I've got lots of little raised bumps on the tops of my arms, which are rough to touch and don't look very nice. They're worse around the back and extend to my shoulders. I know others with the same problem. What are they and how can I get rid of them?

It sounds like you may have Keratosis pilaris, caused by a build up of skin protein keratin in the hair follicles. The follicles form into hard pimples, giving the skin a rough texture like permanent goosebumps. Usually worse in winter months due to lower moisture levels, Keratosis pilaris is thought to be a hereditary condition, and more often affects people with eczema or other allergies. However, it can also be indicative of certain nutrient deficiencies including essential omega-3 fats and A, E and B complex vitamins.

To boost levels of these nutrients in your diet, include three weekly portions of oily fish, snack daily on nuts and seeds and sprinkle ground flax seeds and wheatgerm on cereals and salads. Make salad dressings with cold-pressed flaxseed or omega blend oil, and increase your intake of vitamin-A-packed orange, yellow and leafy green vegetables. Opt for wholegrain/brown rice and pasta, and try using nutritious buckwheat and quinoa in couscous recipes.

Care must be taken when supplementing vitamin A which can be harmful in too high doses, but Betacarotene is considered a safe alternative. Try taking Biocare’s One a Day Plus complex which provides good levels of Betacarotene, E and B vitamins, and Eye-Q essential fat complex.

Exfoliation can also be helpful; try skin brushing before you shower with a soft, natural bristle brush, each stroke towards the heart. This helps to reduce dead skin cell build-up, tones the muscles and connective tissue, and stimulates the blood and lymph circulation, encouraging the skin to regenerate more efficiently.

Stella New RSHom MBANT is a registered homeopath and nutritional therapist based in West Sussex, and technical consultant for Xynergy Health Products. Prior to her training she spent many years as an expedition leader, taking groups into some of the most challenging parts of the world, where she was inspired by the use of natural remedies for treating all manner of ailments.