Pimples on the upper arms

[Binky]

I suffer from small pimples on the upper parts of my arms.  They are not spots.  I have heard that this is common and may be connected to circulation.  Has anyone heard of any over the counter treatments?  Ordinary moisturiser makes no difference.

Thanks.

[Morrisonker]

As far as I remember it's caused by a lack of vitamin B (maybe B12) so you'll need to get yourself down to the local health food shop or chemist and get some supplements.  If it is a problem with circulation (maybe the vitamin deficiancy affects that) when a body brush might help, but I'd imagine you're better treating it with some vitamins.

[mongos bird]

A good body scrub or loofah used regularly should work, this will stimulate blood flow and help with the skins appearance.  Slap on some moisturiser and you'll be looking fab for summer!!  Alternativly, get your partner to give you a neck/shoulder/arm massage - you get the blood flowing and a good moisturising in a 1-er!!

[soozmac]

I had a similar problem for a ages, and solved it really quickly using a combination of rough shower-gloves (available in the Body Shop) and Sanex shower gel, and lashings of moisturiser. It is a circulation problem.

[Little K]

Using a herbal supplement called Rutin can help. It takes a few weeks to settle in as herbal medicine is not not instant. You could also try Ginkgo Biloba which helps with blood circulation. All of this stuff is available in Holland & Barretts.

As the others have mentioned good exfoliation will help too, then moistursing with something for sensitive skin.

You could even try Vitamin E oil once a week also from H&B, but not too much so that it does not clog pores and make your skin excessively oily.

Let us know how you get on

[happy_face]

Wow, I had no idea that it was due to circulation. I suffer with them too, so much so that I'm embarrassed of showing off my upper arms. Had them for years ever since a teenager and thought it was just one of those things we have to live with.

I shall most certainly be trying out all the advise given

[Cykain]

Most likely it is a hygiene problem.  Not that you arent a clean person, or dont shower, but often, if you dont take the time to SCRUB, with something semi-rough, like a pumice stone, or a rough sponge, your not getting all of the dead skin off your body.  And it builds up and causes pimples. 

[Little K]

You have to remember that the more you scrub the more you can aggravate the sebaceous glands in your skin to produce oil. This will clog the pores up even more and cause trouble.

The best thing to do is just make sure you gently exfoliate your skin when you shower, nothing too strenuous and apply vitamin E oil once a week.

To be honest you will notice a great improvement by using Rutin. After a few weeks bumps feel smoother and redness will go away.

Supplements with Horsetail are good for the skin because they contain silica which helps.

[wyldkhatdd]

I kinda had that prob for a while too...it turned out that washing my hair more often helped. I guess the dirt from my hair was causing it.

[M.Scarn]

What happens if you've got a tattoo and you get these spots?? Would'nt scrubing the area affect the ink? Just curious....I've got a tattoo on my left and I've had a few spots on my right before...

[hansdotcom]

I have the same thing - visited the dermatologist, and it's Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Have tried a bunch of medications, but found that the best thing is exfoliation with a good loofah daily, and once a week, a facial peel (but on the arms). It never goes away though, so if you forget to keep up the exfoliaiton, it will come back.

Plenty of useful info here: http://www.helpforkp.com/

[barbaramory]

A small bit of apple into a fine mush and add honey to make a sticky, fruity paste. Apply to the pimples and leave on for 20 minutes. Then wash your face with cold water. You can also apply skin brighteners which contains natural ingredients like lumnaskin.

http://www.thebeautyinsiders.com/lumnaskin.html