What hurts?
Some possible conditions • Skin Conditions – Knee – Front & Back
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Eczema -
Psoriasis -
Wound -
Bug Bites
Some possible conditions • Skin Conditions – Knee – Front & Back
Eczema commonly occurs on the backs of the knee where the skin folds. This type of eczema is also referred to as atopic dermatitis and it causes an inflamed and itchy skin rash that appears dry. It is more common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic eczema is a chronic and long-lasting skin condition that typically will go through a cycle of getting better and then flaring up again. It can be irritating but it’s not contagious. People who have atopic dermatitis are more at risk of developing allergies and asthma.
Atopic dermatitis / eczema on the back of the knee is characterised as a dry, flaky, itchy and inflamed or swollen rash. It can vary in colour depending on skin tone and typically has small, raised bumps, oozing or crustiness. If eczema is not treated, skin may become cracked or open which can result in infection and further complications. Overtime, eczema can thicken the skin, changing the texture.
This type of eczema is considered an overreaction of the immune system to well known allergens and irritants such as pollen, dust mites, pet fur and dander, mould, cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, wool and synthetic fibres. Hot, cold, humid and dry weather can cause atopic eczema. People can be sensitive to all kinds of weather, but cold and dry conditions are more likely to deplete the moisture in the skin making it dry, a trigger of eczema.
Washing skin daily using a mild and fragrance-free soap will keep the surface of the skin clean. Afterwards, application of a rich emollient while skin is still slightly moist will maintain the moisture balance of skin and help relieve itchy, irritation, and hopefully prevent flare-ups from happening. Treatment may also include medicated ointments or creams containing corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are known as anti-inflammatories and are best used short-term to relieve a flare-up. This condition is best managed by your Nurse Practitioner or Physician.
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes a scaly rash and can occur on any part of the body. Psoriasis commonly affects the knees. Psoriasis on the knees is not typically itchy or painful but can cause a person to feel self-conscious when wearing certain types of clothing. Psoriasis is categorised as an immune-mediated disease that causes skin cells to grow and multiply abnormally resulting in inflammation in the body. It is a chronic disease with no known cure, and may lead to other health issues, such as psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis on the knees is usually on the front of the knee and presents as a large patch with silvery scales or plaques on top and a well circumscribed border. These plaques may appear red or salmon pink on paler skin tones and purple or brown on darker skin tones, and can be quite thick and dry. If the plaques are significantly thick, cracks in the skin are more likely to occur and will cause pain and discomfort. Psoriasis on the knees can increase a person’s chance of developing psoriatic arthritis which can be debilitating, affecting activities of daily living.
The cause of psoriasis is not clear but the immune system and genetics both play a role in its development. Trigger events such as stress, injury to the skin, weather, illness, allergies, food, alcohol or the environment may alter the immune system leading to symptoms of psoriasis. Stress is one of the most common triggers of psoriasis and psoriasis may also lead to increased stress. The knees are an area of the body that is leaned on and is rubbed against by clothing. This can result in a process known as Koebnerization, in which injury to the skin potentially leads to a psoriasis flare-up.
There is no known cure for psoriasis, therefore the goal of treatment is symptom management. Stopping skin cells from growing so quickly and removing scales will ease symptoms of psoriasis. It is best to use a mild and fragrance-free soap when bathing and apply moisturiser daily to maintain the health of the skin. Topical creams and ointments containing corticosteroids, retinoids or coal tar will help with inflammation and scaling, as does natural or artificial light therapy. Oral or injected medications may be required if other treatments are not effective. Relaxation techniques, stress management and increased awareness of triggers can also help to reduce the frequency of psoriasis flares. This is best managed by your primary care professional.
A wound is an injury to living tissue in the body and occurs when the skin becomes opened, cracked, torn or ruptured. An opening in the skin will increase a person’s risk of infection. A wound on the knee is usually due to an abrasion or scrape from a fall or from contact with a rough surface. Abrasions can range in severity from mild to severe. Minor abrasions are superficial and only affect the uppermost layers of the skin. A deeper abrasion may require sutures or a skin graft to close tissue or repair tissue loss.
When the skin on the knee is scraped, bleeding can occur and the skin may peel back. An abrasion can cause sharp pain and burning and oozing of fluid. The area around the abrasion can be red or pink due to inflammation and irritation. A hardened, reddish, brown scab will form once healing is underway and may feel itchy at the sides as the scab’s edges contract inwards and healing is well underway. The presence of thick white / yellow fluid can indicate infection and will be accompanied by warmth and redness around the area.
An abrasion results when the skin is scraped away causing an opening of the skin. An accident, falling on your knee or rubbing it on a rough surface creates friction across the top layer of the skin. Depending on the health and condition of the skin, it may not take much friction to disrupt the uppermost layer of the skin. The force of friction sustained will determine the severity of an abrasion and likelihood of related injury to the knee and skin.
Minor abrasions can usually be treated at home by keeping the scrape clean using a mild soap and water. Allowing water to run over the abrasion will irrigate the wound washing away dirt and debris. Using an antibiotic cream or ointment and covering with a bandage will prevent the abrasion from becoming infected. Infection is more likely to occur within the first 48 hours after the skin wound happens. Once the abrasion begins to heal, leaving a minor wound open to the air may help expedite the process. Protect the abrasion wound from further trauma and injury.
Suspicion of a bug bite may cause feelings of uneasiness and anxiety. Most bug bites and stings are harmless, but some can be serious and will require immediate medical attention. A bite from a poisonous spider for example could be life-threatening. Most bug bites happen when outdoors but they can also happen in the comfort of home. There are different types of bug bites which can vary depending on geographical location and some may cause systemic illness such as Zika virus and Lyme disease.
Symptoms of bug bites can provide a clue as to the severity of the bite and what type of bug is the culprit. Bed bug bites usually happen when sleeping and occur on exposed areas of the body such as the knees. They will present as multiple red and itchy bumps or welts. If they are severe, they will be swollen and inflamed. Mosquito bites can be singular or multiple itchy and red bites. A bite from a tick will leave a rash that has a red outline with a dot in the middle like a bull’s-eye. It can cause an incurable illness known as Lyme disease. Stings from wasps, hornets and bees are painful and red from the moment they occur and may leave a stinger behind in the skin. Bug bites can cause allergic reactions which range in severity from swelling to a potentially life-threatening state known as anaphylaxis.
Mosquitos, black flies, bed bugs, fleas, spiders, dust mites, ticks, ants, wasps, hornets and bees can all bite or sting. Bugs outside are more prevalent in certain seasons. House spiders, bed bugs and dust mites live in homes all year round. Mosquitos, black flies, ticks, ants, and flying insects live outdoors when the weather is warm. Skin that is exposed or not covered with clothing is more at risk for bites.
Wearing bug repellent and dressing appropriately can help avoid bug bites in the first place. If travelling, be aware of what bugs and insects could pose a risk and if so, certain medications or vaccines may be recommended. If bites are sustained while sleeping, check mattress seams for bed bugs and mites. Bug bites typically do not require treatment and will go away fairly quickly. If bothersome, anti-itch topical creams or oral antihistamines can alleviate symptoms of itch and inflammation. Seek immediate medical attention if an anaphylactic reaction occurs.
