OTC answer for rash?

I don't think what I have is a rash, but it looks like one.  On my arms and legs there are small, red, bumps (but not really raised).  They "appear" to be where my hair follicles are.  I first noticed these around 4 years ago when I was 28.  It's very noticeable in the light.  I'm linking some pictures which should give a better idea of what this is.

Can you give me some suggestions on what the most probable causes are?

And are there any non-prescription treatments I could try before seeing a doctor?

Picture #1 of my arm:
http://www.hh-engineering.com/derm/arm1b.jpg

Picture #2 of my arm:
http://www.hh-engineering.com/derm/arm2b.jpg

Picture #1 of my leg:
http://www.hh-engineering.com/derm/leg1b.jpg

Picture #2 of my leg:
http://www.hh-engineering.com/derm/leg2b.jpg

Thank you!

JH

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It's hard to tell from your photographs, but it looks like keratosis pilaris.  This is a genetic condition in which there are small collections of keratin protein in the follicles.  I'm not sure, however, why you would only have noticed this at 28--perhaps it became more accentuated.  At any rate, proper diagnosis is going to require a face-to-face visit with a skin doctor.  As for treatment, it mostly isn't necessary.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[chillipepper]

Quote: "treatment isn't necessary"

I understand this, but there's also something to be said for 'not' having red dots all over my skin.  Assuming (I know this is an assumption) it is actually keratosis pilaris, is there a treatment to make the bumps less noticeable or go away altogether?  Is there an OTC treatment that I could try to start with?

Thank you!

JH

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If it is keratosis pilaris--and you should confirm this--I recommend applying a moisturizer containing ammonium lactate (over-the-counter) and exfoliating with a loofah or Buf-Puf for 20 seconds a day until proper smoothing is achieved.  This is not a cure, of course, as the condition invariably returns at some point.

Dr. Rockoff

[kdh]

I have this condition as well.  My doctor told me that it can be caused by overly dry skin and skin irritation like heat, hot water, or shaving can make it worse.  She prescribed the lotion the doctor mentioned in his post above and it worked wonders!  I started getting these bumps in high school and I never found any OTC lotions that helped.  I have to use the prescribed lotion regularly but the bumps are gone! Sometimes the lotion can sting a little if you apply it right after a shower but it stops quickly.  It will take a couple of weeks of regular usage for the bumps to go away completely.  If you stop using it, the bumps will return.

[chillipepper]

Thank you Dr. Rockoff and KDH.  I appreciate all the help.  I never knew what KP was before coming to this site.  I've now checked pictures on several other sites and this looks exactly like what I have.

I'll get an in-person diagnosis, but now at least I think I know what I have.  And it's great news to hear there is at least a temporary solution, KDH.  Even if it takes constant maintenance that's better than nothing at all.

Good luck,

JH