Red pinpricks over body

Hi,

I've got red pinprick marks over my body, some tiny some bigger.  They look like just like little red dots of blood, with the larger ones seeming to be little dots clustered together.  

They appear all over my body but are mainly visible on the upper arms. I've never thought too much about them, they've been their at least 12 years, but seem to be gradually growing in number.  Anyone got any ideas what this could be and whether I should be concerned.

I've added a photo but they don't photograph too well!!

Cheers,

Andy!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your symptoms is keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris, however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent. Treatment includes tretinoin or Triamcinolone cream or Adapalene, a retinoid medication. Exfoliation, intensive moisturizing creams, creams and lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids and urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.