Keratosis Pilaris: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Keratosis pilaris, sometimes also known as chicken skin, is basically a common skin condition that causes rough, dry patches and tiny bumps on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms, chest and cheeks. These bumps are actually dead skin cells, hair follicles, and are absolutely harmless. They appear brown or red in color and don’t itch or hurt.

Dermatologists consider this condition to be a skin type instead of a skin issue, as it's benign and quite common among children, teenagers, and women. While keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition that doesn’t need any treatment, a healthy skincare routine including prescription creams and gentle moisturizers can potentially help. It's also important to note that the condition usually disappears by age 30.

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What are the symptoms?

Dry skin is a symptom of chicken skin condition. (Photo via Pexels/antoni shkraba)

The major and most visible symptom of keratosis pilaris is often its appearance itself. Bumps can occur anywhere in the body where hair follicles exist, and therefore, they usually appear on the upper arm and thighs but sometimes also extend to the lower legs and forearms.

Other than the visible tiny bumps, there're various other symptoms, such as:

• dry and irritable skin
• redness around the bumps
• itchy skin
• red, brown, black, pink, or white colored bumps, depending on the skin tone
• sandpaper-like tiny bumps resembling pimples

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Causes of keratosis pilaris

Chicken skin is quite common among women. (Photo via Pexels/Karolina Grabowska)

Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition that occurs because of hair protein found in the pores, known as keratin. When the pores clog the keratin of the body, it blocks the opening of the hair follicles, which results in the build-up of a tiny bump in the place where the hair should be.

While the exact cause is still unknown, experts believe it may be linked to genetics, meaning the genes could affect your chances of getting the condition. Keratosis pilaris is quite common among babies, children, teenagers, and women, and it worsens around puberty. As it's linked to your genes, you're more likely to develop it if someone in your family has it.

Additionally, you're more likely to have this condition if you have skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, eczema and light or fair skin. Certain medical conditions can also increase your chances of keratosis pilaris. That includes diabetes, obesity, asthma, down syndrome, and hypothyroidism.

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Keratosis pilaris treatment

Tropical retinoids can make your skin look healthier and clean. (Photo via Pexels/Ron Lach)

First things first, there's no cure for keratosis pilaris, as it clears up on its own as you age, but using moisturizing creams and lotions may help the skin feel better. While there're several over-the-counter creams you can use, for stronger versions, you will need a doctor’s prescription.

Two products especially work best when it comes to getting rid of the condition. They're topical retinoids and exfoliants:

Topical retinoids

Topocal retinoids stop hair follicles from getting clogged and include derma products with ingredients such as tazarotene and tretinoin. However, these ingredients may also irritate the skin and cause peeling, especially if you have oily skin.

Topical exfoliants

Topical exfoliants help remove dead skin cells and include products with ingredients such as salicylic acid, alpha-hydroxy acid, and urea.

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Takeaway

An important point to note here is that the aforementioned products and acids may irritate the skin and cause slight burning. So, they should be avoided by young children. Pregnant women should also consult a doctor before applying these products to their skin, especially before starting retinoids.

Other than these products, your dermatologist may also recommend certain moisturizing lotions, medicated creams, or laser treatment, depending on your skin type and severity of condition. Some home remedies might also help make the affected skin look better and healthier. That includes applying apple cider vinegar and coconut oil to the affected skin.

Remember that keratosis pilaris is harmless and goes away naturally as you age, so there’s nothing to worry about. If you're still conscious about the appearance of your skin, though, consult a dermatologist, and opt for the treatments mentioned above.