Why bumpy skin on arm

I'm embarrassed when I wear short-sleeved T-shirts. What should I do? Keratosis pilaris sometimes called "chicken skin" is a common skin condition. It happens when a protein called keratin plugs the hair follicles, causing white or reddish bumps on the skin. The tiny bumps can feel dry and rough like sandpaper. Keratosis pilaris pronounced: care-uh-TOE-siss pill-AIR-iss most often is on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.

Like acne, keratosis pilaris is a lot more common around puberty. Often, it gets better as a person grows older. While they may help relieve symptoms in some cases, they do not cure keratosis pilaris, so symptoms can come back after a course of treatment.

Keratosis pilaris happens when your hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails. Nobody knows exactly why keratin builds up, but the condition is thought to run in families.

So if your parents have it, you may get it, too. Page last reviewed: 25 June Next review due: 25 June Keratosis pilaris. Check if you have keratosis pilaris Symptoms of keratosis pilaris may include: Dry rough skin. Bursitis of the Hip. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. High Blood Pressure. Home Diseases and Conditions Keratosis Pilaris.

Table of Contents. What is keratosis pilaris? What causes keratosis pilaris? You are more likely to develop keratosis pilaris if you have: A family history of it. Dry skin. Eczema also called atopic dermatitis. Excess body weight. Hay fever. How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed? Keratosis pilaris treatment There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. He or she may suggest you: Use a moisturizing lotion to soothe your skin. Exfoliate your skin.

This is when you use a loofah or rough washcloth to gently remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Apply skin creams that contain certain ingredients to help soften the skin and loosen dead skin cells. These ingredients could include urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid alpha hydroxy , salicylic acid, or tretinoin. Use steroid creams to reduce redness and itching. Living with keratosis pilaris Here are some tips to help improve the appearance of your skin: Wash your skin gently.

Avoid scrubbing the affected area. Use warm not hot water and a mild soap some brand names: Cetaphil, Lubriderm, Purpose. Avoid deodorant or soaps with a strong fragrance. The perfumes used in these products can dry out your skin. Use a moisturizer after every shower or bath. Apply it within 5 minutes of getting out, while your skin is still damp.