Small red bumps on the forearm can be caused by a disease called keratosis pilaris, a relatively harmless condition involving the buildup of protein on the skin. If accompanied by pain, itching or swelling, they may indicate a more serious condition such as dermatitis. If your bumps cause you discomfort or do not resolve on their own, it is best to see a health professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Keratosis Pilaris
If you have small red bumps on the arm that don't hurt or itch, you may have a common skin condition called keratosis pilaris. While you may not like the way it looks or feels, keratosis pilaris is not a serious condition. Keratosis pilaris is common in young children, although it can occur at any age. This condition may improve during the summer months and usually resolves on its own, often disappearing entirely by age 30, according to MayoClinic.com. Keratosis pilaris is caused by the buildup of a skin protein called keratin, which forms a plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
No laboratory or skin test is commonly used to diagnose keratosis pilaris; your doctor will typically make a diagnosis based on an examination of your skin and a review of your medical history. The main symptoms of this condition are dry, scaly patches of small, acnelike red or white bumps, usually located on the arms, legs or buttocks. These bumps are usually painless and do not itch, although it is possible for them to be itchy, red or inflamed.
Dermatitis
Small red bumps on the forearm may also be caused by a skin condition called dermatitis. In dermatitis, however, red skin bumps are usually accompanied by more serious symptoms including swelling and itching. There are several types of dermatitis, including contact dermatitis caused by exposure to allergens like poison ivy; neurodermatitis, characterized by itchy, leathery patches of skin; and eczema, which manifests in an itchy rash. You should see a doctor to determine whether you have dermatitis if your skin bumps are accompanied by distracting symptoms such as itchiness and pain.
Treatments
Treatment for small red bumps on the forearm is dependent on the cause of your symptoms. If your doctor determines you have keratosis pilaris, treatment usually involves self-administration of medicated creams that soften the keratin deposits in the skin, including exfoliants containing alpha-hydroxy or salicylic acid, topical anti-inflammatories like hydrocortisone and topical retinoids. Dermatitis treatment varies widely, depending on the type of dermatitis you have. A rash caused by contact dermatitis may require only topical hydrocortisone or steroidal creams, while people with neurodermatitis or eczema may be prescribed antidepressants or immunomodulator drugs.
Considerations
Although it is possible that lumps or bumps on the skin could be a sign of a more serious condition like cancer, according to MedlinePlus, most small bumps on the body are harmless and not cancerous. If the bumps are accompanied by unexplained swelling or bleeding, however, or if they change in size and shape, it is best to see a medical professional to determine their origin.
