Why Do I Have Bumps on My Arms?

What is keratosis pilaris, and what causes it?

Keratosis pilaris typically causes small, rough-feeling bumps. They may appear:

• red
• brown
• your skin color

They tend to occur on the backs of your upper arms. They may also appear on your buttocks, the backs of your thighs, or elsewhere on your legs.

Regular exfoliation can help, along with keeping your skin hydrated with lotion. While the bumps may feel dry and rough, keratosis pilaris usually isn’t itchy.

Causes of keratosis pilaris

Like acne, these bumps develop when dead skin cells get trapped in your pores. Some of the bumps may have pimple-like heads. However, keratosis pilaris bumps on the arms are often small and flat.

Keratosis pilaris can be hereditary and may be difficult to prevent entirely. You may be more likely to get these bumps during dry times of the year. You may also have a higher risk of developing keratosis pilaris bumps if you have one or more of the following:

• eczema
• dry skin
• ichthyosis vulgaris, or dead skin cell buildup
• allergies and hay fever
• melanoma and are taking vemurafenib
• obesity

Keratosis pilaris may occur more often in females, teens, and young adults, but research is mixed.

Keratosis pilaris is a common cause of arm bumps, but it isn’t the only possible cause.

It isn’t usually itchy, but some other types of arm bumps can be. If the bumps on your arms are itchy, consider the possible causes below.

What causes itchy bumps on the arms?

Some bumps on the arms can be itchy, partly because of inflammation and irritation in the skin. Possible causes of itchy bumps on the arms include:

• Eczema: While there are various types of eczema, it often causes a discolored, itchy rash that may be raised in some areas.
• Hives: These are discolored bumps that develop from an allergic reaction.
• Folliculitis: With folliculitis, inflamed hair follicles cause multiple bumps on the skin.
• Heat rash: You can develop heat rash from being exposed to excessive heat. It results in clogged sweat in your pores.
• Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition in which excessive skin cell growth leads to skin patches ranging from red to brown to silvery.
• Sebaceous hyperplasia: This skin condition causes flesh-colored or yellowish bumps and occurs when a decrease in cell turnover causes the crowding of sebocytes in the sebaceous gland.

What causes bumps on the arms that aren’t itchy?

In addition to keratosis pilaris, acne is another typically non-itchy cause of bumps on the arms.

Pimples on the arms can develop when your pores get clogged with:

• dead skin cells
• bacteria
• dirt
• oil

Skin cancers may or may not cause itchiness. Although this cause of arm bumps is rare, prompt diagnosis is important in preventing the tumors from spreading.

Diagnosing bumps on the arms

Identifying keratosis pilaris can help determine whether your arm bumps are related to it or another skin condition.

A doctor can diagnose the bumps on your arms with a physical exam. The possible causes of skin bumps can vary. Getting the correct diagnosis can help you properly treat them.

A doctor may refer you to a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment, especially if a primary care doctor suspects an inflammatory skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis.

If the cause of your arm bumps isn’t quite clear, a dermatologist may conduct a biopsy. This procedure helps rule out skin cancers and fungal or bacterial causes. During a biopsy, a doctor removes a small piece of the skin for further study under a microscope.

How do you get rid of bumps on the arms?

Treating bumps on the arms can depend on their cause.

Exfoliation

For skin conditions linked to the buildup of dead skin cells like keratosis pilaris, you can treat these bumps and help prevent others from forming with regular exfoliation. Options can include:

• chemical exfoliators like body washes and lotions with salicylic acid
• physical exfoliators like gentle sugar scrubs or using a loofa or washcloth
• procedures performed at a dermatologist’s office or medical spa, including dermabrasion and chemical peels
• retinol creams

Be careful not to scrub. This can cause irritation and possibly more bumps.

Because it removes dead skin cells from the top layer of skin so they don’t get trapped in your pores, exfoliating can also help with other causes of arm bumps. These may include:

• acne
• psoriasis
• dead skin cell buildup

Note that exfoliation can irritate some causes of arm bumps, such as:

• eczema
• folliculitis
• heat rash

Plus, this process won’t get rid of more serious bumps, such as skin cancers.

Medications

Other treatments for arm bumps depend on the underlying causes.

Doctors typically treat inflammatory skin conditions with topical creams to help soothe the inflammation and prevent more bumps from occurring.

Over-the-counter (OTC) creams with colloidal oatmeal or hydrocortisone may help soothe itchy skin bumps and provide some relief. If your skin doesn’t improve, you may need a prescription ointment.

If a healthcare professional suspects that allergies contribute to your skin bumps, you may need to take an antihistamine. Skin reactions to allergens can take time to clear up, but treatment and prevention will help prevent the related skin bumps.

When to contact a doctor

It’s a good idea to contact a doctor, such as a dermatologist, to diagnose arm bumps and recommend a treatment plan. You should also contact a doctor if the bumps worsen or change in shape or size.

You may need to make an urgent appointment if you start to see any symptoms of infection, such as:

• increased inflammation
• oozing or bleeding
• discharge or pus from the bumps

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you locate a physician.

Takeaway

Bumps on the arms are commonly caused by keratosis pilaris (chicken skin). Regular exfoliation can help remove bumps and prevent new ones from developing.

Other causes of arm bumps may require a doctor’s visit and medical treatment. When in doubt, it is always a good idea to contact your doctor.