Recently discovered I have some skin condition. Just felt like sharing it
10.4.2011: Woke up from a good night’s sleep to discover some kind of pain on my upper left arm. Tried touching it but it stings. Initially, I attributed it to some minor abrasion; but, having no recollection of me scraping my upper arm against anything, made me think otherwise. Thought instead that it might be some mild allergic reaction to the sheets, they smelled kind of funny anyway. Went on with my day like nothing happened. Come night time, the seeming abrasions have now turned more reddish.
10.5.2011: Next day I was back to work. The abrasions have dried up! Yehey! They now visibly looked like chicken skin with dried scabs. However, the “chicken skin” from my upper arm now seemed to spread to my left back side. Shrugged it off as mere goosebumps due to the cold temperature on the office. By night time, I was surprised to see that they’ve also appeared on my upper right arm.
10.6.2011: Has a talk with my friend and he suggested I go visit a doctor. I was shrugging it off like it was some mild thing that will soon pass but he was insistent. After office hours, I visited a dermatologist. Tada!! Doctor’s prognosis: Keratosi Pilaris (KP) back-to-back with Pityriasis Alba (PA). To give you a quick run-down on what these two are, you may read them from here and here. Google them and you’ll find a lot if explanations.
Doctor said mine was most likely inherited. She clarified that these two are not diseases but skin conditions. She provided me the following:
For Treatment:
Clobetasol Lotion: 2x a day on affected areas. (To “calm” the eruptions on my upper arms and back side) For 1-2 weeks.

Kligman’s Cream: 2x a day on dark spots. (Since the eruptions could end up to being wounds, this can cause dark spots to develop. This cream can help lighten those dark spots) This should be stored in a cool place once package has been opened.

For Maintenance:
Physiogel Hypoallergenic Lotion: Since dry skin is one of the factors that could cause skin eruptions, this lotion was recommended as it has physiological lipids that are good for dry and sensitive skin.
Jergens Ultra Healing (Fragrance Free): Since the previous lotion is kind of pricey, I was also given another lotion to use alternately (not as substitute) to save (thrifty dermatologist, eh?). Take note that it should be ‘Fragrance-Free’

Dove Extra Sensitive: Lastly, I was asked what soap I used. I was then told to change soaps as this one is much more suited for sensitive skin

So far, so good. The skin eruptions on my right arm are receding faster than those on my left arm. Quite fast, I think, given that the Dermatologist said that it would take 2 weeks. Well, just have to wait and see if this fixes it. I was told that if it doesn’t, I may have to return to her and we might opt instead for an oral medicine.