Skin is dark/dirty looking - Open to All Other Health Topics Message Board

perrinmom · 01-22-2002, 05:28 PM

I tried posting this in the Skin, Hair and Nails but got no replies, maybe someone can help me?I am 25 yrs old and have had 3 kids. Before my first child I weighed about 105 lbs. After gaining 60 lbs during pregnancy and only losing about 20 lbs, I went on the pill and gained more weight, had another child, and ended up at about 240 lbs. After this point I noticed the skin on my elbows and knuckles always looked dirty, it's a dark color. Then my underarms, inbetween my thighs, the inside of my upper arms, around my neck also got the same way. The worst is my underarms, I can't wear a sleeveless shirt because it looks like I haven't shaved it's so dark. I had pre-eclampsia with those two kids, I don't know if that's a part of it. Does anyone know what this is or how I can get rid of it? It's extremly embarrassing, especially around my neck because it looks like I'm filthy even though I scrub and scrub, it still looks dirty. Thank you for your help!

Jay Tor · 01-23-2002, 08:40 AM

Skin changes and discolorations like you describe can be a symptom of a metabolic or even a cardiac disease. See your family doctor; you may need a referral to an Endocrinologist. [Rheumatologists also treat metabolic diseases.]

Here's a link for information on skin appearance and related underlying disease[s].

[url="http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic548.htm"]http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic548.htm[/url]

Slaughter1 · 01-24-2002, 10:16 AM

Have you gone back on birth control pills since this problem started? Sometime birth control pills cause a discoloration of the skin called Melasma. It usually is more seen in the face but can be anywhere on the body. Check with your doc and asked if this could be the problem. good luck!

Slaughter1 · 01-24-2002, 10:17 AM

Have you gone back on birth control pills since this problem started? Sometime birth control pills cause a discoloration of the skin called Melasma. It usually is more seen in the face but can be anywhere on the body. Check with your doc and asked if this could be the problem. good luck!