FAQ's - I have little white bumps on the back of my upper arms

Q & A's -

Q: I have little white bumps on the back of my upper arms, what are they, and what can I do about them?

A: This is a very common skin condition known as Keratosis Pilaris (KP) and affects about 50% of all adults.

While KP may look undesirable and feel rough to the touch, this condition is not harmful in any way. The white bumps are caused when excess keratin protein gets trapped in the hair follicles due to insufficient exfoliation. KP is most often found on the backs of arms and upper thighs but can appear on other parts of the body as well.
While those affected can experience this condition all year round, Keratosis Pilaris is usually worse in winter due to the cold, dry air. There are some easy ways to keep it under control and less noticeable. The use of mechanical exfoliants such as products with scrubbing beads or grains can irritate the condition, making it more visibly noticeable. Instead, you are better off using a daily moisturiser with high-strength Alpha Hydroxy Acid such as glycolic acid.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are proven to increase the exfoliation process, which will smooth the skin and lessen the appearance of those white bumps without the added irritation that comes with scrubbing. If you have dry sensitive skin you could use Alpha Hydroxy Acid such as lactic acid instead.


PRIORI Advanced AHA Cosmeceuticals - Hand and Body Revitalizing Lotion (contains Lactic Acid)
NeoStrata Lotion Plus - AHA(contains Glycolic Acid)

Learn more about Keratosis Pilaris in our skincare guide 8 of the best ways to treat Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin) according to our experts.

To learn about milia, read our experts' skin guide on How to get rid of Milia.