Bumps on body

Hi,
I wonder if you can help.  I have raised red bumps all over my  arms (mainly upper arms)and all over my legs.  (They look like goosebumps but are there constantly).  My doctor says that they are harmless and recommended an E45 cream for them.  That was a year ago and they are still there.  I am getting married next year and would love to get rid of them.  I also have a very mild form of dry excema if that is relevant.
Thanks for your time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Amy:

First, I endorse your decision to get married.

The bimps you describe are called keratosis pilaris.  This is a hereditary condition characterized by bumps on the outer upper arms and sometimes the legs.  These are made of keratin, the protein which forms hair, nails, and the top, dead layer of the skin.  This is not a disease, just the way your skin is built.  It fluctuates in intensity, for reasons not obvious to me.

Treamtnet to smooth the skin is best accomplished by mild but persistent exfoliation.  Get an alpha-hydroxy moisturizer, apply it after a shower, then scriff with a loofah or Buf-Puf for 15-20 seconds a day (not enough to cause redness or irritation.)

If necessary, your doctor can prescribe a stronger alpha-hydroxy or other cream.

Please do not blame your parents, from whom you inherited this condition.  They did the best they could. . . .

Congratulations!

Dr. R

[Maxine]

On the very top of my upper right thigh, the area (crease) where your leg and stomach meet I noticed 2 or 3 red bumps (no itching, no discharge).  I ignored them but they started multiplying.  Now the affected area is 3

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Maxine:

Sounds like follculitis (blocked pores.)  Try applying bacitracin or neosporin ointment (both OTC) till the marks are flat.  Then leave them alone.  They go away eventually.  

I don't knoiw what E-45 cream is either.

Best.

Dr. R

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