How to Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris - little white bumps on your arms

Smooth your skin with a variety of topical remedies.

Little white or red bumps on your upper arms may be a condition called keratosis pilaris, or KP. The condition is harmless, but it is often resistant to treatment. It usually appears in young people and disappears by the age of 30, according to MayoClinic.com. You can take steps to alleviate the rough, dry skin of this persistent condition. Visit your physician before attempting to treat any skin condition on your own.

Instructions

1. Look for a cream containing lactic acid, a substance that acid helps remove excess keratin from the skin's surface. AmLactin and Lac-Hydrin are two brands you may try. Alternatively, apply milk or yogurt directly to your skin, or add any milk product to your bath water, for the lactic acid content.

2. Try cleansers, lotions and creams containing Alpha hydroxy acid (glycolic acid), a chemical exfoliant. Alpha hydroxy acid helps the skin retain moisture and shed dead skin.

3. Try creams containing urea. Carmol and Urix are two examples. Carmol 10 and Carmol 20 are available over the counter. Stronger Carmol creams are available by prescription.

4. Skin products containing SALICYLIC ACID, an exfoliant, are also helpful.

5. Optionally, apply Retin-A or another brand of topical vitamin-A preparation. These topical retinoids promote cell turnover, but can be potentially irritating. Too much can cause drying and peeling of the skin. These preparations can be very expensive.

6. Twice daily, cleanse affected skin with a natural-bristle body brush. Use a treatment cleanser. Dry gently, and apply treatment lotion or cream.

References

• MayoClinic.com: Keratosis pilaris