What can this be?

I am a 34 year old male and have had this condition ever since I was a teenager.
I have never sought medical treatment as it hasnt been bothering me much until now, and it is mostly a cosmetic issue
anyways.
It seems that my hairfollicles on the thighs, upper arms, back and stomach are inflamated.
On my upper arms and back they sometimes develop into hard white postules (small) which tend to itch a bit.
Generally all the inflamated follicles are a bit itchy. Sometimes the inflamated follicles develop into
regular zits but mostly its dry white matter that comes out from the follicle. Tanning seems to clear up the problem somewhat, or atleast make the inflamated follicles less obvious. I have attached pictures of my thighs and arms.

[img]http://img5.picsplace.to/img5/3/arm_n.JPG[/img]
[img]http://img5.picsplace.to/img5/3/leg2_n.JPG[/img]

I was wondering if this is some kind of infection or hormonal imbalance and if there is anything I can do
to clear it up.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Looks like you have keratosis pilaris.  This is a common, hereditary condition which produces little bumps of keratin protein in the hair follicles in the locations you mention.  It has significance beyond appearance.  If the bumps bother you, you can exfoliate by rubbing with a loofah or a Buf-Puf sponge, but frankly, the effort isn't usually worth it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[jeremypr]

Folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) Google it dude.  You got it!

[senagal]

small goose bumps on outer forearms, chins and hands, upper buttocks...Afro American 13 yr old teen...I am grandmother, and been doing lots of research,