Itchy Rash Behind the Knees and Around the Elbows

Causes of a Rash on the Back of the Knees and Elbows

Certain types of rashes tend to appear around the knees and elbows:

1. Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is an itchy, red, scaling oozing or crusting rash appearing in persons prone to asthma and hay fever. It runs in families. In infants, it usually affects the outer sides, and in older children and adults the inner sides of both knees, elbows and often other parts of the skin. Flare-ups that come and go are characteristic for an acute eczema, and pigmented plaques (slightly raised flat rash) for a chronic eczema. Treatment is with moisturizing creams, steroids and other medications (1).

Atopic dermatitis on the inner side of the elbow

Picture 1: Atopic dermatitis on the inner side of the elbow
(source: Samuel, Freire da Silva, M.D., atlasdermatologico)

2. Psoriasis

Chronic plaque psoriasis affects outer sides of both knees and elbows. Flexular psoriasis affects skin folds, including the inner sides of the knees and elbows. Red, scaly, sharply limited patches of various size, itchy or not, are characteristic. Steroids and several other drugs are available (2).

Pictures of plaque psoriasis

3. Dermatitis Herpetiformis

In dermatitis herpetiformis, itchy, herpes-like blisters appear around the knees, elbows, neck or other parts of the skin. A disorder appears alone or together with celiac disease in people sensitive to gluten. Prevention is by gluten-free diet. Dapson is an effective treatment for a rash (3).

Dermatitis herpetiformis on the lower arm

Picture 2: Dermatitis herpetiformis on the lower arm
(source: Samuel Freire da Silva, M.D., atlasdermatologico)

4. Nummular Dermatitis or Discoid Eczema

Discoid eczema usually appears as a disc-like plaque on the back side of one leg and can later appear on the other leg, arms and trunk. The cause is not known, but it can be triggered by an insect bite, cut, surgical wound or skin burn. Dry and wet form exist. It is more common in the winter, and it may come and go without apparent reason. It can be treated with moisturizing creams, steroids and other drugs (4).

Pictures of nummular dermatitis

Other Rashes Around the Knees and Elbows

Other causes of rash, appearing around the knees or elbows or elsewhere on the skin:

  • Insect bites
  • Heat Rash
  • Fungal infection – Tinea or Candida
  • Staph skin infections
  • Hives due to allergic reaction to food, medications…
  • Allergic contact dermatitis due to fragrances, clothes…
  • Scabies
  • Melanoma

Related Articles:


  1. Eczema (
  2. Psoriasis around the knees (
  3. Dermatitis herpetiformis and sensitivity to gluten (
  4. Discoid eczema or nummular dermatitis (
About Jan Modric (249 Articles)
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