5 Signs of Increased Uric Acid Visible on the Skin — Don’t Ignore These Warning Symptoms

🧬 When Uric Acid Increases, Skin Also Gives Warning Signs

When uric acid levels in the blood rise too high (called hyperuricemia), it can lead to gout — a condition where uric acid crystals accumulate in joints and tissues. Apart from joint pain, the skin also shows visible signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Here are 5 skin-related symptoms of high uric acid that you must watch for:

⚠️ 1. Tophi (Hard Lumps Under the Skin)

• What happens: Uric acid crystals deposit under the skin forming hard, chalky lumps called tophi.
• Where: Commonly appear around elbows, fingers, toes, knees, heels, and ears.
• How they look: White, yellowish, or skin-colored lumps. Sometimes painful or may burst and release chalky material.
• What it means: It’s a sign of chronic or advanced gout, meaning uric acid has been high for a long time.

🔴 2. Redness and Swelling

• What happens: During a gout attack, the affected joint and nearby skin become red, hot, and swollen.
• Where: Often seen around the big toe, ankle, or knee.
• Why: Because inflammation due to uric acid crystal buildup irritates the surrounding skin and tissues.

✨ 3. Shiny or Tight Skin

• What happens: Swelling during a gout flare stretches the skin, making it look glossy and tight.
• Where: Over affected joints — usually toes or fingers.
• Warning: Indicates inflammation and pressure under the skin — the body’s reaction to crystal deposits.

🟤 4. Dark or Discolored Skin (Hyperpigmentation)

• What happens: Repeated inflammation around the joints causes damage to skin cells, resulting in dark patches or pigmentation.
• Where: Around elbows, ankles, or toes.
• Meaning: Chronic uric acid elevation and poor blood circulation in the area.

🧴 5. Flaky or Peeling Skin

• What happens: After a gout flare-up subsides, the skin over the joint may become dry, scaly, or start peeling.
• Why: The skin was previously stretched and inflamed; healing leads to dryness and flaking.
• Significance: It’s the recovery phase after inflammation but shows that uric acid management is still needed.

⚕️ What You Should Do

If you notice any of these skin symptoms — especially lumps or recurrent redness — don’t ignore them.
Consult a doctor and check your uric acid levels.

• Normal range: Below 6 mg/dL (women) and 7 mg/dL (men).
• Treatment:
  • Medications like Allopurinol or Febuxostat (to lower uric acid).
  • NSAIDs or Colchicine for pain relief during gout attacks.
• Lifestyle tips:
  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Avoid red meat, organ meats, alcohol, and sugary drinks.
  • Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.

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