From Our Pages Fall 2008

Q. I have little red bumps on my upper arms. How can I make them disappear before I have to bare them?

A. “Those bumps have a fancy name—keratosis pilaris—and are associated with dry skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or eczema, as well as some seasonal allergies,” says Dr. Kauvar. “But they’re really just a mound of dead cells.” To minimize their appearance, smooth on a moisturizer that contains glycolic acid, such as DERMAdoctor KP Duty ($36, sephora.com), to slough away skin cells plugging the follicles. If the bumps are red, applying an over-the-counter cortisone cream for a few weeks will reduce inflammation.

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