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 Q: Ever since I remember, I have had these rough, pimplelike bumps on my upper, outer arms. My mother assured me when I was a teenager that I would outgrow this. How long do I have to wait? I'm already 46.  A: Well, never believe everything any mother promises, as well-intentioned as she may be. What you’re describing is a condition known as keratosis pilaris. Though it usually appears in the location you mentioned, it may appear on the torso and thighs. At times the involved skin may have a red appearance as well. These are not pimples — don't pick! Rather, they are small bumps with a central plug of hardened skin arising at the hair follicle. There is not one successful treatment for keratosis pilaris, But moisturizing is the sine qua non. Also, people with this condition tend to fare better in warm, humid climates. Moisturizing and emollient preparations with glycolic or lactic acids, salicylic acid or urea based products may be most helpful. Exfoliating scrubs and topical retinoids may be beneficial as well. Suggested products: Am-Lactin Lotion and Eucerin Plus lotion (lactic acid OTC), Salex Cream and Keralyt Gel (salicylic preparations prescription), Carmol Lotion 10% and 20% (urea-based products OTC), Carmol 40% (prescription), Retin-A and Differin Cream (topical retinoids prescription). My Total Skin Care Solutions Keratosis Pilaris Kit: (ureaspray, glycolic acid cleanser, glycolic acid body lotion, loofah). Dr. Lenora Felderman practices adult and pediatric medical and cosmetic dermatology in Manhattan. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a clinical assistant professor at Cornell University's Weill College of Medicine. She is an attending physician at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital. Dr. Felderman has been honored with a number of awards including New York Magazine's 2006 and 2007 “Best Doctor.” Dr, Felderman is a dermatologic consultant for major print media and has been a pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry consultant and spokesperson. Her latest project is the development of her own skin care line. Send your questions to lenora@smartnow.com.
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