What should you know about raised bumps on upper arm?

Raised bumps on the upper arm are often related to follicular plugging or irritation, yet their texture, colour, and changes determine the next step. Bumps spread evenly over the outer upper arms and feel rough like fine sandpaper often suggest keratosis pilaris. Red, sore bumps around hairs point more toward folliculitis. Heat, sweat, tight sleeves, and new products can irritate the area. A close look is more useful than judging the bump by size alone.

Keratosis pilaris involves keratin collecting around hair follicles and may run in families or become more noticeable when skin is dry. Folliculitis reflects inflammation around a follicle and may follow shaving, friction, or occlusion. Heat rash affects sweaty areas. Less typical appearances can lead a dermatologist to consider lichen planus or milia.

Use a mild cleanser and moisturiser, and avoid rough mitts, picking, and repeated shaving over inflamed bumps. Choose loose, breathable sleeves during hot weather. If the surface stays rough, a clinician can recommend a suitable keratolytic moisturiser; if itch is prominent, antihistamine treatment may be considered. Do not freeze or remove a bump unless it has been diagnosed.

Have the area assessed if pain, pus, warmth, swelling, or fever develops, or if bumps spread despite removing an irritant. Book a review for a solitary firm lesion, bleeding, ulceration, rapid change, or a rash that repeatedly returns. A photograph taken in consistent light can help show progression.

Does the distribution fit keratosis pilaris? Are any follicles infected or inflamed? Which moisturiser or wash suits my skin? How long should I try the routine before review?