermatologist may be able to help with dermabrasion and sessions for callus removal therapy.