How to Treat Red Bumps on Arms Naturally

How to Treat Red Bumps on Arms Naturally

The red bumps that appear on our upper arms are medically known as keratosis pilaris, a harmless skin condition. This condition doesn't usually cause any symptoms on the sufferer aside from itchiness in the area, however, it is quite unsighty and the majority of sufferers want to get rid of it. While there is no absolute cure for keratosis pilaris, there are some remedies that can help alleviate the symptoms and soothe the affected area. It is important to know which remedies work and which could make the problem worse, as this condition leaves the skin very sensitive. In this OneHowTo article we're going to explain how to treat red bumps on arms naturally, so you can enjoy from smoother and more beautiful arms.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition similar to eczema. It is caused by an excess of keratin in the body, which then plugs hair follicles, resulting in the characteristic small bumps on the skin. The condition is not very serious but it can look unsighty and cause itchiness and discomfort to the sufferer.

Some people affected by keratosis pilaris believe that exfoliating the area is the best to get rid of the bumps. But exfoliating won't work and could even make the problem worse. Exfoliating an area that is already very sensitive could cause more redness and dryness. Instead, what needs to be done is treat the condition from the inside. Below you'll find the best natural treatments to get rid of the small bumps on your arms.

Lactic acid to treat keratosis pilaris

Using creams that have lactic acid is a great remedy to get rid of the red bumps on your arms. Lactic acid works loosening the cells over time which gently exfoliates the skin. It is also humectant, which will add extra moisture and alleviate the redness and irritation caused by the condition. Use creams and body lotions that contain this chemical component and you'll see the look in your arms improve.

If you want a more natural way to get lactic acid you can use yogurt. Yogurt contains lactic acid, so you can also use it to treat keratosis pilaris. Apply 3 tablespoons of yogurt on the affected area and leave it rest for 15 minutes. Then rinse with water and repeat as many times as you want.

Apple cider vinegar

Aple cider vinegar is known for its great benefits for the skin, and it is also a great natural remedy for keratosis pilaris. Its astringent properties help unclogging the skin pores, which will improve the appearance of your skin. To use apple cider to treat the red bumps on your arms:

  • Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water. Apply it on the affected area, leave it stand for a few minutes and then rinse. You can repeat this treatment as many times during the day as you want until you see the condition gets better.
  • Drinking or consuming apple cider vinegar can also help you with keratosis pilaris from the inside. The results won't be so easy to see but you'll see how your skin looks better if you start using apple cider vinegar on your meals.

Baking soda

One of the properties of baking soda for the skin is that it is a great exfoliator which removes dead cells and cleand pores. It will exfoliate the skin from the inside, which can help alleviate keratosis pilaris. To use it to get rid of the red bumps on your arms:

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with some water
  • Apply the mix to the affected area and gently massage for 3-5 minutes.
  • Rinse with lukewarm water
  • Repeat the process as many times as you want.

It is important that you massage the area very gently, as the scrub could make the skin more irritated. If you use a more diluted mix and massage the area very gently, the condition will improve and the red bumps on your arms will look better.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is very moisturizing, which is perfect to combat keratosis pilaris. Also, among its cosmetic benefits, it provides anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, which will reduce the inflammation and redness of the arms. You can apply coconut oil directly to the affected skin several times a day. It is advisable to apply it right after bathing when your skin is still moist. Apply it on wet skin as it will retain the moisture.

Consuming coconut oil can also help improve keratosis pilaris from the inside.

You can also make scrubs with coconut oil to treat the red bumps on your arms. However, remember that you shouldn't scrub your skin too hard as it could worsen the irritation of the area. There are two scrubs you can prepare with coconut oil for keratosis pilaris:

Coconut oil and honey scrub

  • Mix two parts of coconut oil with two teaspoons of honey and add brown sugar.
  • Rub the mixture on your skin to exfoliate.
  • Wash it off and then moisturize the skin.
  • Repeat it twice a week.

Don't use too much sugar as the scrub could turn out to be too hard and irritate your skin.

Coconut oil and apple cider vinegar mask

  • Mix equal parts of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey.
  • Apply it to the area and leave it dry.
  • Repeat this process once every day until the condition improves.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is perfect for sensitive skin, as it soothes dry, itchy skin. Taking baths with oatmeal can be a perfect natural remedy to reduce the red bumps on your arms. To do so, grind one-third of a cup of oatmeal in a food processor until you get a fine powder. Then add it to your bath water and soak in it for 20 minutes. Repeat this once a week.

If you don't usually take baths or you don't have a bathtub at home, you can also make a paste of oatmeal with warm water. Mix some water with a tablespoon of oatmeal, rub it on your skin and leave it for 15 minutes. Rinse and apply a moisturizer on the affected area.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Red Bumps on Arms Naturally, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.