I don't know what this is, but on my upper arms I have a bunch of smally red bumps, I've had them for years. I don't know what they are. Does anybody else have them, knows how to get rid of them or what they are?
It might be something called keratosis pilaris (sp?). I've had problems with it for the last few years. It's something to do with a build up of keratin in the hair follicles. Mine got really bad after I had my son, I only ever had it on my upper arms (and it was mild) and now it's on my lower arms and top's of my thighs also. I know there are prescription lotions that contain urea that are supposed to help (I didn't have much luck) and I currently am using an over the counter lotion called Am-Lactin. After a few weeks, I'm finally starting to notice a difference. I used to be really self-concious about it but now I don't care. Do a google search, it will give you more info and some other treatment methods.
I have keratosis pilaris--it's very common. Anywhere from 50-80% of people have it. I've tried lots of lotions and exfoliants, even scrubbed my arms with a pumice stone when I got really frustrated with it. Nothing seems to help mine. Some people have luck with alpha hydroxy lotions but there's no known cure for it. And some cysters notice an improvement when they take metformin. Don't worry though, it's totally harmless. It just doesn't look nice.
I always have a website and a picture for people lol.
Supposedly moisturizing lotions, and Retin-A creams help it, but it takes a long time to see results (months). Personally, I've had it forever and never really minded (had other things to bother me more). I guess everyone has something they don't like..
- Jess
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i have this too, and i've just read that low humidity makes it worse. colorado is very dry, so that's part of my problem.
i believe i also have rosacea too. i have red patches on my face and i have a permanently red chest - people constantly comment that i've caught the sun
i'm thinking of booking an appointment with a dermatologist to see if they can help. i did go to the doctors, but he just chewed gum and told me that i need to be wearing sun screen... which is true, but it's not going to help clear up my skin.
edit: i wrote read patches instead of red lol!
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Yes, I have it too and I HATE it!!! I used to love wearing tank-tops or sleeveless shirts, but now I'm too embarrassed (well, the weight gain hasn't helped that issue much either...). I love hearing ideas to help!!
PCtwinz7
Paul and Christopher 10/07/04
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Hi, I have the same thing! Can't believe how many people have the same symptoms as I have. I thought I was crazy! Anyways, I used to be on the Diana-35 pil and that really helped for me. I stopped using it like 2 years ago and got all the bumps back again.
I've read in two other sources that it can be an Omega-3 deficiency. I notice that mine clear up briefly when I switch from hard to soft water (like at a hotel) or change soaps. Adding more omega-3 has helped in my case...
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I get bumpies like this too, except mine are more like actual pimples--they tend to fill up with white goo, just like a whitehead would. My friend gets something similar, and she talked to her doc about it, and her doc said that since acne isn't common on the upper arms, it's most likely an allergy.
Mine seem to respond to a cleanser with salicyclic acid, and if they are really prominent, I dab a little benzoyl peroxide cream on them. The main issue that I have with them is that even when they heal, they leave dark marks on my arms, so I always look like I have a rash! Ew!
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I take flaxseed oil supplements, which contain omega-3 fatty acids. I've noticed some improvement, but it definitely didn't get rid of the bumps on my arms. They're still red but they seem less...well, bumpy. The skin seems to be smoother.
I have always wondered what it was. And know i know! WOOHOOO thanks MeShel and Jessica. I have tried everything...at one point my Dr told me it was a soap allergy. But after reading that article i think that thats what it might be. What else will work on it maybe??
Some cysters have seen it improve while taking met. I have no idea why that happens or how often it works, but I've seen several ladies here who said it helped. I don't currently take met, but I'm hoping my new doctor will put me on it, so I'll let you know if it does anything
I have tried all kinds of stuff for mine. I've exfoliated with everything from a washcloth and soap to a pumice stone and body scrub (yes, on my arms...definitely don't recommend that). I've tried all sorts of different lotions. I put benzoyl peroxide (typically sold as an acne cream) on them for a while. I think it might have helped a little. It's kinda hard to tell. They do seem to get better in the summer, though.
So I had an appt with a new doctor to discuss my PCOS. When she saw my arms, she said a lot of girls w/ PCOS have it and she feels it's related to high testosterone...although she has no proof of this but def. an interesting theory.
I know I never had problems with this until I started showing symptoms of PCOS.
My sister, brother and I all have the red bumps on our upper arms. My sister's is so bad she won't wear a sleeveless shirt. Mine on the other hand, disappeared during pregnancy and the bumps are back, but not as bad. I also noticed if I let them 'air out' by wearing a tank top, they tend to be less noticable. I always thought it was acne. Now I know there's a term for it.
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i also have that, on my upper arms. it started about the same time as the acne and dark skin patches - it's got to be pcos related. it's not nearly as bad now, i think it faded over time.
Skin Problems On My Arms. 
