subject: Red Bumps on Arms - Half the World Has This Disease, Do You? [print this page] Red Bumps on Arms - Half the World Has This Disease, Do You?
Do you have red bumps on your arms? If you do, it is a good chance you have a very common skin disease called keratosis pilaris. Don't worry; it's not dangerous in any way, but it's incredibly common. About half the world has it, but it is more commonly found in women and adolescence. Keratosis pilaris tends to fade away as you age, but some people do not get as lucky and have it for most of their lives.
The most common place to find keratosis pilaris is on the back of your upper arms (where your triceps are). Since it's in somewhat of a hidden area, it typically goes unnoticed, so most people never realize they have it, especially since it rarely spreads; however, some can get it much worse and in many other places.
Keratosis pilaris is hereditary, so you have your parents to blame for your condition. The most commonly affected areas are the arms (both upper and lower), front of the thighs, calves, back, chest, buttocks, and cheeks. Anywhere that hair can grow, it can occur, so basically, everywhere but your palms and the soles of your feet.
The red bumps on your arms occur because your skin is building up too much of a protein called keratin in your skin. This keratin is clogging your pores which can cause the red, raised bumps and possibly an ingrown hair. Popping the bumps will remove the clogged keratin, but it won't help in anyway and will just cause a potential scar.
