Dark skin on your knuckles can have many causes. The darker pigmentation on your knuckles may be inherited. Or it may be a reaction to a drug you’re taking. Anyone at any age can develop dark knuckles. But they occur more frequently in people with darker skin pigmentation.
What can cause dark knuckles?
Dark knuckles can be a symptom of a variety of health conditions. It can also be caused by a vitamin deficiency and certain drugs. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common causes.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Acanthosis nigricans (AN) is a condition that involves darkening and thickening of skin in one or more areas on the body, including the knuckles. The darkened skin may feel velvety. It may also feel itchy or have an odor.
Anyone can get AN, but you’re at more risk if you:
- are overweight or have obesity.
- have a family history of AN.
- are African American, Native American, or Hispanic.
- are insulin resistant.
Prediabetes
Dark knuckles are most prevalent among people who have diabetes or who have several risk factors for diabetes. Prediabetes means that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal.
Vitamin B-12 deficiency
Dark knuckles can be an important marker for vitamin B-12 deficiency. Sometimes it may be the only marker for this deficiency. Other symptoms of vitamin B-12 deficiency include:
- fatigue
- anemia
- shortness of breath
- feeling dizzy or light-headed
- neurological problems
Addison’s disease
Addison’s disease is a rare condition. It’s caused by the failure of your adrenal glands to produce enough of the steroid hormones known as cortisol and aldosterone.
Fatigue and darkening in skin color are two common symptoms. The darker skin tends to appear near scars or skin creases like the knuckles.
Read Complete Article at Dark Knuckle Causes & Treatment
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