Why Do I Have Pimples on My Arms?

Imagine looking at your face in the mirror and thanking the heavens for a clear-skin day. Everything is fine and dandy until you see inexplicable pimples on your arms. How did those pesky bumps move from your face to your extremities? The annoying truth is acne can turn up anywhere because every inch of the skin is covered in pores. Thankfully, acne on your limbs is manageable. Keep scrolling to learn about its causes and what to do to make your skin smooth again.

Body acne is a common condition, especially in those going through hormonal changes that can cause an increase in oil production. Pimples on arms occur when dead skin cells, oil, bacteria, and dirt clog the pores. True pimples manifest as red spots that are sometimes filled with pus. They feel tender to the touch with minimal itching.

It’s easy to blame acne for every unusual rash on your skin, but that bump may not be a zit at all. Therefore, determining what you’re dealing with is the key to treating the breakout. If the pimples on your arms take a while to heal or look a bit different, they could be:

Keratosis pilaris: Red or flesh-colored bumps smaller than pimples are symptoms of keratosis pilaris. They can occur when excess dead skin cells and keratin plug the hair follicles. The condition makes the infected area feels dry and rough.

Hives: Hives are raised patches of skin that can be very itchy. They are usually caused by an allergic reaction to insect bites.

Folliculitis: What looks like pimples on arms after waxing or shaving are often folliculitis, which happens when bacteria or fungi infect the follicles. The red bumps look like acne but are itchy and painful.

Pimples can go away on their own, but why wait when you can do something about them now? Here are tips to get rid of bumps on your arms. 

Try using facial spot treatments on pimples on your arms. These usually contain salicylic acid to renew the skin and unclog pores and moisturizing ingredients to prevent irritation. Benzoyl peroxide is another option to treat pus-filled lesions (pustules). Choose one that has a 5% to 10% concentration. For severe body acne, consult your dermatologist for specialized treatment.

Resist the temptation to pick your skin and pop the pimples. The oil and bacteria from your fingers can agitate your inflamed skin and worsen your condition (read: infection!). Keep your hands and the infected area clean with LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Soap Mild Care. The formula cleans 99% of germs and smoothens the skin with its blend of sweet almond and lavender oil.

Everyone can agree that wearing skin-tight outfits on a hot, sunny day is the pinnacle of uncomfortable. Turns out, it’s also a bad practice for your skin. Avoid wearing fabrics that can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria against the skin, especially in hot weather. Instead, go for loose, breathable clothing, like roomy cotton shirts. And when you can, opt for lighter colors because they absorb less heat. 

Moreover, do not sit in wet gym clothes. Shower immediately after your workout with an antibacterial cleanser like LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Soap Total 10 and LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10 with Activ Silver+ formula that effectively fights germs and improves the skin’s immune system. Their cleansing effects are 10 times stronger than other soaps in staving off body odor and acne.

When your skin lacks moisture, it compensates by producing more oil that can clog the pores. Look for a lotion with a “non-comedogenic” label on them. If you have sensitive skin, avoid perfumed bodycare products, which can exacerbate acne. Thick body lotions work well on dry skin, whereas lightweight moisturizers are more suited for oily skin.

Moisturize your body no more than twice a day, post-shower. Using a towel, pat your skin dry, then apply the lotion all over your body. You can massage your body in circular motions to help your skin absorb the cream.

Apart from your clothes, your sheets and towels are two items that always touch your skin. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that they are also nesting places for microbes and pathogens. So make sure to change your towel every three days (yes, that often) and your sheets once a week. Laundry will be tougher, but it's totally worth it.

Don’t feel embarrassed about pimples on your arms. They are a common skin issue that’s also completely manageable. Follow these tips to keep your skin clear and avoid more breakouts.