Every once in while I wake up with unexplained scratches on my arms what causes this?
460897
If you sleep alone and have no pets nor do you have an insect infestation, you are scratching yourself in your sleep.  It's not really to uncommon, especially if you have dry skin.  Try putting a heavy cream (not lotion) on your arms before going to bed at night to hydrate your skin.  It might itch enough that you scratch yourself without waking up.\n\nI doubt that it's demons as some people say.  Those who think that tend to be a bit, ahem, worrisome.
925017
Wash them all with antibacterial soap and water. Pat dry, apply any OTC antibiotic ointment and cover with a band aid. Change every 1-2 days or when needed, such as if you shower and it gets wet.\nDo not clean with alcohol, iodine or peroxide. All of these are very drying to the skin which delays healing, and they also will damage new tissue as it grows. \n\nOne thing to watch for is an infection you can get from kitten scratches on your arms. It is called Cat Scratch Fever, imagine that. And no I'm not kidding.  \nSymptoms to see the Dr. for would include: redness or red lines from one or more of the scratches up toward your underarm, pain that is much greater than it should be for a little scratch, fever over 100, enlarged lymph nodes under the arm.\nIt is not all that common but I have seen quite a few patients with it.\nGood Luck\nK
743829
that could be what's referred to as "milk bumps" or it could be a form of acne...either way I doubt it is serious...I always say if you are concerned be sure to mention it to your doctor the next time you are in.  I doubt it's anything for cause of alarm though...if it is milk bumps to my knowledge there's nothing that can be done for it...it's just a type of skin alot of women have especially if you happen to be fair haired...if it's acne normally the dr will send you to a dermatologist and he can prescribe something for it.  It might also be a form of ingrown hair.
276554
exfoliate your arms on a regular basis you might be getting ingrown hairs. It could also be a reaction to wheat products of milk. My daughter gets bumps on her arms when she drinks a lot of milk or has a lot of dairy products. you can put mederma (I think that is how you spell it) on the bumps after they are healed to reduce the scarring.
832333
Could be contact dermatitis, nothin to worry about, u get it when somthink irritant touchs the skin, washing powder or soaps. just go to ur doctor and if it is that he will give u some ointment and maybe refer u to a skin doc who will do skin patchs to determine what is causing it. \n\nHope u get better soon.
903210
Ask a psychologist then ask a doctor. It could be a form of sleep paralysis. But it would be sleep paralysis where the person isn't conscious. Are the person's legs and arms stiff in the morning, or sore? Do they just suddenly raise? Do  they know that they are doing it (besides someone telling them)?
488654
Is it the area behind your elbows?  If you are waking up in the middle of the night or the morning and it's hurting very bad, it's because you are sleeping with your arm under your pillow or your arm bent.  \n\nThere is a nerve back there and the pressure from the bending will cause you pain.  It's called nerve entrapment.\n\nThat's what happens to me.\n\nIt brings tears to my eyes.\n\nMy Dr. who treats my carpal tunnel, says to sleep with towels wrapped around my arms to keep them straight.\n\nI've never done it, but it's an option.\n\nTake motrin for the pain. \n\nI hope you feel better.
567926
Its' high time you visit a your doctor. It could be eczema... but then again, I'm not a doctor.
1059445
Possibly birthmarks but you should have a doctor check them out.
978859
I have the EXACT same problem.  I used to get this as a lot as a kid and it's suddenly returned again in the past month.  What I do to keep it in check is to liberally coat the area with vaseline every night before I go to sleep (I keep it on my night stand so that I remember to do it).  That way, it moisturizes it all night long while I'm asleep.  In the morning, I just wash it off and apply my make-up.
183111
I know what you are talking about as well.  My daughter and I both get this.  We are blond/blue and we get this on the underside of our upper arms.  It is not scabies, eczema or psoriasis. I have known people with all of those conditions, and this ain't it!  I will have to research KP and look for pictures.  KP sounds "stronger" than what we have.  I have noticed that the bumps are not as pronounced in the summer when I have been out in the sun more.  Also, as I have gotten older (I am 34 now), they are not as pronounced.  Good luck to you (and us!)
512987
You must go to dermatologist....Maybe your hands and your skin  are sensitive with some ingredient s in soap or something like that....(shower gel,or cream,etc.)....I think that is probably allergy...
1035385
It sounds like a problem with your diet. I hope the dermatologist has some answers for you.
460463
My friend had benign tumors that grew in her arms. Go see a doctor!
1097079
They are called age spots.  Many people develop them on their hands and arms as they get older.  It is a sign of sun damage.  They can be treated by a dermatologist, even removed or lessened with a laser.  If the appearance of them bother you, then look for a dermatologist in your area.  Do not order creams and lotions for them over the tv or internet or from magazines because there are a lot of con artists out there (snake oil salesmen just never seem to go away).  A dermatologist is a professional doctor who has been trained to diagnose and treat disorders with the skin.  Many dermatologists are now moving toward using lasers in their office to treat skin discoloration and varicose veins.  Check the yellow pages for dermatologists and see if they advertise laser treatment.  It might be a little expensive.  A dermatologist can also prescribe a cream or ointment that actually works.  I have included some links below that provide more information.
250510
Sounds like a condition called Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating.  It most commonly occurs during times of anxiety, stress or when your sympathetic nervous system is stimulated i.e. fight or flight or adrenaline rushes. You can treat this condition with topicals such as aluminum chloride (Drysol) or antiperspirants.  There are other treatments which include orals, injections and even surgery.  A dermatologist would be able to help you with this situation.  Best of luck!
955376
I have similar issues, whatever you do don't squeeze them or pick at them it only makes them worse and leaves scars.And I'm not sure if it is because you're obese but I have a theory that like acne it could be caused by consumption of oily foods. I keep lotion on  them to keep them softened, but if you can't help but pick(I don't recommend,it only leaves the pores more open and bigger to be clogged and scarring)always apply rubbing alcohol afterwards it helps minimize infection and scarring but I would put lotion on after they are dry because alchol can dry out your skin.