Have Rough Bumps On Upper Arms And Thighs In Back. What Is This And How To Get Rid Of It?

Posted on Thu, 12 Jul 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 12 Jul 2012 Answered on

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello, I have rough bumps on my upper arms and on my thighs in the back. They do not itch, hurt, or anything like that. They are not even really visible except for a couple that are kindof red probably from me picking at them? Theyre just like little hard bumps, not zits i dont think.. they dont puss or ooze anything. I dont think they will even show up in a picture. What are these and how do i get them to go away? Ive tried moisturizers and exfoliating cleansers.

Answered by Dr. Pravin Banodkar (1 hour later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
From your history and description , they sound very much like a condition called Keratosis Pilaris .
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.
Treatment may include:

•     Moisturizing lotions to soothe the skin and help it look better

•     Skin creams that contain urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D

•     Steroid creams to reduce redness

Improvement often takes months and the bumps are likely to come back. Keratosis pilaris may fade slowly with age.

Please do see your physician to get the above creams by prescription.

Thanks and take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli