Expert: David Olson, MD - 6/28/2009

Question
My daughter is 6, and has had bumps on her arms since she was 2.  I have shown the doctor over and over, and he never seemed concerned or said anything at all about it.  Thru my own research, I have found that these are probably infected hair follicles.  For the past 6 months, we have been cleaning her arms nightly with acne cream and her face, as she has also developed acne on her face for the past 6 months.  Now, today, I also have found a "skin tag" under her arm.  Cleaning her skin nightly seems to have no effect on the "acne" on her arms and face.

Another note, she is the tallest in her class, and is fairly taller than most kids her age, or even a year older.  She has grown almost a foot (not kidding) in the last year.

Should I be concerned about something more than just acne or infected hair follicles going on?

Answer
Hi, Mandy,

These bumps are called keratosis pilaris, a generally inherited skin disorder.  This is not acne.  The skin tag is probably something completely different.  

If she is having no pubic hair, no axillary hair and no breast development, then this skin problem is unrelated and is not acne.

There is no real good treatment for keratosis pilaris.  Infected hair follicles wouldn't last years.

Good luck, Dr. Olson