Small Pimples on the Back of Your Arms? All About Keratosis Pilaris

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Feeling rough? As warm weather approaches and we pay more attention to our arms in preparation for summer clothing, you may notice some bumps. If you have what look like small pimples on the back of your arms, you might be dealing with a skin condition called keratosis pilaris (KP).

While small pimples or red bumps on the arms or other areas might make you think it’s body acne, these bumps are caused by keratin plugs, not sebum plugs. KP is a common skin condition with over half of teenagers and 40% of adults affected.

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What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a harmless condition where small bumps show up on the skin, often on your upper arms, thighs, and butt. KP can affect other areas of the body as well.

These pimples on the arm are usually the same color as the skin or slightly reddish. They are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that helps protect your skin, but in this case, it can clog your hair follicles, creating these bumps. KP can be more noticeable when your skin is dry, which is why it often gets worse during winter months. 

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Exactly what causes this overproduction of keratin that leads to KP is unknown. Several factors, such as genetics, dry skin, hormonal changes like puberty and pregnancy, and cold, dry environments, can contribute to it. It is often seen in children and teenagers and can improve with age.

The rough, uneven texture of KP is sometimes compared to the skin of a plucked chicken or the surface of a strawberry, which is why it can be called “chicken skin” or “strawberry skin.” While the little red spots on the arm associated with KP are typically painless, they may cause itching or discomfort.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

While KP is harmless and often resolves on its own with age, there are plenty of ways to manage it and keep your skin looking and feeling better.

Keratosis pilaris treatments focus on exfoliating the affected areas to remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles, as well as moisturizing the skin to help soften and smooth its texture.

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Chemical Exfoliation

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and urea are commonly used to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, helping to unclog hair follicles and smooth the skin’s texture. Products containing ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or salicylic acid can be applied to the affected areas to help improve KP symptoms.

Physical Exfoliation

In addition to chemical exfoliants, physical exfoliation can also help smooth the texture of KP.

After your skin softens from water in the shower, use a gentle scrub or exfoliating mitt to massage the affected areas. Doing this regularly can help remove dead skin cells and prevent the buildup of keratin. However, it’s important to avoid scrubbing too aggressively or too often, as this can irritate the skin and worsen KP symptoms. Some scrubs geared towards getting rid of KP also include chemical exfoliants for double duty.

Topical Retinoids

Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are another effective keratosis pilaris treatment option. These topical medications work by promoting cell turnover and preventing the buildup of keratin around hair follicles. Over time, retinoids can help reduce the appearance of bumps and improve the overall texture of the skin.

Moisturize

Keeping the skin well-hydrated is essential for managing keratosis pilaris, as dry skin can exacerbate KP symptoms. Using a moisturizing body wash and following it up immediately while skin is still damp with body lotion can help hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture.

Hair Removal

Since KP is caused by keratin blocking hair follicles, reducing the presence of hair can help minimize this buildup. Methods like laser hair removal or electrolysis done by professionals can target the hair follicles directly and reduce hair growth. 

At-home IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) devices are a popular option for hair removal, but they aren’t suitable for everyone. IPL devices work best if you have light-to-medium skin and dark hair, as the technology relies on the contrast between the pigment in the hair and the pigment in the skin to target the hair. People with darker skin tones could risk skin damage, while those with blonde, red, gray, or white hair might find IPL less effective.

Consult a dermatologist to ensure hair removal is appropriate for your skin type and to avoid any potential irritation. 

Lifestyle Changes

Making simple changes can also help manage KP. Using a humidifier in dry environments can help keep skin hydrated, and avoiding hot, long showers or baths and using mild, fragrance-free cleansers can also help your skin.

Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter products aren’t cutting it, a visit to a dermatologist for keratosis pilaris treatment may be necessary. They may prescribe you topical retinoids, topical corticosteroids, Accutane, or other medications to help manage underlying skin conditions. You may also want to visit a dermatologist if you suspect KP is on your face and you need help distinguishing it from acne.

Laser Treatment

For more persistent cases, or when skin appearance is a significant concern, laser therapy can be an option. Dermatologists may recommend laser treatments to reduce redness and improve the skin’s texture, though multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results. This option is typically considered when other treatments have not worked. 

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Life with keratosis pilaris can be a bumpy ride, but these small pimples on the back of arms are harmless and can often be managed with the right keratosis pilaris treatments. You’ll smooth things out in no time!