rash/pimples on upper arm

Hello,
i've had a problem as long as i can remember a pimple like/rash on my upper arm(deltoid muscle). people say it's heat bumps, but i always have them. what are they?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

It may be a fungal infection or a dermatitis . What triggers the rash? Does this persist the whole time or does it usually appear at certain parts of the year?

This may not be something serious. You may opt to have this initially evaluated by your primary physician. An antifungal cream with a corticosteroid may help. Discuss this with your physician. Do not apply any medications without informing your physician as corticosteroids do have their side effects.

Does the rash itch?
Does heat trigger the rash?

[na0mi86]

it doesnt itch. they look like little white pimples. kind of like when you have an ingrown hair. ive been having this as long as i can recall. it has never goes away. my mom told me my dad had the same thing, but it went away after many years.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Have you had this assessed by your doctor?

This may be a case of keratosis pilaris. This is a benign genetic skin condition that usually involves the upper arms.

"Keratosis pilaris occurs as excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin, accumulates within the hair follicles forming hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year round, it’s during the colder months when moisture levels in the air are lower that the problem can become exacerbated and the “goose bumps” are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture."
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris)

Is this similar to your condition?

Keratosis pilaris may resolve over time. For some it may persist. Exfoliation and moisturizing the area are the mainstays of therapy.