I have small bumps on the back of my arms that look like ingrown hairs. I do not wax my arms. What are these and why do I have them? I also have dark spots where some bumps once were – is there a way to treat this? I have a friend who waxes her arms and she has the same problem as well.
A.J.G.

Dear A.J.G.,
These bumps may be a condition called keratosis pilaris, which are areas of dead skin around the hair follicles – the condition usually runs in families. Though it is a harmless condition, occasionally the bumps may become red.

Do not scrub the skin, as this will make the bumps worse. The bumps will improve with specific creams prescribed by your dermatologist.

Another condition that leaves bumps on the skin is vellus hair cysts. Again, this is genetically determined and is due to hair follicles becoming entrapped within the bumps. Vellus hair cysts are also harmless, but if you need them removed, ask your dermatologist to do it for you.

The dark spots you observe are "scars" which are left behind when you try to remove the bumps, and will usually go away in time. But if you prefer, there are creams that can be prescribed to lighten them faster.