I have a rash on my upper arms and thighs that does not go away. It does not itch and looks like little bumps. What can I do?
Rashes are pretty tricky to diagnose without seeing them, so if you want to be sure, have it checked by a doctor or dermatologist.
One condition that comes to mind is keratosis pilaris. This usually occurs in children and young adults, but you can get it at any age. It is a harmless and very common condition with symptoms that meet your description — a rash of tiny, sometimes red bumps that do not itch or otherwise irritate the skin.
The bumps are frequently located on the backs of the upper arms and the front of the thighs. Occasionally, keratosis pilaris shows up on the face or buttocks.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when dead skin cells plug up the opening of the hair follicle. Many people find that the condition worsens in the cold of winter and lessens in the summer. The cause is unknown, but it is believed to run in families.
It is not necessary to treat keratosis pilaris unless you are bothered by the way it looks. Commonly, it will go away by itself, but that may take years.
Treatment recommendations vary quite a bit, but many dermatologists advise frequent applications of thick creams or ointments, including petroleum jelly or cold cream. Others prescribe an alphahydroxy gel.