I have red dots on both my upper arms, primarily in my tricep area...what is the cause and what can i do to get rid of them?

Keratosis pillaris : Keratosis pillaris, usually a benign and asymptomatic skin condition, commonly presents as you have pointed out, often involving the upper arms, but can be seen elsewhere on the body as well. If this is the condition you have, daily use of exfoliating moisturizers containing Lactic Acid or urea may help. Topical tretinoin may also be very effective.