Anyone Else Have "Diaper Knees"?

Updated on September 26, 2008
J.E. asks from Plainfield, IN
7 answers

Hi - I'm looking for help for my knees! I noticed I started having rough, dark spots develop on my knees once I started changing diapers (I did all my diaper changes on the carpeted floor) for my first born 9 years ago. I have light skin, so they seem to really stick out. After 4 kids, I figured once I was done with the diaper changes (did my last changes almost a year ago) that the spots would gradually go away. Well, no such luck. Finally went to the dermatologist who said it is the same type of thing as "Carpenters Knee" and the technical name is hyperkeratosis. He gave me a cream - Urea I think - but said it might not make much difference, that it just may lighten it a bit. I've been using it regularly for months, and haven't really noticed much of a change. Does anyone have this issue? Were you able to make it look less ugly???? I hate wearing shorts in the summer because of these dark areas on my knees!!! Thanks for your input and ideas!

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T.P.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi J.,

I have the same problem, except I started getting it before kids. I call them "dirty knees"! I hate it, but don't let it stop me from wearing shorts. I just went to the dermatologist for other issues and brought up my knees. She gave me a script for "Carmol 40 40% Crea" - I just got it so I don't know the results but you may ask your derm for this different script. Don't worry about your knees - sounds like you're a great woman and mom! Best Wishes!

1 mom found this helpful
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V.T.

answers from Cincinnati on

Hi J.! I have had the same problem since I started putting my daughter to sleep on a mattress on the floor. I've been using the Ahava Dead Sea Body Lotion. It's got minerals and things in it that our bodies crave and it's really helped. The brown spots are gone, but the knees are still somewhat scaly. I'm going to try the fish oil and see if it works! Hope you get to the bottom of it! Please post if you find a solution!

V.

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A.N.

answers from Cleveland on

I have the same problem! You know, I haven't noticed it or thought about it in a while. When I read the other poster's recommendation of fish oil, I took a look at my knees and realized that they do look much better. I am 20 weeks pregnant and have been taking a prenatal vitamin since May that include a daily fish oil caplet. Maybe that's it!

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T.M.

answers from Dayton on

Hi J.,
Have you found anything that has worked yet? I totally know what you are talking about, I developed "diaper knees" with my oldest who is almost 13, my youngest is 10 so I haven't changed a diaper in years, but I still have the spots. If you find something that helps please pass it on.
Thanks and have a great day!
T.

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J.G.

answers from Cleveland on

there is an old alternative treatment for elbows and knees that are rough and discolored. Cut lemons in half and rub cut edge on discolored areas. It may take a few treatments but should lighten the skin to normal in time.

JG - Had 6 kids 15 grandchildren and read newspaper every AM hence dark knees and elbows. Works for me.

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S.M.

answers from Dayton on

At my last physical, my doctor noticed scaly patches on my skin. Not my knees, but the backs of my arms. She recommended fish oil, as it was a sign that I wasn't getting enough
omega-3. A week after I started taking it (a teaspoon a day) the patches sloughed off. They had been bothering me for years. Who knew it was so easy??

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E.B.

answers from Cincinnati on

This is an alternate suggestion - my sister-in-law noticed this on her knees when they got new carpet, and I noticed it on my knees when we moved into our new house. I think it is from the chemicals that they put into carpeting, so since they can be irritating to the skin, why not change diapers on a towel or a rug to prevent the rash instead of allowing the chemicals to touch your skin and then use more chemicals to treat it? Just a thought. Also, make sure your kids don't spend time directly on the carpet! If that's what happens to your knees, imagine what it would do to their delicate skin! Scary.

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