Raised Bumps Skin On Legs: Skin Care Steps For Keratosis Pilaris

I have seen some bumps on my legs & they neither itch nor discolored but can been seen in close up

What Caused Raised Bumps

Raised bumps on the legs can be caused by any number of regions. However, the lack of itchiness and discoloration probably indicates that you are suffering from keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition. In fact, nearly fifty percent of people suffer from an outbreak during their lifetime. The reason is due to an excess of keratin, a natural protein that is the basic building block of all hair. In normal conditions, keratin helps to form new hair on a daily basis to replace older hair that is shed. However, when there is an excess of keratin, it accumulates near the hair roots and hardens to form a number of tiny, painless bumps. Most people get these bumps on the upper arms, thighs, legs, and buttocks. These bumps are completely harmless, though they can be cosmetically displeasing. Unfortunately, there is no real medical cure for keratosis pilaris, since it is believed to be a genetic disease that cannot be avoided. There also appears to be some link between the condition and dry skin, though no conclusive medical studies have been carried out as yet.

Some Steps To Care Raised Bumps

Certain medications used for dry skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis have been shown to benefit patients with keratosis pilaris. Prescription corticosteroids seem particularly effective in reducing the concentration of keratin at the hair roots. However, a dermatologist will need to examine your particular case before deciding if you should adopt such a treatment. If the condition is particularly severe, the dermatologist can recommend a cosmetic procedure such as skin microdermabrasion, where the bumps of excess keratin are sanded away in a number of sessions. However, this is a temporary cosmetic improvement, since new bumps can form in the future. Laser treatments can provide a permanent solution by destroying the hair roots in the affected area.

At home, some basic skin care steps can help reduce instances of the bumps. Try and use mild soaps containing moisturizer or petroleum jelly, since these do not dry the skin and provide vital moisture. Drink lots of water and avoid diuretics or dehydrating liquids like alcohol and caffeine. Regular exfoliation using a wash cloth or pumice stone can also help in reducing the concentrated keratin, but avoid harsh scrubbing that damages the skin. This can lead to secondary bacterial infections of the skin. Try cleansing your legs with a solution of salicylic acid, which is very effective in removing dead skin cells and excess keratin.