Bumps

Ever since I was pregnant 12 years ago, I've had small white raised bumps on my legs and arms.  They do not itch or change size.  They increase in volume slightly every year. Besides looking ugly I don't notice them.  Three doctors have prescribed different treatments from burning them off to a retin-A treatment.  Burning off was successful but I have hundreds of bumps.  Retin-A burned my skin.  Any ideas?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Many people have bumps on their outer arms and upper legs called keratosis pilaris: little bumps of keratin protein in hair opening there.  It's genetic but I think the pregnancy is coincidental.  There are exfoliants you can use, and abrasives like loofahs and Buf Puf sponges.  Only if the bums bother you are such maneuvers worth the effort.  The bumps, being part of you, come back when they wish.

Of course, it's conceivable that you have some other kind of bumps; I'm just talking about the most common kind.  Next time you see a doc, ask.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff