Here’s One Way to Treat Red ‘Arm Bumps’

Chicken skin. Fiery goosebumps. Arm barnacles. For people who are afflicted with clusters of tiny red bumps (scientifically known as keratosis pilaris a.k.a. KP) on their upper arms (and sometimes legs), heading into a season of sleeve-free clothes can be a bummer. The hereditary condition is caused by an overproduction of keratin (the protein that makes up our skin), which end up clogging and irritating the hair follicles, causing those pores to harden and turn an angry shade of red. While more extreme cases can be treated by laser therapy, prescription Retin-A, or in-office derm treatments, one over-the-counter product that can help is Avene’s Akérat Body Cream. “It has a good combination of exfoliating ingredients plus moisturizers to improve the appearance and texture of KP-prone skin,” explains dermatologist Anne Chapas of Union Square Laser Dermatology, who prefers this product over others on the market for its double-duty effects. Apply day and night to see consistent results and then consult your doctor if conditions persist.