Many with blotchy skin on the arms find it frustrating and bothersome. Various health and environmental conditions can lead to blotchy skin in which some require assessment by a doctor. The best way to properly diagnose the skin condition is to understand why and how it develops.
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Signs and symptoms
Blotchy skin on the arms can be accompanied by various symptoms such as the following:
- Rough skin
- Itchiness
- Bumps that look similar to acne
- Inflamed skin-colored bumps
In some cases, fever, headache, memory loss or a giddy feeling can also develop along with the blotchy skin on the arms. The skin in the arms might also appear puffy, scaly, irritated or develop blisters that ooze and crust over.
Possible causes of blotchy skin
The reddened blotchy skin on the arms might be due to various skin conditions and illnesses. It is important to note that keratosis pilaris can lead to the accumulation of the skin’s protein which causes scaly, red, blotchy plugs to manifest on the skin.
The blotchiness can also be caused by contact dermatitis or eczema in which the skin reacts upon exposure to substances such as chemicals or soap. Certain health conditions including Hughes syndrome can trigger the development of a blood clot in the veins which causes the blotchy appearance in the arms.
Management
The doctor can determine the exact cause of the blotchy skin on the arms. In most circumstances, medications or creams that contain vitamin D, lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea or tretinoin are used to minimize the blotchiness.
When it comes to keratosis pilaris, topical retinoids are used to facilitate the sloughing off the surplus keratin that causes the blotchiness. As for Hughes syndrome, the doctor might recommend medications such as aspirin, heparin and warfarin.
Considerations to bear in mind
The formation of blotchy skin on the arms can be prevented by avoidance of substances that irritates the skin. The individual should keep a diary to help determine the substances that trigger the reactions.
Long baths, hot showers, harsh cleansers and perfumed products are potential culprits. Certain skin issues such as keratosis pilaris can be properly managed but treatment must be recurrent to prevent the condition from flaring up again in the future.
A doctor should be consulted if the blotchy skin on the arms becomes worse or does not respond to home remedies and lotions. Set an appointment with a doctor once Hughes syndrome or keratosis pilaris is suspected as the cause of the blotchy skin. If these conditions are not properly treated, they can worsen and lead to undesirable side effects such as multiple sclerosis and heart attack.