is a common, harmless skin condition where small, rough bumps appear on the skin, typically on the arms, thighs, or cheeks. It occurs when keratin builds up in hair follicles, giving the skin a sandpaper-like texture.
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What is it?
Also called strawberry skin or chicken skin is a harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. The bumps usually don’t hurt or itch.
Keratosis pilaris is often considered a common variant of skin. It can’t be cured or prevented. But you can use moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve how the skin looks. The condition usually disappears by age 30.
Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, symptoms include:
Painless tiny bumps on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks
Dry, rough skin in the areas with bumps
Worsening when seasonal changes cause dry air and dry skin
Sandpaper-like bumps resembling goose flesh
Irritation of the bumps that causes them to become more discolored and noticeable. This is frictional lichenoid dermatitis.
Why does keratosis pilaris form on the skin?
healthcare providers and medical researchers believe that certain genetic traits may cause it.
The bumps you see when you have keratosis pilaris are actually collections of the protein keratin. Keratosis pilaris bumps happen when keratin clogs (blocks) your pores instead of flaking off.
About 50% to 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults will develop these bumps at some point during their lives. If you have a skin condition like eczema, you’re more likely to get keratosis pilaris.
How to control or prevent Keratosis Pilaris from getting worse
Using moisturizers and lotions to prevent the skin from being too dry, as dry skin can make KP worse. Apply your moisturizer on clean skin, preferably after showering when the skin is soft and is more likely to absorb the product.
Use a cream or a moisturizer that has active ingredients to help break down dead skin cells like Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, urea, and retinoids.
Avoid physical (salt and sugar-based) scrubs as the scrubbing motion can irritate the skin and make KP worse.
Avoid taking hot long showers as they tend to dry the skin.
Exfoliate regularly using AHA’s, BHA’s or PHA’s.
Wear breathable clothing made of 100% cotton.
Immediately shower after sweating to avoid worsening the dead skin buildup and bacteria.
Do not use thick products that could potentially clog the pores. Products that contain high concentrations like olive oil, shea butter, and coconut oil should be avoided as well.
