Question
What should I do about red bumps on my 11-month-old's face and arms?
Answer
What you describe sounds like a condition called keratosis pilaris. This common condition often runs in families, and causes rough bumps (often with the feel of sandpaper) and sometimes redness on the cheeks, upper outer arms, and the tops of the thighs. Keratosis pilaris is a very difficult condition to treat. Moisturizers are the most important part of therapy, and those that contain "alpha-hydroxy acids" may be most beneficial. For some younger babies, though, these creams can be irritating, so use them sparingly after first trying the treatment on a small area. If there is significant redness, topical steroid creams may also be helpful. Keratosis pilaris tends to be chronic, but there is some good news in that the lesions on the face tend to fade by the school-age years in many children.
