The Best Ways To Get Rid Of Hard Red Bumps On Arms And Legs
If youve ever wondered to yourself: what are those bumps on my arms that look like pimples? then youll be happy to know we can answer that question and help you solve the problem. Those areas of small, reddish, hard, bumps on the arms and legs are the hallmark of a skin issue often referred to as chicken skin. The bumps arent harmful, but theyre certainly not pretty!
Yellow Reddish Or Brown Patches On Your Skin
Necrobiosis Lipoidica
This skin condition often begins as small raised solid bumps that look like pimples. As it progresses, these bumps turn into patches of swollen and hard skin. The patches can be yellow, reddish, or brown.
You may also notice:
- The surrounding skin has a shiny porcelain-like appearance
- You can see blood vessels
- The skin is itchy and painful
- The skin disease goes through cycles where it is active, inactive, and then active again
necrobiosis lipodica.
Take action
- Get tested for diabetes, if you have not been diagnosed.
- Work with your doctor to better control your diabetes.
- See a dermatologist about your skin. Necorbiosis lipodica is harmless, but it can lead to complications.
Getting Diagnosed With Dermatitis
If you have dry, itchy or scaly skin on your legs, make an appointment at your GP practice. You may be given an appointment to see the nurse rather than the doctor as nurses are often responsible for caring for patients with leg problems.
Alternatively, there might be a Leg Club or specialist leg clinic in your area. You dont need to be referred by your GP to attend one of these.
When you see the nurse or doctor, they should:
- Ask about your symptoms and how long you have had problems
- Examine your lower legs
If it looks like you have varicose eczema, you may be offered a simple test called a Doppler ultrasound. This test compares blood flow in your ankle with that in your arm to find out if there are blood flow problems in your lower leg. You might have to come back to have your Doppler test on another day or at another clinic but you should have this test within a few weeks of your first appointment.
You may also wish to visit your local pharmacy in the first instance and speak to a pharmacist who may be able to assist.
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Contact Dermatitis: A Skin Rash Caused By Irritation Or Allergy
Contact dermatitis can be caused by any allergy-causing substance or irritating substance that touches your skin. Irritating substances are more common and include solvents, pesticides, and detergents. Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly seen with poison ivy, cosmetics, certain metals such as nickel, and medications that are applied to the skin. The skin rash of contact dermatitis can appear as red skin, skin bumps, blisters, scales, crusts, or sores. Itching is common. Treatment of contact dermatitis includes washing the skin and using anti-itch lotions and steroids.
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC, may appear as a crusty or scaly bump or lumpy area of skin. Bumps typically develop on areas that have the most sun exposure, such as the face, hands, or legs. They can be painful and sensitive.
Types of cutaneous SCC include:
- verrucous carcinoma, which a wart-like lump that grows on the bottom of the foot
- cutaneous horn, which is a lesion with a cone shape
- keratoacanthoma, which is a tumor that may resolve itself without treatment
- , which is an uncommon tumor that grows from scars or ulcers
Treatment
If a person thinks they may have a cancerous skin bump, they should see a doctor.
Treatment for skin cancer can
There are many causes of a raised skin bump. Other causes include:
Treatment
Treatment will ultimately depend on the cause. Some skin bumps, such as skin tags and keratosis pilaris, do not require medical treatment.
Others may require surgery or excision.
A person should see a doctor or dermatologist to discuss potential treatment options.
With most types of skin bump, it is not necessary to call a doctor. However, if a person has concerns about a bump, they should seek medical attention.
It is possible to mistake more severe conditions such as skin cancer for mild acne.
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Dry Itchy Skin On Legs
1. Skin conditions
Skin conditions that can lead to itching include:
- eczema where the skin is dry, flaky and also very itchy
- contact dermatitis inflammation of skin that happens when you come into contact with an allergen
- urticaria also called the hives, or nettle rash urticaria is usually triggered by an allergen and also leads to a raised, red itchy rash to develop
- lichen planus is an itchy rash of unknown cause
- psoriasis a skin condition that leads to red, crusty patches of skin that is usually covered with silvery scales
- dandruff a common skin condition that leads to a dry white or even the grey flakes of dead skin that are seen in the scalp or hair
- folliculitis a skin condition brought about by inflamed hair follicles
- prurigo small blisters that are very itchy
2. Allergies and skin reactions
Itching is brought about by an allergen, irritant or any other environmental factor, which includes:
- cosmetic ingredients, like the preservatives, hair dye and also the nail varnish hardeners
- certain metals, like the nickel or even cobalt in jewelry
- rubber which includes latex
- textiles especially the dyes and also the resins that are in them
- some plants like the chrysanthemums, daffodils and primula
- an allergy to some foods or even types of medication
- prickly heat is an itchy rash that normally appears in hot and humid weather conditions
- sunburn skin damage brought about by exposure to the suns ultraviolet rays
3. Parasites and insects
4. Infections
Symptoms Of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris may make your skin look like you have goose bumps. The bumps are often the color of your skin. They may also look white, red, pinkish-purple on fair skin, or brownish-black on dark skin. They can feel rough and dry like sandpaper. They may itch, but they dont hurt. If you have keratosis pilaris on your face, it may look like acne, and you may look flushed. The skin on your face may be dry and chapped. Some people with keratosis pilaris only get a few flesh-colored bumps. Others have noticeable bumps that can look like a rash.
The area of your skin that is affected by keratosis pilaris may become darker or lighter than the surrounding skin. This can happen if you scratch or pick at the bumps.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Skin
Symptoms of dry skin include skin thats:
How do I know if I have dry skin?
You can test your skin at home to see if you have dry skin by lightly dragging your fingernails across your skin. When you do this, make sure you dont put any pressure on your skin with your fingernails and avoid scratching yourself. This test works well on your arms or legs where you have a large surface area of skin. When you perform this test, look at your skin and see if it flakes. Flaking skin is a sign of dry skin. This could look like tiny snowflakes or dust. You might even see a light mark on your skin thats similar to a line on a chalkboard where you performed this test.
Rubella: Small Red Spots All Over The Skin
Another viral skin rash that affects children and young adults is rubella, or German measles. Rubella causes a rash of red skin spots that spreads like chickenpox from the face down. The skin rash can be itchy. Other symptoms include sore throat, fever, swollen glands, headache, and runny nose. There is a vaccine for rubella, and the Centers for Disease Control note that the virus has been eliminated from the United States, but it is still common in other countries. Rubella can be very dangerous for pregnant women because it can cause birth defects. Treatment includes rest and acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.
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What Causes Itchy Legs With Bumps
This could be due to several conditions, such as:
Relief for itchy legs depends on the underlying cause. Self-care measures can help calm skin irritation and an itchy sensation. This includes keeping your skin moisturized with creams, lotions, or gels.
Apply moisture to your legs before and after shaving, as well as after a bath or shower.
Other topical products to relieve itchy legs include anti-itch cream, hydrocortisone, and calamine lotion. You can also take an oral antihistamine to stop an allergic reaction.
If itchiness doesnt respond to over-the-counter remedies, ask your doctor about a prescription steroid cream. This treatment might be effective if you have a skin condition that cause dryness, inflammation, and itchiness.
In the case of folliculitis, your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat itchy legs. If you have diabetes, your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication to better control your blood sugar level.
Along with over-the-counter and prescription medications, a few home remedies can help relieve itchy legs.
What Should I Eat Or Drink With Dry Skin
Certain foods and drinks can pull water from your body and cause dehydration. Avoid food and drinks that contain:
Are there side effects of having dry skin?
Untreated or severely dry skin can cause your skin to crack open and bleed. Open sores or wounds from these cracks expose your body to germs that can cause infections. Rarely, dry, itchy skin can indicate a more serious health problem, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
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When To Seek Help For Dry Skin Patches
You should contact a doctor if your dry skin becomes severe or doesnt go away. Its also a good idea to get checked out if you think your dry skin might be a sign of an underlying illness.
Seeking out early treatment for your skin condition may lead to a better outcome. The Healthline FindCare tool can provide options in your area if you dont already have a dermatologist.
Treatment Of Dry Skin
An important aspect of treatment is to identify and tackle any factors that may be contributing to the dry skin. Water alone can actually worsen the problem of dry skin by removing the normal, protective skin oils. Hot, soapy water depletes the natural skin oils to the greatest degree. Water followed by the application of a thick moisturizer, is of great benefit for dry skin.
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What Is This Medication
VITAMIN A prevents and treats low vitamin A levels in your body. Vitamin A plays an important role in maintaining the health of your eyes, skin, immune system, and reproductive system. It is an antioxidant, which helps to protect your cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME: A-Caro-25, Dofsol-A
Be Patient With Yourself
People often expect the treatments to immediately make the bumps or the redness disappear, Dr. Wat said. She explained that people should instead treat this condition as a chronic one that may take years to resolve.
Although this can be bothersome, remember that you arent alone. Keratosis pilaris is a common condition. Consulting with a dermatologist, and continuing to work with them during your treatment, is your best bet.
Visit bannerhealth.com to find a dermatologist near you. You may also want to check out these related articles, written with help from other Banner Health providers:
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Impetigo: A Skin Rash Caused By Bacteria
Impetigo is a rash caused by a skin infection, usually traced to one of two bacteria, group A streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus. This skin rash appears as brown, crusty sores or blisters around the nose or mouth area. The rash is very itchy and very contagious. Scratching the rash and then touching other areas of the body, or other people, will cause it to spread. Treatment of impetigo is with antibiotic creams or lotions, and for more severe cases, with oral antibiotics.
What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medication
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactionsskin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Bone or joint pain
- Increased pressure around the brainsevere headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
- Liver injuryright upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
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Causes Of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, the protein that protects skin from infections and other harmful things. The buildup forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle, but doctors don’t know what triggers the buildup.
If you have dry skin, you’re more likely to have keratosis pilaris. It’s usually worse in the winter months, when there’s less moisture in the air, and then may clear up in the summer.
It often affects people with certain skin conditions, including eczema .
Prickly Heat: A Skin Rash When Sweat Blocks Pores
Prickly heat, or heat rash, causes red skin that stings and itches. Small skin bumps may form as well. Heat rash is caused when sweat gets blocked in your pores. This is a common rash in babies, but can occur at any age. This skin condition tends to form where skin rubs against skin or clothing, such as in skin folds of the neck, breasts, groin, and underarms. The best treatment is to cool off, dry off, and reduce friction.
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Dry Skin Bumps On Legs
Dry skin bumps are most commonly found in people allergic to something and in this situation, it is not a serious medical problem. However, dry bumps on the skin combined with itchiness or fever might be indicating some more severe conditions, so you should consult your doctor just to be sure.
Allergies, chicken skin, eczema as well as hives are the most commonly diagnosed problems in patients with dry skin bumps on the legs. To be able to identify and treat any of these problems, you must know specific symptoms and available therapy options.
Allergies and Dry Skin Bumps
Patients allergic to different allergens may experience red, itchy and scaly skin, with dry bumps and rash. The skin may also start to flake, triggering the signs of swelling and inflammation or even some blistering. People can be allergic to certain weather conditions, some food or even to anything they wear, like latex gloves. For the treatment, doctors must identify the cause of your allergy and treat it accordingly. In most cases, therapy includes antihistamine tablets or corticosteroid creams.
Chicken Skin
Eczema on Legs
Dry Skin Bumps Associated with Hives
What Should I Know About Facial Skin Care For Acne
- If you are prone to acne, choose a cleanser specially formulated for acne. These products often contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, which help to clear acne.
- Clean your face gently, as trauma to the acne breakouts may worsen acne or cause scarring.
- Avoid harsh mechanical scrubbing of skin and picking lesions.
- If you need to use a moisturizer, use light, non-comedogenic moisturizers, which do not cause acne.
- Women should use an oil-free non-comedogenic foundation, as heavy makeup or other cosmetic products may block pores and worsen acne.
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What Is Dry Skin
Dry skin is skin that doesnt have enough moisture in it to keep it feeling soft. The medical term for dry skin is xeroderma . Xerosis is severely dry skin. Dry skin feels like rough patches of your skin that can flake or look scaly. If your skin is dry, it may or may not be itchy . Severe dry skin may crack and bleed.
What are the types of dry skin?
Types of dry skin include:
Rosacea: Redness And Inflammation On The Face
Rosacea is a common skin condition that occurs on the faces of adults. Symptoms of rosacea include redness of the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin. Small blood vessels may be seen on the surface of the red skin, along with skin bumps and pimples, though this is not related to acne breakouts. Rosacea typically only affects the face, though in some cases it appears on the neck, chest, ears, scalp, or even the eyes. The cause is unknown and there is no cure, although treatment with antibiotics can minimize symptoms.
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Hives: Sudden Itchy Skin Bumps And Welts
Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin rash that comes on suddenly and causes pale pink or red, itchy welts, which sometimes burn or sting. This skin condition can occur anywhere on the skin. Up to 20 percent of people may experience hives at least once in their lifetime. Hives may last for a few days or a few weeks and may be caused by an allergic reaction, typically to a food or medication or a recent cold or illness. The most common treatment is to avoid the cause and treat the symptoms with an antihistamine medication. Speak to a physician if an individual welt or hive lasts longer than 24 hours and is associated with any pain or fever.