How Does Uric Acid Affect Your Skin? Here's What You Need To Know

             Written by: Deepa Sarkar

High uric acid levels not only affect your joints but can also take a toll on your skin. 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Let's explore how excess uric acid may influence your skin health.

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Excess uric acid can form hard lumps called tophi under the skin, often around joints, causing discomfort and visible swelling.

Painful Skin Lumps

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

High uric acid levels can trigger inflammation, leading to red, itchy rashes around affected joints.

Rashes

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Inflammation from uric acid buildup can cause redness. It making the skin appear flushed, particularly around the affected joints.

 Redness

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

In severe cases of untreated gout, the skin over tophi may break down, leading to painful ulcers or open sores.

Ulcers

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

During severe gout attacks, the skin around swollen areas may begin to peel as a result of inflammation & stretching.

Peeling 

Photo Credit: Shutterstock

Chronic inflammation from high uric acid levels can damage the skin, potentially leading to scarring if ulcers are left untreated.

Scarring

Photo Credit: Shutterstock