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Arm Bumps

mel
Hello Doc

I am a woman in my late 20's and have had small, red, dry bumps (that dont itch, but are similar to whiteheads) on my upper arm for most of my life. I have tried estringents, lotions, creams, scrubbing, exfoliation, etc... Any suggestions or cures?
Thanks!
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242489 tn?1210497213
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Mel:

You most likely have keratosis pilaris, a hereditary condition in which bumps of keratin protein congregate on the skin of the outer upper arms.  If they bother you, try using a Buf Puf or loofah and scribbing the arms for 20 seconds after a shower each day.  If that doesn't help, your doctor may be able to prescribe a mild exfoliant.  But whatever works, you need to keep up, at least intermittently; that's just how your skin is built.

Best.

Dr. R
Helpful - 2
Avatar universal
I have this also on the upper part of my arms and on the upper front of my legs so wearing shorts and short sleeves are unbearable. A friend of mine told me that body washes with the little wash beads in them are good because they help exfoliate the skin and she said she has little to none when she uses that and she recommended washing with it once or twice a week. Besides that it's a cheaper way to get minimize them considering you can pick some up at any drug store. I'm gonna try some that is by neutrogena that is also for acne.  
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I've had these bumps since my 20's also. People who touch or come close enough to me say "oh, you have goose bumps", I reply, "something like that". Now I just say, "some skin disease."  

Does anyone else have these bumps on the back of their thighs?
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
I know what you're talking about also. For what it's worth, I use a product called Alpha Hydrox at 8% strength glycolic acid and I apply it once or twice a day and it has lessened, but not eliminated, those bumpy things.
Helpful - 1
Avatar universal
A related discussion, I had it ever since I was in middle school was started.
Helpful - 0
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I have the same thing, and also on the outer part of my thighs.  It totally drives me in sane. The thing I noticed is I dnt have them to much in the summer.  I'm thinking its a little on the dry skin side.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I used to have KP but then I did everything I can to get rid of it by putting any types of cream didnt work then finally I was tired and sick of it worrying too much I focused myself getting fit and healthy eat clean and eat more antioxidant foods. Working out and sweat a lot helps to replenish your skin. I saw an improvement in my skin when I started to eat clean and exercise. Get lesser bump in my arms. I think we just need to change our lifestyle and our foods
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
They're annoying, for starters, but its a condition in which, when ur skin isn't exfoliating properly, hair follicles can become clogged with debris like dead skin cells, sweat nd oil. Dissolve buildup with a topical exfoliating cream that contains urea, glycolic or alpha hydroxy acid. (Try; DERMAdoctor KP Duty Moisturizer, $36, derma doctor.com) I know right, kinda pricey.. but i have actually been dying to use this. So if anybody decides to try it, plz let us know how it works.. I think i speak for all of us when i say, i wish i could just buy something that will actually make them go away!.. I hope whoever tries it out gets good  results.. & good luck to everyone else.. & remember... dont let them bring u down.. :)
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
well im a 15 year old dude and i have these on my arms alot, when i got my electric razor i was just effin around and seein what i could shave and found out that you can actually SHAVE thses little bastards off, it worked for me flawlesly id suggest you try it, but use an electric razor its just saffer that way.
Helpful - 0
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A related discussion, Bumps on back of arms and legs was started.
Helpful - 0
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I have the same thing and I notice that when I go to bed in just my underwear and a tank top, they are gone in the morning. This may sound wierd but I think that my legs and arms just need to ventilate . I wear jeans and long sleeve shirts alot. Maybe this will work for someone else as well
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same thing and recently started using Tea Tree Skin Clearing Lotion from the Body Shop. My dad brought it from overseas but when it worked I found I could order it. It tended to dry my skin out a little so I started putting Emu oil on first and tea tree over it. I've had really good results. It's not entirely gone but way better and less noticeable. I don't know if that helps at all, but I hope someone might benifit from it.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
OMG I ALSO HAVE IT! Tried everything and only had luck with one product. COR soap works if you can afford it. I purchased it 4 my face, but if u are like me, you always try any new product out on your bumpies 2 (just n case it might work)
Nothing wrong with hanging on to hope.lol
COR WORKS IF U USE IT EVERYDAY WHEN U SHOWER.
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