10 yr. old son with bumps

[sjfugatt1]

I have a 10 yr. old son who has had pimple-looking bumps on his upper arms. They look similar to white heads. Does anyone know what they could be or how to get rid of them? He's had them for about 3 years. Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be keratosis pilaris. But if there are red bumps with white heads then folliculitis needs to be ruled out. Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris, however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent. Treatment includes tretinoin or Triamcinolone cream or Adapalene, a retinoid medication. Exfoliation, intensive moisturizing creams, creams and lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids and urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[sjfugatt1]

Thank you. They don't really bother him, just appear like little white heads. He is fair-skinned. My older son had them also when he was younger but has "grown out" of them now. Him and my daughter was also fair-skinned, but my daughter has never had them. I have noticed that putting vitamin E oil on his arms every night seem to help but doesn't get rid of them. I guess better is better than nothing at all. I'll try your recommendation. Thanks again!

[msniki412]

Sounds like Keratosis Pilaris. I also wanna say it's also known as "chicken skin". I too have those small bumps on my thighs, upper arms and lower arms. Is he fair skinned? I've noticed the lighter the skin, the more bumps there are. My aunt is much lighter then I am, and she has these tiny bumps as well. It's almost as if you have the goosebumps...just all the time. If it is this, then this is the treatment for mild KP:

Wash area with Glysal cleanser once a day.
Pat skin dry.
Apply Salex or AmLactin lotion in morning.
Apply tazarotene (Tazorac) or tretinoin (Retin-A) cream every other night.
Get a monthly microdermabrasion and glycolic treatment with physician.

I would say, if they bother him...see a doctor or dermatolgist.