Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition often referred to as "chicken skin". If you have keratosis pilaris, you are not alone. Worldwide, keratosis pilaris affects an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. Varying in degree, cases of KP can range from minimal to severe.
Most people with keratosis pilaris don't know they have it. While KP resembles goosebumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small, rough bumps on the skin. Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body part except palms or soles. (Often confused with acne.)
Keratosis pilaris is unsightly but completely harmless. KP tends to be worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when the skin dries out. It may also occur and/or worsen among pregnant women or show up after childbirth.
There are several types of keratosis pilaris; variants and related disorders include:
- Keratosis pilaris alba : rough, dry, bumpy skin with no irritation
- Keratosis pilaris rubra : reddened lesions; red, inflamed bumps
- Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii (KPRF) : reddish rash on the cheeks (blushed look)
- Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei: facial follicular atrophy (small scar-like depressions)
- Keratosis follicularis (Darier Disease) aka lichen pilaris, or follicular xeroderma: conditions in which abnormal keratinization (failure of skin to desquamate properly) is limited to the hair follicles, manifesting itself as discrete, tiny follicular papules (solid, usually conical elevations)
- Ulerythema ophryogenes : involvement of the outer eyebrows
- Atrophoderma vermiculata : severe worm-eaten appearance of the cheeks
- Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans: a rare familial variant which results in bald areas on the scalp and eyebrows
- Lichen spinulosus : solitary or multiple patches of follicular papules topped with scaly spines on any part of the body
What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common and completely harmless skin condition. In the population as a whole, keratosis pilaris may affect as many as one person in three. Its name gives some idea of what it is. 'Keratosis' means that there is too much keratin – which makes up the tough horny outer layer of the skin: 'pilaris' comes from the Latin word for hair (pilus). In keratosis pilaris, many small (1 to 2 mm. across) horny plugs can be seen blocking the hair follicles on the upper and outer parts of the arms and thighs.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is an inherited skin condition, running strongly in many families, sometimes with a generally dry skin (ichthyosis). The way it is inherited varies from family to family, but often fits into an 'autosomal dominant' pattern – which means that there will be a 1 in 2 chance that each child of an affected parent will inherit the condition. Keratosis pilaris appears when extra keratin accumulates in the hair follicles. This is usually in childhood, and most obvious during adolescence, often it clears in adulthood. It tends to be better in the summer than in the winter. Keratosis pilaris is harmless, and is not infectious.
Is keratosis pilaris hereditary?
Yes, see above.
What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?
Some people find their keratosis pilaris ugly. The skin feels rough or spiky as though it has permanent goosebumps. Occasionally keratosis pilaris is itchy.
What does keratosis pilaris look like?
The groups of small horny bumps are most common on the backs of the upper arms and on the fronts of the thighs. Sometimes keratosis pilaris also affects the torso, back, buttocks and, in less common forms, the face and eyebrows as well. Some redness may appear around the small spiky bumps. If a plug is pulled off, a fine coiled-up hair may be found inside it.
How will keratosis pilaris be diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for keratosis pilaris, however your doctor will recognize it easily and a biopsy is seldom needed.
Can keratosis pilaris be cured?
No, but often it does clear up during adult life.
How can keratosis pilaris be treated?
No treatment clears keratosis pilaris satisfactorily, and ordinary emollients (moisturizers) are of limited benefit. Creams containing salicylic acid, lactic acid and/or urea are sometimes felt to be more effective. Several simple types can be bought or obtained by prescription, or over the counter, and there is no advantage to be gained from using expensive cosmetic or vitamin creams.
What can I do?
General measures to reduce skin dryness may help.
Keratosis Pilaris Tips
- Use mild soaps or gentle body washes.
- Apply moisturizers frequently -- For better absorption, apply to the skin while it's still moist after showering.
- Take tepid showers rather than hot baths.
- Light exfoliation with an abrasive pad may sometimes be of help, however scrubbing the areas of KP is not recommended, and can worsen the condition.
- Keeping areas of KP exfoliated with a Salicylic Acid or AHA based lotion works best.
- For more, see Keratosis pilaris treatment options
Keratosis Pilaris Treatments
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin
This dermatologist recommended dry skin remedy helps control Keratosis Pilaris (a common skin disorder typified by "chicken skin" or bumpiness on the surface of the skin) and other dry skin concerns by incorporating medically proven ingredients to hydrate and maintain healthy skin. Potent levels of glycolic acid blended with urea (the dermatologist recommended humectant) soften and smooth away even the driest, roughest skin. (
See also: KP Double Duty Dual Pack)
As seen in: Health Magazine -- Allure Magazine -- People and Style Watch --
"KP Double Duty" As seen in: Lucky Magazine - Nov. 2005
Glytone Keratosis Pilaris Kit
A safe, effective body wash and lotion to help treat red bumps on arms and legs due to keratosis pilaris. "Free yourself of those unsightly red bumps on your arms and legs." -- Skin care kit includes Glytone's Exfoliating Body Wash (7.9oz), Body Lotion (8oz) and exfoliating puff.
NeoStrata Ultra Smoothing Lotion AHA 10
A silky-smooth lotion that contains 10% AHA (glycolic acid) for those that prefer to use a lotion rather than a cream. It moisturizes and exfoliates dry skin of all types and with repeated use it may improve appearance and texture of skin. Fragrance free. Can be used on face, hands, and body.
Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Plus Intensive Repair Creme-- (Article)
For Keratosis Pilaris, Dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants that are found in alpha hydroxy moisturizers, such as Eucerin’s Plus Intensive Repair Creme, rather than physical exfoliants, such as a loofah sponge, which can be too abrasive on the skin.
Article: Say Goodbye To Bumpy Skin --
As seen in: Glamour
Neutrogena Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
-- (Discontinued Jan. 2006)
Neutrogena Skin Smoothing™ Body Lotion with SPF 15 is clinically proven to minimize bumps on backs of arms and legs, roughness and dry patches. Your skin becomes touchably softer and smoother - wherever you use it. (This product is no longer available.)
As seen in: Health Magazine -- Shape -- Good Housekeeping
*Contact Neutrogena (USA only)
1-800-582-4048 to request this product back on shelves.
Dr. Brandt Pore Effect
Powerful and clarifying, this formula stimulates cellular turnover, calms redness and irritation and sweeps away blockage. -- Dr. Brandt recommends this product to treat keratosis pilaris: "excellent results are achieved when used twice daily to treat keratosis pilaris, the hard, red bumps that commonly appear on the upper arms, thighs and face."
ZIRH Body Bar
A scrub-brush clean without the brush. Any soap can wash dirt and oil, but Body Bar does much more. It exfoliates the skin to prevent body acne on the back, bumps on upper arms etc. Alpha hydroxys reveal fresher, smoother skin. Leaves an energizing good-to-be-alive scent on skin -- that's never overbearing. Large, long-lasting bar that will not soften up in the shower.
Buffy The Backside Slayer
Be careful because if you get carried away with the feeling of soft, scented cocoa butter melting into your skin as you smooth away your bumpy bits with ground almonds, rice and adzuki beans, then it may only last you the one session. (Handmade by LUSH)
Other Recommended Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris Include:
Glycolic Acid: MD Formulations Hand & Body Creme, Philosophy Soul Owner, Kiss My Face Alpha and Aloe Oil Free Moisturizer, ZENMED™ AHA/BHA Complex
Lactic Acid: AmLactin 12%, Epilyt Lotion, Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment
Urea: Carmol 10 Lotion, Carmol 20 Cream
Vitamin A Treatments: Afirm 3X, SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0
Microdermabrasion: Dermanew, Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System
Scar Treatments: Mederma, Cellex-C High Potency Serum, ZENMED™ Scar Treatment Kit
Other: Tend Skin, Olay Complete Body Wash with Vitamins and Shea Butter for Extra Dry Skin, St. Ives Medicated Apricot Scrub,
Peter Thomas Roth Silica Face & Body Polish
For more information check out
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