How to treat bumps on back and arms

There are many skin conditions whose symptoms can be similar to your particular case. However, from the location and nature of the bumps, there is a good chance you may be suffering from keratosis pilaris. Even if it sounds impressive, this is actually a harmless condition that affects nearly 40% of all individuals, and close to 80% of all adolescents. It is caused due to a disorder that produces excess keratin in your body. Under normal conditions, keratin is an essential protein that forms all your hair. When there is an excess of keratin, it accumulates near the hair follicles (roots) and hardens to form a number of bumps. These usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, and sometimes the buttocks. The condition may appear worse when the skin is drier, such as in winter. Most dermatologists agree that keratosis pilaris is a genetic disease and hence has no medically-accepted cure.

In many cases, patients use prescription medicine that is usually used for acne or eczema. The reason is that some of the benefits seen in these medicines can have positive effect on a case of keratosis pilaris. For example, certain corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the density of keratin at the root follicles. However, the benefits of such treatments disappear when the medication is stopped. You also have the choice of following a natural health regime that could provide you with holistic benefits. Such remedies usually concentrate on keeping the skin healthy, clean, and well-nourished to reduce outbreaks of keratosis pilaris.

The first step is to ensure that your skin stays well-hydrated. Drink lots of water and avoid diuretics or dehydrating liquids like alcohol. You can adopt a new, milder soap with moisturizer since harsher soaps usually dry the skin. If you use moisturizer, find one with urea or salicylic acid. These compounds help to clean dead skin cells and reduce blockage at pores. You can even use a salicylic acid-based cleanser. Gentle exfoliation using a wash cloth or pumice stone can also help in reducing concentrations of keratin on the skin. It is also believed that milk baths may help due to the lactic acid in milk, which alpha hydroxyl acid. Please try not to pick or scratch the affected area; you will only feel sore and may even cause a skin infection due to minor cuts. If you have an extreme case, you can consult a cosmetic surgeon for options such as laser treatment and intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.