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" Reader Question: I have little white bumps on the backs of my upper arms and no matter how much I moisturize, they&amp;#039;re not going away. What can I do? On Call Response: Try using a gentle over-the-counter apricot exfoliating scrub, and then moisturize. Don&amp;#039;t pick! If that doesn&amp;#039;t help within a few weeks, you should see a dermatologist. Possible causes include milia (tiny cysts under the skin that look like whiteheads and can get worse from over-moisturizing, especially with oil-based products), inflammation of the hair follicle, viral infection, allergic reaction, or in rare cases, skin cancer (although this is less likely if there are lots of bumps). If the bumps are from a viral infection, they can spread if you rub too hard or scratch. Shaving could also spread it and you could end up with a real mess. If the bumps itch, then it may be an allergic reaction\u2014perhaps to laundry detergent or a product you&amp;#039;re using on your skin in that area. Your best bet is to gently exfoliate and moisturize and if that does not work, go see the expert! After the jump, Dr. Sandy discusses bruising easily and whether it&amp;#039;s OK to see a nurse practitioner instead of an M.D. Reader Question: I seem to bruise really easily. Is this dangerous? On Call Response: It could be. First, take a look at where the bruising is occurring. Is it on your arms and legs\u2014body parts that can easily be bumped? Also, consider severity. How bad is the bruise? If you are getting bad bruises frequently and not remembering how they go there, get it checked out as soon as possible.  Medications could be the culprit; bruising could be a sign that you&amp;#039;re not taking the right dose. Many meds can make you bruise more easily, including blood thinners (like warfarin and aspirin) and corticosteroids (used to treat asthma). Supplements like fish oils, garlic, ginkgo and ginger can also thin the blood and increase bruising. Age also plays a role. Your skin tends to thin and become more fragile as you get older, so be careful! Bruising can also indicate a blood problem like low platelets or low clotting factors. Your doctor can screen for these issues by doing blood tests. If you keep getting bad bruises, see your doctor. In the meantime, apply ice to the area for about 10 minutes. This can bring down the size of a bruise. Reader Question: I can&amp;#039;t get an appointment with my doctor for several months, but a nurse practitioner in the same office can check me out next week. Should I see her instead? On Call Response: That&amp;#039;s really up to you. I would make your decision based on the complexity of your complaints and what you&amp;#039;re comfortable with. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have advanced training beyond what regular nurses get, so they&amp;#039;re able to do things such as order and interpret diagnostic tests and write prescriptions. However, they don&amp;#039;t have the same depth and extent of training as doctors. If you do see the NP, I would make sure that the doctor is available for backup in case you have additional questions or want a second opinion. I want to hear from you, so e-mail me your questions at dailywd@womansday.com. Disclaimer: Your seeking information on health related topics and/or Sandra Adamson Fryhofer, M.D.&amp;#039;s providing such information herein constitutes neither the solicitation of nor the provision of medical advice, services, care or treatment. Communication with Dr. Fryhofer on this website does not create a doctor/patient relationship. For concerns about your own particular medical condition, you should consult your own medical professional, who can examine and evaluate you. Communication on a website is not a substitute for taking an active role in your own medical care and treatment and being personally seen by a physician of choice in your area. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.womansday.com/life/a40698/how-can-i-get-rid-of-the-little-bumps-on-my-upper-arms-6491/>