Stop Struggling with Rough Skin & Stubborn Bumps on your Arms

 

Keratosis Pilaris on the Arm

As the Marketing Manager for a Dermatologist and Cosmetics office, I am always asked questions by my friends and acquaintances, like: “Is this thing on my leg... normal?”, “Do you think your doctors could fix this?”

There is one thing that I am constantly asked and it is probably one of the first questions I asked my co-workers,  “What are these little red bumps all over my upper arms?” Many of my friends have been in the same boat and many of them have struggled with the same concern. This concern is why, no matter how much lotion they apply or how smooth the rest of their skin is, they can’t seem to ditch those unsightly, red, “goose bump” looking things on their arms?

Now you are probably asking… “So what are they?” The providers at Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery gave me one answer, Keratosis Pilaris (KP). What is Keratosis Pilaris you might ask? KP is a very common skin condition, where keratin (protein) in the skin gets trapped within the hair follicles. KP is harmless and can run in families. This skin condition is most common in people with very dry skin or patients who have Eczema.  

Curious as if you are a victim of these stubborn bumps? KP bumps often look like “goose bumps” on the back of upper arms or thighs. The bumps often feel very rough and are often pink or skin colored.

You are probably wondering what to do if you have these bumps. As KP is benign, it is not necessary for you to worry about treatment for this stubborn skin condition. However, if the bumps are bothersome or do not get any better with over-the-counter lotions, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. The dermatologist is able to prescribe skin creams that contain; lactic acid, glycolic acid and other ingredients that can help to improve Keratosis Pilaris. Steroid creams can also be prescribed to help reduce redness of these bumps, making the bumps less noticeable.

It’s time to ditch those stubborn bumps that cause you to wear sweaters and constantly cover up your arms, and say hello to beautiful, smooth skin.

For more information on Keratosis Pilaris or any other skin concern, please call Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery at (404) 296-8000 or visit our website.  

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Written by Mackenzie Stratton, Marketing Manager at Atlanta Dermatology & Laser Surgery.