Got red bumps on your arms? Here’s how you can treat them

Written by Fatema HabibJan 10, 2020

While skin bumps on the face are a pretty common sight, bumps on the upper arms are not-so-common and equally frustrating. Open pores welcome dead skin cells, bacteria and oils, and when your body tries to fight the foreign substances in the pore, it causes a red, pimple-like bump to form. Apart from this, factors such as hormonal imbalance, hygiene, skin care products and tight clothing also play a huge role in causing red bumps on your arms.

And no, picking or squeezing these bumps is not the right way to treat them. In order to help you get rid of this skin condition, we’ve got you covered with ways to treat red bumps on your arms.

#01: Warm water

A warm water bath can be your best bet when it comes to treating red bumps on your arms. The heat from a warm water bath helps open up the pores, which helps get rid of dirt and grime that cause red bumps and acne. Alternatively, you can also opt for a steam bath.

#02: Exfoliation

Apart from exfoliating your facial skin regularly, it’s also important to exfoliate the skin on the rest of your body. If you have red bumps on your arms, then you should exfoliate once or twice a week regularly. Doing so will smooth your skin and open up clogged pores, thus helping you get rid of those itchy, pesky red bumps. Including exfoliation in your daily skincare routine will also treat other skin concerns such as ingrown hair.

#03: Use benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid

Over-the-counter creams and lotions that contain benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help treat red bumps on your arms. Benzoyl peroxide is anti-bacterial, which means it kills acne-causing bacteria in your pores. This powerful ingredient is effective against all kinds of acne lesions, including red bumps on the skin. Salicylic acid is anti-inflammatory, therefore, helps treat red inflamed bumps on the arms and dissolves skin debris that clogs pores. Including such ingredients in your skincare routine can help you tackle this condition.

Here are some preventive measures you must take to keep red bumps at bay.

  • Over-washing is a complete no-no: The skin on your arms is exposed to the heat, grime, pollution and dust all the time. It is, therefore, important to keep the area clean. However, remember to not over-wash. Over-washing can irritate your skin which in turn can increase the redness and swelling of the bump.
  • Don’t touch or scratch the bumps: When you constantly touch the red bumps, you’re transferring the oils and bacteria from your hands which can further worsen the condition, and at times, even cause infection. Also, avoid scratching or squeezing the bumps. Doing so will cause irritation and eventually, scarring.
  • Do not step out without applying sunscreen: Make sure that you slather enough sunscreen, even on your arms, before stepping out in the sun. Over-exposure to the heat can trigger your skin to produce more oil which in turn can cause red bumps.