Pimples on Arms: Lower, White, red, Forearms, Bumps, Upper Arms, Get Rid

What causes pimples on arms? Explore on the reasons for white or red pimple like bumps on forearms, legs, how to get rid of pimple on arms and best home remedies.

Pimples on Lower Arms

Most pimples on arms are commonly caused by infected hair follicles or clogged pores. They are most likely to appear on your face, back, chest and shoulders especially where the oil glands in skin are most active but can occur anywhere on your body, including your lower arms.
Pimple-like bumps on lower arms can also be caused by other conditions, such as keratosis pilaris, and while there may not be a surefire cure, a number of treatments can ease your symptoms.
Pimples on arms occurs when one of your skin’s pores or sebaceous glands which secrete sebum to lubricate your skin becomes blocked or infected with bacteria, excess oil or a hair. This causes the site to become inflamed and a small head of pus forms as your body fights the blockage.

Home Remedies for Pimples on Arms

This is how to get rid of pimple like bumps on arms naturally:

  1. Apply some apple cider vinegar

It kills off the bacteria that may be causing all the trouble in the first place. It also becomes alkaline, and balances the pH of your skin, which in turn makes it harder for bacteria to thrive. Also, the mixture of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice assist to dry up excess oil.

  1. Make a cinnamon and honey mask

Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, so it can help stop bacteria from getting out of hand. If it does, the honey is a natural anti-biotic, ready and waiting to wipe the little buggers out.

  1. Yogurt

Milk in the yogurt helps to soothe the irritated skin, and helps tone down the redness. The acids in it are antibacterial while the fat provides moisture, making it quite nourishing for skin.

  1. Apply egg white

It contains proteins and vitamins that both combat acne, and help to rebuild your skin cells. They also, to help reduce acne and fade scars left by unfortunate blemishes.

  1. Papaya for the pimples on arms

Plain raw papaya is an all-natural acne remedy that removes dead skin cells and excess lipids from the surface of the skin, leaving it soft and smooth. Papaya contains enzyme papain that reduces inflammation and helps prevent the pus from forming.

  1. Use of tea tree oil

Tea tree oil is a solvent that cuts through the extra sebum and dead skin cells, and unblocks the pores. Its antibacterial properties also kill off the acne causing bacteria, and prevent further outbreaks.

  1. Mixture of strawberries and honey

Salicylic acid which is a component of strawberries encourages the epidermis to shed its cells more readily, opening up clogged pores, and neutralizing bacteria. It also shrinks up the pores a little bit; Honey also works against bacteria that may be behind your acne, and is an anti-inflammatory. This prevents them from clogging up as much in the future, and encourages new cell growth.

  1. Banana peel

They contain lutein which is antioxidant that reduces swelling and inflammation, and encourages healthy cell growth.

  1. Aloe for acne

It works as an anti-inflammatory, decreasing redness and swelling. It also has antibacterial properties.

  1. Application of sodium bicarbonate

These substances is also known as baking soda since its mild antiseptic properties, has the ability to fight fungus, bacteria and even dry up excess oil, all while exfoliating your skin via microdermabrasion.

White Pimples on Arms

White pimples on arms can be itchy or non-itchy. They may be caused by excessive sun exposure, trapped protein beneath the skin, or viral infection such as HPV. Here’s a list of causes of painless dry white pimples on arm and how to get rid of them with treatments and remedies at home.

  1. Milia

They are tiny harmless pearly-white bumps that typically occur on arms even though they might as well appear anywhere on the body. They are typically filled with keratin, a type of protein.Infants are most susceptible to milia but older children and adults can as well suffer from the condition, with older women tending to get afflicted more commonly than other adults.

  1. Stress Bumps

Stress and anxiety are the major causes of health issues since taking stress can produce more acne resulting to level of pimples appearances. Stress acne can be treated by reducing tension and pressure of mind.

  1. Dirt

Dirt is also another factor that clogs the pores of the skin leading to white pimples on arms appearance.

  1. Overactive Sebaceous Glands

The human skin contains the sebaceous glands for creating sebum that is required for lubricating the surface of the skin due to excess accumulation; it leads to blockage of the pores that promotes its growth.

  1. Hormones

The high level of androgen hormones secretion in the blood during puberty forms pimples on the neck and also formation of the testosterone produces the sebum and oil that make it the prime factor of acne production on the skin surface.

  1. Use of the Cosmetics

Cosmetics can keep clean the skin, but some can be harmful to the skin. These crèmes and other masks that are not from reputable manufacturers can be harmful due to the toxic chemicals they contain.

Red Pimples on Arms

If you have little red bumps appearing as patches on your arms, backside, or thighs that resemble chicken skin and occasionally itch, you are likely to have a genetic skin disorder.
Here are the major causes of red pimples on arms:

  1. Allergic reactions to skin care products

This goes for cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and even your laundry detergent. We come into contact with so many potential allergens every day, that there are numerous possibilities for your skin to become irritated resulting to red pimples on arms.

  1. Eczema

Eczema is a general term that’s used to describe many different types of inflammation of the skin, or dermatitis, and can appear anywhere on the body, though it’s most commonly found in the elbow creases or behind the knees.
The rash can look very different from person-to-person, but it’s usually intensely itchy, red, and dry.

  1. Keratosis pilaris

It causes skin cells to cluster around hair follicles, trapping the hair underneath and causing a raised bump. KP typically shows up on the backs of the arms and thighs in large patches of rough, raised skin. It’s not always itchy, but it can be.
Depending on the person’s skintone, these bumps are usually red or brown. It’s chronic, but can be managed with products that include chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid and lactic acid.

  1. Rubbing from fabrics

Wearing clothes that rub you in all the wrong places can cause itchy contact dermatitis. If you notice an itchy red rash after hitting the gym, check if it falls where the seams of your athletic wear lies. Cotton is typically not irritating, but bulky, scratchy materials like wool can cause pimples on arms or entire body.

  1. Bug bites

Bug bites typically show up as one or a few distinct red bumps, but many people can develop a generalized allergic reaction after getting bit by certain bugs. This is commonly seen with mosquito bites, and presents as a bumpy, itchy red rash around the area you were bit.
These bites typically appear on skin that’s exposed while you’re sleeping, like the arms, shoulders, neck, and face. They can also cause an itchy red rash in people who are sensitive. If you think you could have a tick bite, look for the telltale target-like appearance and see a doctor, as it could develop into Lyme disease.

  1. Heat rash

Heat rash causes itchy red bumps that may also feel prickly and tingle, and usually happens around the arms or other areas where sweat becomes trapped beneath clogged pores. The rash is common in hot, humid weather, and usually goes away on its own once the skin is cooled down.

  1. Allergic reactions to food or medicine

Eating a food or medicine you’re allergic to can cause you to break out in hives, an itchy red rash that appears as welts (very large bumps). The difference with this type of allergy is that the rash can appear anywhere on your body, versus a skin irritant that causes a rash right where it touched you.

  1. Sun allergy

The most common type is sun poisoning. Sometimes people have been inside all winter and go into the sun and break out in an itchy red rash. This is your body having a reaction to a sudden burst of sun exposure. It usually happens on the forearms or other places that have been covered for months and then all of a sudden see the sun.

Pimples on Arms and Legs

Raised skin bumps are very common, and in most cases they’re harmless. They can result from a number of conditions, including: an infection an allergic reaction a skin disorders, skin cancer. Skin bumps can vary in appearance and number depending on the cause.
The following ought to be cause of pimples on arms and legs:

  1. Bug bites

These bites typically appear on skin that’s exposed while you’re sleeping, like the arms, shoulders, neck, and legs. They can also cause an itchy red rash in people who are sensitive. If you think you could have a tick bite, look for the telltale target-like appearance and see a doctor, as it could develop into Lyme disease.

  1. Eczema

Eczema is a general term that’s used to describe many different types of inflammation of the skin, or dermatitis, and can appear anywhere on the body, though it’s most commonly found in the elbow creases or behind the knees.

  1. Accidental soap poisoning

Accidental poisoning by soap products can occur as a result of contact with household cleaning products that contain strong chemicals, including soap used to clean your body or household.
Children are at an increased risk of soap poisoning. They may accidentally poison themselves if they’re left unsupervised and ingest or inhale soap products.

  1. Acne

Your skin has tiny holes called pores, which can become blocked by oil, bacteria, dead skin cells, and dirt. When this occurs, you may develop a pimple or “zit.” If your skin is repeatedly affected by this condition, you may have acne.

  1. Cyst

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in your body or on your skin. Most cysts are benign, or non-cancerous. Cyst manifesting as pimples on arms ought to be medically diagnosed.

  1. Insect Sting Allergy

Most people who get stung by an insect have a minor reaction. This may include some redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the sting. This normally goes away within hours. For some people, however, an insect sting can cause a severe reaction or even death.

  1. Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a virus that often affects children. It is characterized by itchy, red blisters that appear all over the body. Chickenpox was once so common it was considered a childhood rite of passage. It is very rare to have the chickenpox infection more than once.

  1. Bullae

Bullae are fluid-filled sacs or lesions that appear when fluid is trapped under a thin layer of your skin. Bullae are similar to blisters and vesicles, with the only difference being in size.
Bullae and blisters are common occurrences that can be caused by various medical and environmental factors such as friction, Contact Dermatitis etc.

  1. Contact Dermatitis

If you come into contact with things that irritate your skin, like latex, cosmetics, or poison ivy, you could develop a condition called contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction that also causes bullae.

  1. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a common bacterial skin infection. Cellulitis may first appear as a red, swollen area that feels hot and tender to the touch. The redness and swelling often spread rapidly. Cellulitis is usually painful.

Bumps on Upper Arms

Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough, tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or chicken skin.
The KP occurs when keratin in dead skin cells plugs hair follicles and causes bumps and pimples on arms or at the affected area. Typically, KP is worse during the winter season and affects those who are overweight and women during puberty, pregnancy, and child birth. It is not contagious disease and tends to disappear over time.
Here are quick home remedies for bumps on upper arms:

  1. Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator which removes dead skin cells and deeply cleans pores.
Direction

  • Mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda and water.
  • Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Rinse with water.
  • Repeat regularly for best results.
  1. Vitamin A Capsules

Vitamin A contains retinol, a derivative that promotes cell turnover and prevents hair follicle plugging.
Direction

  • Squeeze the oil from one or two vitamin A capsules.
  • Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
  • Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
  • Repeat regularly for best results
  1. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

Alpha hydroxy acids are mild, natural acids. Lactic acid, found in milk and yogurt, gently exfoliates skin to remove KP. Glycolic acid, made of fruit acids, is also a popular skin care product hence suitable for treatment of pimples on arms.
Direction

  • Apply a lotion or cream containing alpha hydroxy acids to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 5 minutes.
  • Repeat regularly for best results.
  1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains unique fatty acids that are easily absorbed and moisturize skin deeply. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties work inside and out by reducing inflammation and redness.
Direction

  • Mix 1 part of each white granulated sugar and brown sugar with 2 parts of extra virgin coconut oil.
  • Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 2 – 4 minutes
  • Rinse with water.
  • Repeat regularly for best results.
  1. Yogurt

Yogurt contains lactic acid that reduces skin dryness and reduces excess keratin.
Direction

  • Apply 3 – 4 tablespoons of yogurt on the affected area 15 minutes before bathing.
  • Repeat regularly for best results.
  1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent infection and cleanses the skin, healing KP quickly.
Direction

  • Pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a washcloth.
  • Wet the washcloth with water to dilute the vinegar.
  • Wash the affected area while bathing.
  • Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut oil or grape seed oil.
  • Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
  • Rinse with water.
  1. Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal baths keep skin moisturized and prevent KP.

Bumps on Upper Arms Vitamin Deficient

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb calcium and enables healthy bone mineralization. Other important functions of the nutrient include staving off certain cancers and heart disease. Vitamin D also seems to have skin-soothing properties. When applied to hives and rashes, the sunshine vitamin helps reduce symptoms.
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin problem caused when protein in the skin forms hard deposits in hair follicles. In mild cases, small bumps on the body or pimples on arms that have a very rough texture.
Vitamin D supplementation might offer relief to people who get the itchy skin bumps at least three times a week, or episodes that last longer than six weeks. The uncomfortable welts have also been known to affect breathing.
Due to the very real threat of skin cancer, however, people are wearing sunblock, which essentially blocks 99 percent of the rays necessary for vitamin D synthesis, Holick says. And the damaging effects of the sun do not end there; too much unprotected sun exposure could cause small, fluid-filled blisters to appear on the skin.
Lack of vitamin A causes the skin to become keratinized and scaly, and mucus secretion is suppressed. Rough, dry skin is a common sign of vitamin A deficiency, which often first appears as rough, raised pimples on arms.
Though dermatologists believe this is an inherited condition with no cure, I have successfully treated this condition in several patients by significantly increasing their consumption of vitamin A rich foods.
A vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy, which is first manifested as rough dry skin and corkscrew hair growth. Inadequate vitamin C is also known to contribute to the development of the common problem of hyperkeratosis pillaris, as the follicles become damaged when collagen formation is impaired.
Small red bumps on the back of your arms can be due to vitamin A and E deficiencies, zinc, and essential fatty acids. Dry skin can either mean you’re chronically dehydrated, or it means that you need to increase your essential fatty acid intake, vitamin A, and vitamin E intake. Potassium and vitamin D need to be added too.
Acne is a problem mostly for young people, but it can also be due to deficiencies in zinc, EFAs, and eating too many Tran’s fats.

White Bumps on Upper Arms

Keratosis pilaris is a very common harmless skin condition appearing as small, whitish bumps or pimples on arms and thighs, especially of children and young adults. Individual lesions of keratosis pilaris begin when a hair follicle becomes plugged with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
The following are the causes of white bumps on upper arms that result due to Keratosis pilaris:

  1. Genetics

Genetic factors seem to be a potential cause of keratosis pilaris, but there are some other factors under consideration that may trigger the outbreak of keratosis pilaris.
But even when a single gene structure gets mutated or altered, it can disturb the normal functioning of several systems in the body. The same thing happens in keratosis pilaris. In this skin disorder the mutation occurs in one of the genes regulating the proliferation of skin cells and skin proteins.
Keratosis pilaris is an autosomal dominant disorder that means if one of the parents is affected with this disorder, the chances of their child having it would be half.

  1. Skin allergies

Attack of asthma and allergic rhinitis can also exacerbate the outbreaks of keratosis pilatis in genetically predisposed individuals.
Keratosis pilaris can also be really troublesome in dry and winter weather when the skin loses its moisture and become extremely rough and itchy.

  1. Hormonal imbalances

Although kertosis pilaris can affect both men and women, yet females are more likely to suffer from this condition. The reason behind this high likelihood in females is the hormonal imbalances. Women having hormonal disturbance or estrogen dominance have more chances of getting keratosis pilaris.
That is why many women complain of keratosis pilaris around the time of pregnancy, when the hormonal changes take place in the body.

  1. Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A plays a vital role in keeping the skin healthy and beautiful. It helps in the regulation of proliferation of the skin cells. Vitamin A has a potency to limit the process of keratinization of skin. It prevents the skin cells from undergoing hyperkeratinization.
The deficiency of this crucial vitamin can cause the skin to become scaly, dry and hyperkeratinized. Therefore vitamin A deficiency is not the direct cause of keratosis pilaris but it can aggravate the condition indirectly.

  1. Gluten allergy

Gluten is a wheat protein. People having celiac disease or leaky gut syndrome suffer from gluten intolerance, which means whenever they eat wheat, their body becomes hypersensitive to the gluten component and the allergic reaction is evoked in their body.

  1. Yeast infection

Yeast infection on the skin also increases the risk of flaring up keratsis pilaris. It is believed that yeast infection increases the skin cell turnover rate that promotes hyperkeratinization. So, ones having yeast infection may get an aggravated outbreak of keratosis pilaris.

Bumps on Upper Arms Coconut Oil

Our skin tends to be susceptible to various environmental and hormonal conditions that lead to rashes, acne and/or bumps/patches. This usually takes the form of small and rough acne-like bumps and patches in different body parts such as on the cheeks, arms, legs, thighs and buttocks.
Coconut oil is one of the most dynamic oils as it can be used in the preparation of food, treating the skin and, nourishing the hair.
The following are directions on how to treat pimples on arms using this ingredient

  1. Exfoliate the skin on upper arms in order to remove any dead skin since exfoliation also ensures that the affected area is clean and ready for treatment.
  2. Then, after taking a shower, pour a little amount of oil onto your palms and rub it before applying it on to the skin.
  3. Gently massage the oil onto the affected area for a minute. This will ensure that the oil is well spread and that it gets to penetrate deeper into the skin as required.
  4. After exfoliation, wash the affected area with apple cider vinegar and moisturize with coconut oil afterwards.

Coconut oil, which is rich in lauric acid, is very effective when treating Keratosis Pilaris. Lauric acid helps in breaking up the buildup of keratin: keratin is the major cause of KP as it clogs the hair follicles hence leading to the formation of these small and rough bumps.

How to get Rid of Pimples on Arms

Appearance of some pimples on arms can as a result of genetic disorder and therefore, there is no way to permanently cure them, but at least you can try some remedies that help in keeping this condition under control.
Natural remedies are the best and the cheapest way to manage pimples on arm at home:

  1. Be gentle with your skin

Always be gentle with your skin. Never do unnecessary experiments with skin as it can aggravate your problem of keratosis pilaris. The first thing you can do to get rid of those ugly looking bums is to exfoliate them. Gently scrub the affected area with a pumice stone while taking bath.

  1. Moisturize the skin

Moisturizing the skin will be effective in reducing the appearance of bumps visibly. So whenever, you take a shower or feel like your skin is getting dry, just pick any moistening lotion or cream and moisturize your skin with it.

  1. Choose products wisely

The best cure of keratosis pilaris is to keep the skin moisturized. Never use harsh soaps to wash the skin because the ingredients in soaps can suck the moisture out of skin, making it dry, itchy and rough. So if you are facing the problem of keratosis pilaris, ditch the harsh chemical containing soaps and go for the mild soaps containing moisturizing agents that prevent the skin from getting dry and rough.

  1. Coconut sugar scrub

There is no need to buy expensive exfoliating creams or scrubs because now you can make your own scrub at home very easily. Coconut oil, honey, granulated sugar and brown sugar are all you need to make a scrub at home since its healthy nutrients help in rejuvenating the skin from within.

  1. Eat a healthy diet

Balanced diet can protect you against infections that causes pimples on arms. Green leafy vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B, E and C, all necessary for keeping the skin healthy and problem free. All these healthy nutrients play a vital role in regulating the proliferation of skin layers and in removing the dead skin cells as well.

  1. Use apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps to give a smooth texture to the skin by cleansing the excess keratin deposits since apple cider vinegar is an excellent exfoliator.

  1. Avoid steamy shower

Hot showers can worsen keratosis pilaris by making the dry and rough. So, avoid taking hot shower and go for the bath with lukewarm water. Having a bath with lukewarm water will work fine for you.