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Avatar universal

Small red bumps on my thighs and upper arms

For as long as I can remember I have had small red bumps, almost pimple like, on my thighs and upper arms.  I don't hardly ever shave my thighs, and I don't shave my arms, so it can't be that.  I have been sitting in the sun for a few days and have a slight tan on my arms etc, and it's still there so sun isn't getting rid of it.
I went to the doctors and all they said was that it was lack of vitimans - which I doubt is true since my eating habits haven't changed....
These are very annoying and if anyone can help me get rid of them, please help.
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Avatar universal
wow thanks... oh well i guess ill have to live with it! could be worse i guess
thanks guys
Helpful - 0
944643 tn?1418214422
are you talking about baby acne? I think thats called milia or something like that. What she is describing is called Keratosis pilaris.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I thought keratosis was white pimples like what babies get (milk spots and a hard white thing comes out of them)
from aged 10 i had red pimples on thighs and arms, and when i picked them off a hair came out. i have thick hair and very dry skin.
in my 2 pregnancys it has got better because my skin is softer from the hormones.
it also gets better when im on holiday as i put sun cream on daily and then aftersun nightly.
i think mine is due to not moisturising enough, although im now 29 and it has got better with age.
Helpful - 0
944643 tn?1418214422
I have had this problem since I was a teen, and had it extremely bad while I was pregnant both times.
Helpful - 0
944643 tn?1418214422
know you're pain, because I have it too. It's called keratosis pilaris, and it's often called 'chicken skin' because the bumps are always raised and look like goosebumps. Although it's unflattering, it should become less apparent as you age, although this isn't true in all cases. There is no cure for it, it's a heriditary thing, so you can pass it on to your kids (the girls will NOT appreciate it) and it's really just a superficial thing. Here's some more info, if you would like it.

"Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition commonly seen on the upper arms, buttocks and thighs. The skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust from the skin form plugs in the hair follicles. These appear as small pimples that have a dry ''sandpaper'' feeling. They are usually white but sometimes rather red. They usually don't itch or hurt.

Keratosis pilaris is particularly common in teenagers on the upper arms. It may occur in babies where it tends to be most obvious on the cheeks. It may remain for years but generally gradually disappears usually before age 30. Keratosis pilaris is unsightly but completely harmless. It is usually worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out, and may worsen during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not necessary, and unfortunately often has disappointing results. With persistence, most people can get very satisfactory improvement. Initial treatment should be intensive moisturizing. Try a cream such as Acid mantle, Vaseline or Complex 15 after bathing, and re-apply the cream again several times daily.

If this does not help, change to a medicated cream containing urea (Carmol, Vanomide, U-Kera, Ultra Mide, Nutraplus) or alpha-hydroxy acids (Aqua Glycolic, Lacticare) applied twice daily - it may be too irritating to use more often. More aggressive home treatment can be done if ones skin can tolerate it. The plugged pores can be removed by taking long, hot soaking tub baths and then rubbing the areas with a coarse washcloth, stiff brush, or 'Buf-Puf'.

Prescription medicines that may help include antibiotics (Erythromycin, Bactrim) if the spots are very red and Tazorac Cream. Tazorac, a relative of vitamin A, may cause irritation in some people."

-It can be treated, but most treatments are inefficient and don't work well, I have it very severely and I was on two lotions for it and couldn't be in direct sunlight for an entire month and it still looked as bad as ever, no improvement whatsoever.
Helpful - 0
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