How to get rid of blotchy redness on upper arms? (Photo)

Our office has many different treatments for scars depending on the depth of atrophy or hypertrophy. Scars require a combination approach using our HI DEF protocol which uses a combination of lasers, topical scar modulation, and RF treatments to pixelate scars, improve contour, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve the visibility of the scars so that they are no longer visible in ambient light. Everyone has a unique pattern of scarring and we employ our HIDEF technique to improve texture, color, contour, and topography. We often use a combination of treatments that begin with a careful examination to examine the micro texturing of the acne scars. Atrophic scars and indented scars can benefit from injectable fillers such as Radiesse, Sculptra, and Restylane with or without subcision to remove tethered scars and atrophic depression. Hyper-redness in scars can be improved with V beam laser, Excel V, BBL, IPL, and Venus RF to improve the redness and reduce the visibility of deep scars. Fractional Thulium laser and clear & brilliant can also reduce the inflammation and redness of the scar when combined with topical therapy. Fractional lasers such as Fraxel, erbium, and CO2 laser can be combined with radio frequency and also fractional RF to improve textual issues and microtopography. Subcision and TCA cross are also used for deep ice pick scars and narrow valley scars in order to improve the micro texture. Above all, our combination approach with our clinical nurses and board-certified plastic surgeons can improve the quality of your skin by using at home Melarase creams combined with PRP treatments in our office to improve your skin quality and tone. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with an experienced team of experts in order to reduce your scarring.

Finally, hyperpigmentation of scars can be improved with at-home Melarase AM, Melarase PM, and Melapads to help reduce active PIH and melanin deposition.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

From your photo it would appear you have a condition called Keratosis pilaris (KP).  This is a chronic annoying condition but benign.  There are several ways to treat this.  You should start with a good exfoliant  cream or wash that contains AHA/BHA or urea.  IPL will treat the redness. Chemical peels and light laser resurfacing will also help in some cases.

Thank you for your question kmcaree. IPL is a great treatment for facial rejuvenation. It can also be used on other areas for redness. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common condition characterized by the appearance of bumps frequently seen on the backs of the upper arms. IPL will work for redness in this area. To address the bumps I recommend that my patients use hydroxyl acids. Treatments include microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and laser resurfacing. Please consult with a doctor for specific recommendations. Good luck!

It appears that you have a hereditary condition known as keatosis pilaris, a harmless but annoying inflammation around the hair follicles often of the upper arm, thights and buttocks.  IPL will take the red out, but the easiest home solution is the consistent use of an alpha hydroxyl moisturizer between 5 and  15% daily after your shower or bath (Amlactin, Neostrata or others). 

Just from looking at your photo it looks like a combination of the appropriate jessner peel + a series of IPL treatments would do the job.  There are additional treatments such as laser resurfacing with either erbium or CO2 that could also be helpful
Hope that helps.

Great question! From that picture it looks like you have Keratosis Pilaris or KP. I know it intimately as I have it myself. People sometimes refer to it as chicken skin. It is most common on the backs of arms. The skin is red with small bumps throughout the area. This is a chronic condition that responds well to moisturizers that contain AHA/BHA or urea. Paula's Choice has a nice one that is reasonably priced called RESIST weightless body treatment with 2% BHA. Neostrata also makes a problem dry skin crean that works well, as does Galderma Excipial with 20% urea. Over time (and you have to be patient-- it takes a few months to really make a difference) treating the skin every day in the morning will help change this skin back to normal soft skin. The redness and bumps both diminish. They never go away entirely, but you can make a huge difference. If you want to jump start the resolution of the redness, you can do a series of IPL treatments as well. Eventually if feels a lot better wearing a tank top. I hope that helps!

Thanks for the great question and the photos. IPL is able to target both red and brown pigments. Looking at your photos, I think IPL would definitely be able to help get rid of some of the reds and improve your overall skin tone. For many patients it may take multiple treatments to get to where they are happy, so be patient. Best of luck!~Dr. Sieber