Skin Bumps

Question: I am a 21-year-old woman, and have these weird small bumps around my thighs and arms. They are raised and make my skin look like plucked chicken skin. They do not itch but are unsightly. How can I get rid of these bumps?

Answer: The small skin bumps that you are experiencing are most likely due to a skin condition called keratosis pilaris. This is a common benign skin condition, which often starts in childhood, but can persist into adult life. It causes skin-coloured bumps over the upper arms, thighs and buttocks, just as you have described. These bumps are formed when there is an accumulation of material from dead skin cells called keratin. This build-up forms a plug that clogs up the opening of hair follicles, making it feel rough to touch.

Keratosis pilaris is seen more commonly in people with atopic eczema or a dry, scaly skin condition called ichthyosis vulgaris. The latter is a genetic disorder and often runs in families. Keratosis pilaris in itself is harmless, but the appearance of the skin bumps can be quite bothersome and unsightly. The skin bumps can turn red and itchy when inflamed.

Related: Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Improving Your Skin Condition

Dry skin will make these bumps more obvious. Here are some ways to help prevent dry skin:

  • Hydrate your skin with a moisturiser containing humectant ingredients like glycerine and urea.
  • When bathing, use a gentle soap-free cleanser and avoid too-warm water temperatures.
  • Apply over-the-counter moisturisers containing hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid or glycolic acid, to help reduce the build-up of follicle-plugging keratin. Do consult a pharmacist before buying such products, as they can cause skin irritation.

If your skin condition does not respond to these measures, consult a doctor for treatment. He or she may prescribe you with some creams, such as topical steroids to help reduce the inflammation in your skin, or topical retinoids to encourage the proper renewal of skin cells.

Dr Aaron Tan
Consultant
National Skin Centre

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