My arms are bumpy, especially in the back. Is there anything that can help this?

“Chicken skin” is the generic catch all for this. A physician would need to be contacted for an official diagnosis, but it usually comes down to a harmless condition known as keratosis pilaris. It can occur wherever hair grows. It tends to run in families and most people never have it past the age of 30.

According to WEB MD, using a glycolic acid exfoliation cleanser is one of the most effective ways to smooth your skin. The addition of salicylic acid and/or urea increases its effectiveness.

After showering, pat your skin dry but leave it slightly moist. Gently rub the exfoliating cleanser or cream on the area for five seconds. Use a product with scruffing beads, or other gentle buffer. If the area is not more irritated by this after the first week, increase the scruffing up to twenty seconds. Once the bumpiness is smoothed, scruffing can be reduced to once or twice a week. Use gentle buffing as harsh scrubbing will only make it worse.

I have also read that Virgin Coconut Oil is very effective emollient for this. This can even be purchased in better grocery stores. The oil can be applied after the buffing.

The Abbey’s Scruffing Milk Cleanser contains glycolic acid and exfoliating jojoba beads. Tea Tree Cleansing Gel contains both glycolic acid and salicylic acid. The Soap Sack can be used as a gentle buff pad and will not harbor bacteria.

If the condition persists after several weeks, make an appointment with your physician.