Kirsten in MO Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 My 14 yr old DS has had these tiny bumps on the top parts of his arms for about 6 months now...they look like acne, but they don't do anything; they don't look infected or anything like that. What can be causing this, and what can I do about it? It seems to me that they have gotten more numerous lately, and he has even gotten a few down on his forearms. I don't believe it is a rash or an allergic reaction to anything... Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Kirsten Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 It is likely keratosis pilaris http://www.helpforkp.com/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2_girls_mommy Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 My sisters and I had the same thing growing up and into our early 20s. I don't remember how I learned what it was, but somehow I did. It has to do with lack of enough fish in the diet if I remember correctly. I cannot get more technical than that, or explain it. I have no memory of how I found out that's what it was. But increase fish intake or fish oil or whatever, or try and research to find out more. But somehow I know that... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sushi's Mom Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Keratosis Pilaris Don't worry about it. Lots of people have it. It won't go away, but if it bothers him, he can use a good lotion on it daily and also exfoliate the area. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 When I was eating milk products I would get that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tangerine Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Yeppers. KP. I have it, as do both of my kids. I don't look so hot in sleeveless shirts, and that's about the only side effect. :tongue_smilie: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ellie Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 I have that. :glare: I use a lotion bar after each bath and that keeps in in check. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Margo out of lurking Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 Ds and I both have what sounds like the same. Backs of the upper arms only, looks pimply but never break, and from far away, arms are noticeably more reddish. I've had it off and on for 15+ years. It's caused by very dry skin. Lotion usually doesn't help get rid of the bumps, although some medicated does. Thanks to Negin here, the one thing that's worked for me is body brushing. Ds has success by briskly rubbing with a dry washcloth. Once you slough, then try using lotion, which will help to cure the problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trivium Pursuit Posted September 6, 2011 Share Posted September 6, 2011 I agree with a PP who mentioned eating more fish or taking fish oil. What you describe is often a symptom of an essential fatty acid deficiency. Because fish oil contains omega 3s, you should be able to notice an improvement in your skin. Make certain you get a good quality fish oil such as Nordic Naturals or Carlson's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swirl Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 Eucerin works wonders for us. You can get it at Walmart, Target, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirsten in MO Posted September 7, 2011 Author Share Posted September 7, 2011 It is likely keratosis pilaris http://www.helpforkp.com/ Thanks for the link...what a great resource! That looks exactly like what my son has! I noticed it said it is hereditary; my son is the first one in my family or my husbands to have this, although my side does tend to have dry skin and cracked fingers/heals in the winter... Thanks everyone for the product recommendations...I will definitely try them. It doesn't seem to bother him, but the looks of it is driving me crazy, like I need to do something about it! I give my kids a supplement of EFA's from Swanson...maybe I need to double him up for awhile? Change brands? Okay, I feel equipped to give this a try...thanks so much for the help! Kirsten Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tangerine Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 I hope something helps. People spend their lives trying things to help KP. I've done seabuckthorn, lotion, dry brushing, healing lotions, and kp acid peeling kits. So far, no luck. Thankfully it's minimally bothersome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Misty Posted September 7, 2011 Share Posted September 7, 2011 (edited) I've read that bumps on the upper arms are due to yeast (fungal) overgrowth throughout the body.. So you might add that to your list of things to research. Has he had a lot of antibiotics prescribed to him over the years? ETA: I just googled Keratosis pilaris + yeast and quite a few things came up. Might be worth looking into. Good luck! Edited September 7, 2011 by Misty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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