Why are the tops of my arms so red?

vasseur

^^^ That's it really. I have nicely toned arms but from just below my shoulder to my elbow the skin looks red and blotchy (think corned beef ) almost as if I have been sunburnt.

Anyone know why this could be??

rubyrose

Does your skin itch or flake as well?

fannyadams

I nor anyone else on here can't offer medical advice. especially as there are no pictures of said rash to 'diagnose'
if it was me I would go to my GP and ask for a referral to a dermatologist. the dermetologist (skin specialist) will be able to look at the rash and tell you what it is and how to treat it.

vasseur

It's not a rash and it doesn't itch and it isn't sore it's like I just have a completely different complexion on one end of my arm to the other! I've had it for years.

Didn't consider it as a medical problem, just wondered if there was some kind of cosmetic reason for it.

Mrs_Arcanum

Is the texture different or just the colour. Had a friend with something like this and it was almost like a birthmark, but did look less obvious with a tan and not as severe as a port wine stain.

One benefit I have found from being menopausal is the tops of my arms are now smooth rather than covered in bumpy almost white-heads.

vasseur

The texture's the same as the rest of my arms. It's like the tops are blushing.

I don't seem to have so many of those goosebump things as I used to now you mention it (and I have just hit 40..) hmmmm

I guess it's not really a problem, I just never noticed it on anyone else.

netti

I've got it from tip of shoulder not quite to elbow. I always assumed it is sun damage from childhood and no sun cream! Much more careful these days

bunberry

Does it sound like this?

Wikipedia:
Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis or chicken skin) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough slightly red in color, bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the arm (though the forearm can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, sides, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).

vasseur

bunberry wrote: »

Does it sound like this?

Wikipedia:
Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis or chicken skin) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough slightly red in color, bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the arm (though the forearm can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, sides, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).

No, it's actually really quite smooth now but I know what you are referring to.