Do you have tiny or little bumps on arms with sandpapery feeling or look like goose pimples? Healthy individuals can develop them. Does it mean they are ill?
Arm bumps accompanied by scaling and blotches or thick patches on the skin can be signs of a dangerous skin condition. What more? Bumps can cause pain when touched or felt with tenderness and sometimes bumpy and hard.
Causes
Bumps on the arm skin can appear or develop for a variety of reasons.
Keratosis pilaris
One of the most common causes of tiny and small ones forearms and back of arms. This skin condition characterized by small rough patches or tiny bumps on arms and legs. Earth clinic Natural Cures states they are usually white. For some people, the bumps/spots may appear reddish but is rare. KP can also occur on legs.
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin in hair follicles. The roughness is due to the plugs of excess keratin. Healthy individuals with dry skin often get keratosis. The occurrence of this condition is also influenced by an underlying skin conditions like, eczema and ichthyosis.
Children are affected more by keratosis pilaris than young adults since there is likelihood it improves as matures into adulthood.
Remedies for keratosis pilaris or KP
Apply an appropriate moisturizer if your skin is dry or are prone to dryness in skin. Moisturizers don’t cure the condition but will improve your skin texture if you have the condition
Take regular warm baths or showers. You can also gently do scrubbing if your skin is not sensitive
Whenever you do cleansing avoid the soapy solutions especially when your skin is dry
Is keratosis pilaris treatable?
Apparently, there is no particular treatment that completely rid of the bumps or patches due to keratosis. However, you can consult your GP or doctor about any of the therapies used as cosmetic forms of treatment. They include chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Rashes
What do rashes on arms look like? Rashes can appear on skin after an irritant or allergic substance comes into contact with your arms resulting to a reaction. Certain skin rashes can cause bumpy spots on your arms. For instance, viral infections that cause scabies can cause a bumpy red rash (i.e. knots under arm skin).
Other skin rashes on arm can be caused by insect stings, poison ivy, food allergens, Prurigo gestationis, urticaria and certain infections – mostly viral or fungal.
A rash on skin can be signified by small red bumps on a small area or whole of skin surface that has been affected. While some cause itching, irritation or inflammation in skin are some of common symptoms of contact dermatitis.
IMPORTANT: Certain allergic reactions are emergency cases where patients need an urgent medical attention to stop further reactions.
Parasites and bites from insects
Human parasites and insects can also cause bumps all over the body. Bumps forming such small animals are usually itchy or skin irritating. Examples of common human parasites include the itch mite and the scabies mite. Mosquitoes, bedbugs, fleas and lice are other parasites to humans.
Identifying the type or kind of bites is the he best approach to treating or finding remedies for bites.
Bumps on back of arms – vitamin deficiency
The appearance of your skin in terms of texture colour and general complexion can help reveal the essential body vitamins your body lacks.
There are numerous observable indicators, signs and symptoms regarding nutrient deficiency in your body. Some of these are complex and may require you see your nutritionist in order to ideally know or substantiate how severe is your body deficiency.
Lack of vitamin A, D and fatty acids in body are examples which can be revealed after a proper skin examination. According to Dr. Susan Evans small red bumps on the back of upper arms is indicative of vitamin A and E deficiencies.
People with deficiency symptoms tend get ill since they have weakened body to fight secondary infections some of which could be the underlying cause of bumps on skin.
Pimples on arms
A pimple or arm pimples occur most at puberty or the adolescent stage. Body hormone changes is more common but use of cosmetic lotions can cause the pimples especially when practiced badly. In addition, people with dry skin can also develop pimples on the upper arms.
What are other possible causes of this skin problem or condition
They can also occur after exposure to UV radiations, dermatitis herpetiformis, trauma or injury to arms and acne – more so on the upper arms.
Causes of little or small bumps on arms
Little ones can be caused by keratosis pilaris, eruptive milia cysts and possibly skin keratoses.
What about small white bumps on the arms? Are little white arm bumps anything of a concern? If you often get white bumps you should inform your doctor. After a differential diagnosis is done you should know whether you are in danger.
What do red ones mean
First, they are associated with rashes due to an allergic reaction. If they are small (red bumps) and appear suddenly. Second, you may have a scabies mite infestation. Bumpy red arms cam also mean you are suffering from scabies. Bumps from scabies can spread all over the body when mite infestation is really high.
Infection of pimples, exposure to sunlight for unusually long durations would trigger or cause red bumps in some people. For instance, light-skinned individuals.
How to get rid of them
Bumps on arm can alter the texture and appearance of skin. The need to get rid of arm bumps will then depend on unfavorable symptoms or whether the bumps have negative health impacts. Certain arm bumps may require one to get diagnosed. Below is a brief discussion on various methods used in getting rid of specific causes.
Treatment for keratosis pilaris
Can I use alpha-hydroxyl acid or urea based moisturizer lotions for keratosis pilaris? Apparently, there are no products over the counter or treatments to give results anyone wants. Ask your cosmetic expert or doctor to prescribe stronger creams or help you select the best products to use when you have this skin condition.
Other options available include chemical peeling, ablative lasers and microdermabrasion.
Creams and lotion for pimples on arms
Cream products are for common for pimples and acne. They comprise exfoliating products and cleansers.
Steroid creams or lotions
Skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris have shown some improvements after using steroid cream products. Physicians prefer prescription strength lotions or creams due to potential side effects and after-use health risks.
Lotions for itchy red bump arms
Hydrocortisone cream is can help calm down inflammation. If have acquired creams over the counter or intend to use non-prescription medicines ask your pharmacist for advice on how to apply for optimal results.
If you highly suspect that the bumps are due to insect bites consult your physician before attempting any arm bump lotion.
When should I seek medical help?
Bumps on arms accompanied with symptoms like itching must be taken seriously. If you itch a lot or experience a hell-itch especially during night tell your medic promptly. In addition, bumpy arms with or in absence of any other observable signs or symptoms could be life-threatening. Dial your country emergency immediately or report to special medic unit.
See your doctor immediately if rash on your skin suddenly becomes lumpy or turns to something else colour.
Health and other lifestyle changes
Instead of going for treatment, you can take a few of factors under control and still get the way out. Firstly, avoid taking too hot showers when you have keratosis pilaris to reduce the drying out your skin. Secondly, avoid the potential triggers by even staying far away.
You can also do a little tweaks to fix your body needs with the help of nutritional tips and guidance on diet. These are natural diets to help you start off.
Keep in mind that not all food sources will suit everyone. If you have a medical history of allergies please, consult your doctor to help you find alternative solutions.
- Vitamin E and Zinc. Use oil from wheat, pumpkin seeds,
- Vitamin A and fatty acids. Go for fruits like oranges and vegetables, liver, eggs, Brazil nuts, garlic, and fish