Skip to main content

What causes bumpy skin on arms? How you can get rid of it.

bumpy skin (keratosis pilaris) on back of arm

What causes bumpy skin on arms? 


Bumpy skin on arms is caused by Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin variant that occurs when a protein in the skin called Keratin builds up and blocks the opening of the hair follicle causing bumpy skin on arms, legs or buttocks (source: Mayo Clinic). While the cause is unknown, it could be genetic or linked to conditions such as eczema. Keratosis Pilaris is not contagious or dangerous and cannot be cured, but the look and feel of the skin can be improved if desired. 

Can you get rid of Keratosis Pilaris?

Yes and no. Keratosis Pilaris can't be cured, but symptoms can be controlled with the right skincare regimen.

Gentle Exfoliation 
Bumpy Skin Keratosis Pilaris

Use an exfoliation brush while in the bath or shower to mechanically loosen and slough off dead skin that can contribute to clogging the hair follicles. Follow with a topical exfoliant such as First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub (commissions earned). 

Mediation application

Apply over-the-counter medicated creams to the affected areas. Much like the cream you used in the shower, you want products like First Aid Beauty KP smoothing body lotion that contain topical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea (commissions earned). 

Ample Moisturization

Speaking of bathing or showering, keep it short to avoid dry skin, an exacerbating factor for Keratosis Pilaris. Follow up exfoliation with a moisturizer such as Cerave moisturizing cream for rough and bumpy skin and/or an ointment such as Aquaphor (commissions earned).

Non-irritant clothing

Avoid tight clothing, uncomfortable fabrics and harsh laundry detergents. Friction can lead to skin irritation and itching, which can make symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris worse. 

Rest assured

Keratosis Pilaris is harmless and treatment is not medically necessary. You can do nothing. You can try any or all of the aforementioned remedies. It won't hurt to try home remedies such as apple cider vinegar and/or coconut oil before purchasing products. Dove powered by nature smoothing exfoliating body polish is another great product option with coconut powder as one of the main ingredients (commissions earned). 

No shame in seeking medical treatment

In medicine, we say "common things happen commonly," and Keratosis Pilaris is one of those things. Just because KP is a benign condition does not mean it isn't worthy of a visit with your healthcare provider or treatment with a prescription if indicated. Do what you can at home first, but don't hesitate to seek medical care if these treatments fail to improve symptoms to your satisfaction.

Summary

Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition where hair follicles become clogged with a protein in the skin called Keratin. There is no cure and treatment is not required, but is indicated if bothersome.
Start at home by exfoliating mechanically and topically, applying moisturizers and avoiding irritants. As always, consult a healthcare provider if symptoms continue, worsen or change. 


Do you suffer from bumpy skin on your arms or other areas of your body? How do you keep your skin smooth and supple?


**This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions from clicks that result in products purchased at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!





Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Screening colonoscopy prep and procedure: a firsthand account

Content warning: mentions cancer and death If I had a dollar for every time a patient came into my office and said they “want to be checked for cancer,” well…I probably wouldn’t be writing this blog post! There is no single universal test for cancer, but common things happen commonly. Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths when men and women are combined ( cancer.org ). Screening for colorectal cancer should be on your list to be “checked for cancer.”  For those at average risk, screening for colorectal cancer should begin at age 45 ( cdc.gov ). If you want to know more about colorectal cancer incidence, risk factors and screening methods, then check out last week's blog post  here . I am at increased risk for colorectal cancer, because my father died from complications of colon cancer when he was only 45. So though I’m only in my thirties, I’ve already had my first screening colonoscopy, which is the gold standard screening method for individuals a...
Post a Comment
Read more

Looking to save money? 4 High Yield Savings Accounts you should check out!

Looking to save money? 4 High Yield Savings Accounts you should check out!  Let’s talk high yield savings accounts (HYSAs). Gone are the days of having “mattress money.” Or at least they should be. Why? Because you should not be keeping your emergency fund under your bed! Wouldn’t it be better to put your money where it could make you MORE money while you sleep instead?   If you have an emergency fund, you are already ahead of the game. Check out this article  that states only 44% of Americans can cover a $1,000 emergency expense from their savings. An emergency or rainy day fund is just what it sounds like: money set aside for unforeseen costly circumstances. Think car or home repairs, medical emergencies, pet injuries - you get the picture. These things can happen to anyone, so we should all prepare for them. You’ll find that the more prepared you are, the less emergencies you will experience! So what should you do? First, aim to have $1,000 set aside. Ideally, you will...
8 comments
Read more

What Do Different Colored Pumpkins Mean on Halloween?

What Do Different Colored Pumpkins Mean on Halloween? From pillowcases to pumpkin pails, kids carry all kinds of candy receptacles to trick-or-treat. While much thought might not go into using a grocery bag, the use of different colored pumpkins for trick or treat could be intentional.  Just as trick-or-treaters can send a signal with what they carry to collect candy, people passing out treats can do the same with their Halloween decor. Whether you collect or pass out treats, arm yourself with the knowledge of what different colored pumpkins mean on Halloween to prepare for all sorts of trick-or-treaters. **This post contains affiliate links. I earn small commissions from clicks and qualified purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! Teal Pumpkins  Teal pumpkins represent food allergies. Your child with a food allergy can carry a  teal pumpkin trick or treat bucket .  Decorate your porch with a  teal pumpkin  to provide a more inclusive tr...
6 comments
Read more