If you struggle with rough “chicken skin” on your arms or thighs, or anywhere else on your body, you’re not alone. Characterized by small red or white bumps that appear in patches, keratosis pilaris (KP) is a completely benign, but ultimately unsightly chronic skin condition. It’s also extremely common, with nearly 40% of adults experiencing KP at some point.
According to New York dermatologist, Michelle Henry, MD, keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of a protein called keratin. “keratosis pilaris (KP) is a skin condition that leads to the development of rough, small bumps on the skin,” Dr. Henry explains. “It is caused by an accumulation of keratin around hair follicles, a protein that safeguards the skin against infections and other harmful elements.”
Usually, KP shows up as a rough patch of bumps on the back of the arms.
“KP often appears on the back of the arms, but it can also manifest in other body parts, including, rarely, under the breast,” Dr. Henry notes. “The exact cause of KP remains unknown, but individuals with dry skin or eczema are more susceptible to it.”
Where Does KP Comes From?
Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD explains that keratosis pilaris tends to run in the family, and gets worse when our bodies are experiencing a lot of changes. “It is caused by ineffective removal of dead skin and cells around hair follicles, but does have a genetic relationship and runs fairly strong in families,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Additionally, it tends to be worse after pregnancy and during growth spurts.”
Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD adds that KP does tend to flare when the skin barrier is not fully protected, which is why it can easily appear in those with eczema and other chronic skin conditions. “When the skin barrier is more vulnerable and dry, the skin pores in the area are more likely to clog up with skin flakes and create plugs and irritations,” Dr. Blyumin-Karasik explains. “For some individuals, it can progress to fluctuating breakouts, blemishes and eczema.”
It’s important to know that if you have KP, you’re not doing anything wrong.
Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD, explains that while the exact cause of KP isn’t known, we do know that it isn’t a hygiene issue. “Keratosis pilaris is usually hereditary in etiology and not related to any issues with hygiene or overall skin,” Dr. Munavalli explains. “The opening or ostia of the hair follicle has an abnormal piling of skin cells, what dermatologists call hyperkeratotic.”
Just because it’s benign and not a fault of hygiene, doesn’t mean it’s entirely without irritation, though.
“This results in visible bumps on the skin surface, including areas like the back of the arms and shoulders as well a variation appearing on the cheeks,” says Dr. Munavalli. “These bumps can be felt and seen. In some cases, they can even be inflamed, itchy, or very red.”
Treatment Options
“While keratosis pilaris, or KP, poses no real health risk, it can be troublesome and irritating to my patients and many want to get rid of these bumps that typically show up on the cheeks, upper arms or thighs,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
The good news is that there are a lot of options to treat KP, and some of them are even in-office.
“If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of KP, there are various treatments available at a dermatologist’s office,” Dr. Henry explains. “These treatments include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy. Chemical peels use a solution to exfoliate the skin, while microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of dead skin cells using a device. Laser therapy, on the other hand, may reduce some of the associated redness.”
Plus, a dermatologist can assess your skin and give you their individualized recommendations. “It’s crucial to seek the advice of a dermatologist to select the most appropriate treatment that suits your individual needs,” Dr. Henry says.
If you are going to address KP on your own, it’s important to prioritize gentleness, explains New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “I am not a proponent of physical exfoliation for keratosis pilaris,” Dr. Kung says. “Physical exfoliation may result in a skin condition called lichen amyloidosis, which is a hardening and discoloration of the perifollicular area.”
When you’re looking for a gentle exfoliator, you’ll want to look for products that contain salicylic acid or APAs.
“You can also treat KP effectively at home using various methods,” Dr. Henry explains. “Gentle exfoliation can help to remove dead skin cells and decrease the appearance of bumps. You can use products containing salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids, which can soften and smooth the skin.”
You’ll need to remember to prioritize hydration and moisture, though.
“Moisturizing is also essential since dry skin can worsen the appearance of KP,” says Dr. Henry. “Choose products with moisturizing ingredients like urea, lactic acid, or others, and avoid harsh soaps and hot water that can dry out the skin further.”
Dermatologist-Recommended KP Products
