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What could be the acne-like bumps present on my upper arms?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have acne-like bumps all over my upper arms. I have tried Retin-A, but it did not help. Please guide me.

Answered by Dr. Suvash Sahu

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suvash Sahu is a skilled Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with two decades of experience in skin health and aesthetics. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatological conditions while offering advanced cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance. With his expertise, he combines medical care and aesthetic solutions, focusing on achieving healthy skin, restoring confidence, and improving overall quality of life for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

Are your acne-like bumps only localized over your arms? Or do you have these kinds of eruptions over the face, upper back, and chest? If yes please review with a picture. With your descriptions, it seems you are having keratosis pilaris, which is usually localized over the upper arms. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetic disorder of keratinization of hair follicles of the skin. It is an extremely common condition that manifests as small, rough keratotic papules, often described as chicken bumps, in characteristic areas of the body, particularly the outer-upper arms, and thighs.

The affected area may be washed once or twice a day with a gentle cleanser such as Dove or Cetaphil. You can try combination products of Lactic acid lotions (AmLactin or alpha hydroxy acid lotions), Glycolic body lotions, Urea cream (Carmol 10), Salicylic acid (Salex lotion), and topical steroid creams (Triamcinolone 0.1%, Locoid Lipocream), Retinoic acid products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A). Best results may be achieved with combination therapy.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At May 17, 2016
Reviewed At October 15, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suvash Sahu is a skilled Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with two decades of experience in skin health and aesthetics. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatological conditions while offering advanced cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance. With his expertise, he combines medical care and aesthetic solutions, focusing on achieving healthy skin, restoring confidence, and improving overall quality of life for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

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Companion

Keratosis Pilaris Companion

How it works

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. It often appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Learn more about it here.

1

What is
Keratosis

2

Symptoms
Appearance

3

Causes
Genetics

4

Gentle
Cleansing

5

Topical
Treatments

6

Combination
Therapy

This information is based on general medical guidance. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice; consult a qualified clinician.

Always consult a doctor before taking medication; self-medication carries serious health risks. Take exact prescribed doses, and never start, change, or stop treatment without medical supervision.

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suvash Sahu is a skilled Cosmetologist and Dermatologist with two decades of experience in skin health and aesthetics. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of dermatological conditions while offering advanced cosmetic procedures to enhance appearance. With his expertise, he combines medical care and aesthetic solutions, focusing on achieving healthy skin, restoring confidence, and improving overall quality of life for his patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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