Dry bumps on my arms?

Question

They're not that bad, but I have tiny pencil-point sized dry bumps on my upper arms. Some of them are red, and some of them are white.They don't itch, usually I can't squeeze any puss out of them, and they just feel dry. Any knowledge on anything about this?

Answer 1

Sounds like it might be keratosis pilaris. It's a very common, completely harmless skin condition where keratin (the stuff hair and nails are made of) forms plugs in hair follicles, causing the skin to look like you have permanent goosebumps. It is usually found on the back/outside of arms or the tops of legs, although it it can appear anywhere except palms and soles. Scrubbing doesn't get rid of it. Picking leads to scars (although it's so tempting sometimes).

Check out the link below for a picture. If this is what you have, there are several lotions and washes you can use to get rid of it. Problem is, you have to keep using it because if you stop, the bumps come back. Most lotions contain an alpha hydroxy acid of some kind, usually glycolic acid but sometimes lactic acid. The glycolic acid is more effective, but also harder on sensitive skin. Lactic acid is milder. The lotions also contain urea. Most of the lotions aren't very easy to find in you local stores, so you have to go online for them. There are several possibilities at the second link. If you want to try something that you can get locally, check out Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Creme.

One other thing - if you use these lotions, they increase your sensitivity to the sun, so be sure to wear sunscreen if you're going to be outside for very long. Don't replace skin bumps with skin cancer.

Answer 2

I have it, too. I use body scrub, it makes my arms smoother, however, I haven't found a way to get rid of them completely.