Bumps on your skin can be caused by numerous factors. Allergies and skin irritation can cause small, itchy bumps to appear on the surface of your skin. Another common cause of skin bumps is a genetic disorder of the hair follicles on your skin called keratosis pilaris, caused by dry skin and often misdiagnosed as acne. According to MayoClinic.com, keratosis pilaris causes rough patches and acne-like bumps, most frequently occurring on the arm, thigh and buttock areas. Sometimes, medication is required to treat skin bumps. You can also usually treat the symptoms using home remedies.
Step 1
Make an appointment with a dermatologist. A dermatologist can rule out certain medical conditions and possible skin allergies. If you suspect that you have a condition such as keratosis pliaris, a dermatologist can talk to you about medication that might help lessen the symptoms.
Step 2
Bathe in warm water. Using water that is too hot can aggravate skin bumps and itching. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, bathing in hot water can also cause excessive dryness and dehydration due to the loss of moisture and skin oils.
Step 3
Dry yourself gently using a soft towel after bathing. According to MayoClinic.com, scrubbing or drying yourself off too vigorously with a rough towel can exacerbate your condition and cause excessive irritation. Use a soft, absorbent towel made of cotton or other natural fibers and pat your skin dry to remove any excess moisture.
Step 4
Use a moisturizer containing lactic acid or urea. These moisturizers can help control the symptoms of certain types of bumpy skin conditions. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, lactic acid or urea moisturizers are also usually effective in treating the itch and dryness associated with dry skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris.
Step 5
Exfoliate your skin using a gentle exfoliating scrub. According to KeratosisPilaris.org, exfoliating usually helps to relieve some of the symptoms of keratosis pilaris and other conditions that cause skin bumps. Gentle exfoliators generally contain small exfoliating substances such as sugar crystals or microbeads to remove dry or dead skin cells. You can also purchase commercially-prepared exfoliators specifically formulated for keratosis pilaris in many drug stores and online health and beauty supply shops. Avoid using any harsh or abrasive exfoliators, as they can cause your skin to become irritated or inflamed.
Things You'll Need
- Moisturizer containing lactic acid or urea
- Soft towel
- Gentle exfoliator
