Bumps on back chest arms and forhead?

[sam123]

So i've had these bumps for a while now, and I was wondering what it is and how to cure it ASAP.
I'm 17, female, and they do not itch or burn. they are small to medium sized and is rough to the touch. They most of them have white centers. they leave behind hyper-pigmentation and it has spread down my back/chest. I've had it for about 1-2 years.

Photo on 13-02-13 at 4.08 PM #2.jpgPhoto on 13-02-13 at 4.09 PM #4.jpgPhoto on 13-02-13 at 4.09 PM.jpg

[Dr.Deepak]

Welcome to the forum samantha, few questions..
Do your family have such lesion (could be mild or severe)
Do you have such lesion on axillae, folds below breast, or groin area?
Do you have any type of lesion on Palms?
Do you see any abnormal changes in nails? white or red longitudinal ridges or bands on nails?

Please do reply above questions we'll suggest you accordingly with possible diagnosis and management...

[sam123]

1. Not that I know of... my mom had moderate acne but not on the body.
2. not really below the breast/groin, no
3. no
4. yes i used to frequently get white ridges on my nails

[Dr.Deepak]

Thanks for your reply, your condition is due to the disorder of keratinization, probably keratosis pilaris or keratosis follicularis. Personal consultation with a dermatologist and direct examination with or without skin biopsy would confirm the diagnosis. Although treatment is often difficult, the disease itself is not life-threatening and doesn't cause any harm beside cosmetic reasons.


Photo-protection is a must, always use broad-spectrum sunscreen throughout the year. Regular use of moisturizers with urea may be beneficial. Search for the product containing 2-3% salicylic acid with 20% urea cream. Long term topical application of tretinoin, adapalene and tazarotene may be effective in some cases. For dark pigmentation you may use products containing triple combination tretinoin+ hydroquinone+ mild steroids. It is better to consult a dermatologist in person and get suggestions and prescription medications.