Here's Why You Have Little Bumps On Your Arms
Lifestyle - News
By DANIELLE RAMOS-SULLIVAN
Have you ever put together the perfect summer dress only to discover your skin was covered with little bumps when you looked in the mirror? Keratosis pilaris is the most common cause of little bumps on the arms (and sometimes the thighs), and while these bumps might be ugly, they're nothing to be concerned about.
Keratosis pilaris, often known as "chicken skin," is a skin disorder in which pores become clogged. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein in the skin that protects it from bacteria and infection, and when this protein collects around your hair follicles, it clogs the pores, causing keratosis pilaris.
Like many skin conditions, the stages in life when it is the worst are times of growth, thus it's frequent in babies, teens, and young adults, although it can appear at any age. Keratosis pilaris has a genetic component, so if members of your family have it, you may be destined to get it, at least for a while.
Exfoliating is recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, which suggests using a loofah or a washcloth to gently brush away dead skin cells. Then you must moisturize, opting for one that is oil-free and contains urea or lactic acid, and you should notice that the bumps decrease and go away.