Bumps on the back of arms, known as keratosis pilaris (KP), can be linked to deficiencies in Vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and sometimes Vitamin C, causing keratin buildup in pores, but genetics and dry skin are also major factors, and supplements (like Vitamin A creams) can help. While Vitamin C deficiency causes rough skin and corkscrew hairs, Vitamin A and fatty acid deficiencies are also associated with these rough, bumpy areas, making it important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Keratosis pilaris may have a link to vitamin A deficiency. Taking vitamin A supplements or using moisturizers or creams with small amounts of vitamin A may help treat keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. The bumps usually don't hurt or itch. Keratosis pilaris is often considered a common variant of skin. It can't be cured or prevented.
While many factors are likely involved, keratosis pilaris is genetic and is associated with allergic conditions like eczema and asthma. Dry climates with low humidity, chronic inflammation, and deficiencies of vitamins A and C and essential fatty acids may contribute to it.
The most common cutaneous presentation of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is a seborrheic eruption on the face, scalp, neck, shoulders, buttocks, and perineum. Features of other vitamin B deficiencies include atrophic glossitis, angular stomatitis, cheilitis, and oral mucosa ulcerations (Jen and Yan, 2010).
The effects of vitamin D deficiency on skin are often the first sign of a problem. deficiency causes skin-related issues like spots and dryness; severe deficiency can lead to more alarming symptoms. Severe vitamin D deficiency symptoms include bone pain, muscle weakness, and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Apply a nonprescription cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin. Put on this product before moisturizer.
The best way to prevent vitamin C deficiency is to include foods that contain vitamin C in your diet. Signs of vitamin C deficiency include a tendency to bruise or bleed easily, bleeding gums, wobbly teeth, poor wound healing, tiredness, anaemia, and small red spots on the skin.
In adults, vitamin B6 deficiency can cause inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) and a red, greasy, scaly rash. The hands and feet may feel numb and prickling—like pins and needles. The tongue may become sore and red, and cracks may form in the corners of the mouth. People may become confused or irritable.
Night blindness is one of the first signs of vitamin A deficiency. In its more severe forms, vitamin A deficiency contributes to blindness by making the cornea very dry, thus damaging the retina and cornea.
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless buildup of keratin that plugs hair follicles, causing small rough bumps on arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Triggers include genetics, dry skin, eczema/atopic dermatitis, and hormonal changes; it often worsens in cold or dry weather.
No, keratosis pilaris (KP) is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD) or an infection; it's a common, harmless skin condition caused by keratin buildup in hair follicles, making skin bumpy and rough, especially on arms and thighs, and it's not contagious, though it can run in families and be linked to genetics or dry skin.
Bumps on your arms are usually harmless and often caused by common skin issues like keratosis pilaris, acne, or eczema. However, if the bumps itch, hurt, change in appearance, or come with other symptoms like fever, it's important to see a healthcare provider to rule out infections or more serious conditions.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Vitamin C - This vitamin is an amazing antioxidant that promotes healthy immune system, collagen, and elastin structure. It also prevents any DNA damage from free radical damage, and provides support to the red bumpy skin from Keratosis Pilaris.
Symptoms such as pins and needles, disturbed vision, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and problems with balancing and walking, psychological problems such as depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement could also be related to B12 deficiency.
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
End-stage renal diseases, chronic renal insufficiency, and other kidney diseases can cause vitamin B6 deficiency [3]. In addition, vitamin B6 deficiency can result from malabsorption syndromes, such as celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis.
Limited access to fruits and vegetables: Inability to obtain or afford a diverse range of fruits and vegetables can also elevate the risk of vitamin C deficiency. Smoking: Smoking tobacco can diminish vitamin C levels in the body due to increased oxidative stress.
Treatment of Vitamin C Deficiency
In scurvy, therapeutic doses of ascorbic acid restore the functions of vitamin C in a few days. The symptoms and signs usually disappear over 1 to 2 weeks.
Over the counter moisturizers that contain lanolin, vaseline (petroleum jelly), or glycerin would be ideal. These ingredients trap moisture and soften the skin. Use these moisturizers on the affected skin many times a day.
Moisturize: Apply creams/ointments at least twice daily after bathing with the skin still wet. Exfoliate: Rub with a pumice stone or “Buf-Puf” in the shower. Soak in the tub in lukewarm water. Use mild soaps like Cetaphil® bar soap, Dove® soap, or Lever 2000 antibacterial soap.