A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. Retin-A. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a harmless skin condition that causes small bumps and dry rough patches to appear on the skin. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common disorder of follicular keratinization characterized by keratotic follicular papules with variable perifollicular erythema. share. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. It is more common in people who have very dry skin, or who have atopic dermatitis (eczema). Accessed Nov. 4, 2015. He or she can often make a diagnosis by examining the skin and the characteristic scaly bumps. What's more, it's also possible to get the bumps on your face. Keratosis pilaris. The keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. This can look like goose bumps but feels slightly rough. We include products we think are useful for our readers. As a result, a small bump forms over where a hair should be. But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. Pixi. Other symptoms associated with it include: Not sure if you have keratosis or psoriasis? Lesions involve predominantly the extensor aspects of proximal arms, thighs, and cheeks ( picture 1A-C ). The correct medical term for keratosis pilaris when it occurs on the face is keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, keratosis pilaris on face, can be a matter of concern for many and a cosmetic problem too. The exact cause of keratin buildup is unknown, but doctors think it may be associated with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases. Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. This content does not have an Arabic version. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Keratosis pilaris is a very common benign skin condition appearing as small, whitish bumps on the upper arms and thighs, especially of children and young adults. If you were to pick at the bump, you may notice a small body hair emerge. American Academy of Dermatology. American Academy of Dermatology. Dry hair is a common problem among men. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/i---l/keratosis-pilaris/who-gets-causes. Keratosis pilaris (KP) (also follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris, or colloquially chicken skin) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic condition of the skin's hair follicles characterized by the appearance of possibly itchy, small, gooseflesh-like bumps, with varying degrees of reddening or inflammation. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. But they may improve the appearance of the affected skin. It looks like dry, rough, small bumps that are flesh-colored or pink and can feel like sandpaper or chicken skin. The bumps most often appear on the upper arms and thighs. Notice that the bumps are much more pronounced then in the average case of keratosis pilaris. These small bumps will usually develop on your legs, buttocks, upper arms, and sometimes on your face. Often referred to as “chicken skin,” keratosis pilaris (KP) is a harmless skin condition characterized by small bumps on the skin. Epidermal growth and differentiation. This causes dead skin cells to accumulate in patches on the surface of…. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus information, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition, FREE book offer – Mayo Clinic Health Letter, New Year Special -  40% off – Mayo Clinic Diet Online. But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Pixi's glycolic… Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms and thighs. They usually don't hurt or itch. Keratosis pilaris causes small bumps to appear on the upper arms, legs or buttocks. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Painless tiny bumps, typically on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks, Worsening when seasonal changes cause low humidity and skin tends to be drier, Sandpaper-like bumps resembling goose flesh. Accessed Nov. 4, 2015. But if you're concerned about the appearance of your or your child's skin, consult your family doctor or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist). Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients…. It typically clears up in one’s mid-20s, with most cases completely gone by the age of 30. Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion Another well-reviewed anti-keratosis pilaris product is the Glytone … Improvement may take months, if the condition improves at all. Psoriasis and Keratosis Pilaris: Symptoms, Treatment, and More, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. Keratosis pilaris creates a "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance. Limit bath or shower time to about 10 minutes or less. They may also look white, red, pinkish-purple on fair skin, or brownish-black on dark skin. This condition is known to worsen in the winter months when the skin tends to dry out, and may also worsen during pregnancy. A skin doctor, or dermatologist, may recommend a moisturizing treatment to soothe itchy, dry skin and improve the skin’s appearance from the keratosis rash. If you have keratosis pilaris, the keratin of your body hair gets clogged in the pores, blocking the opening of growing hair follicles. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com. Keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition, and it runs in my family. Together, these ingredients help to loosen and remove dead skin cells and soften dry skin. No one knows exactly why keratin builds up. This time it’s different and even the way your skin reacts to your old reliable acne treatment is different. Avoid harsh, drying soaps. save. Here’s our process. Dermatologists' top 10 tips for relieving dry skin. All rights reserved. Merck Manual Professional Version. Ive struggled with keratosis pilaris (KP) for as long as I can rememberhundreds of tiny white bumps mapped across the backs of my arms, legs, butt, and even my face. Keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition you can clear up with mild soaps and creams in a consistent skin care regimen. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov. Sulfur Soap. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which tiny bumps develop on the skin. Anyone can be susceptible to this skin condition, but it’s most common in children and teenagers. Eucerin Intensive Repair Lotion. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com. It can't be cured or prevented. Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin (a hair protein) in the hair follicle. Above is a man with an average keratosis pilaris outbreak on his face, while below is a kid who has a somewhat “bumpy” case of KP on his cheeks. At least 2 or 3 times a day, gently massaging it into the skin with keratosis pilaris Diminish the bumpy appearance: To diminish the bumps and improve your skin’s texture, dermatologists often recommend exfoliating (removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin). Use warm water and limit bath time. Currently, there is no cure for either keratosis pilaris or acne. Some prescription topical creams include acids that may cause negative side effects, including: There are also some experimental treatment options available, such as photopneumatic therapy and vascular laser treatment. It isn’t contagious, and these bumps don’t usually cause any discomfort or itching. Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, but it's more common in young children. Keratosis pilaris is most common in people with fair skin. Keratosis pilaris often begins in late infancy or during adolescence. Keratosis pilaris can affect the arms, legs and the face, which is why many often mistake these bumps for acne. keratosis pilaris on face! © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Here’s how to tell them apart. Ichthyosis vulgaris occurs when your skin doesn’t shed its dead skin cells. Some people say these bumps look like goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/keratosis_pilaris.html. Please, please don't try scrubbing the hell out of your KP—it won't work. Keratosis pilaris is a benign condition characterized by numerous small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes cheeks. Welp, … Actinic keratosis is a fairly common skin condition. Many over-the-counter and prescription topical creams can remove dead skin cells or prevent hair follicles from being blocked, though your doctor. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips. All rights reserved. Though the condition can’t be cured, self-care treatments can help to minimize bumps, itching, and irritation. Shop Amazon - New Beauty Coupons Rosacea vs Keratosis Pilaris On The Face They sometimes appear red or brown in color. So if your parents have it, you may get it, too. amazon.com. It seems to run in families. There are many different skin disorders. Keratosis pilaris happens when your hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails. Keratosis pilaris is a dry skin type. This content does not have an English version. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Keratosis pilaris. 8th ed. Individual lesions of keratosis pilaris arise when a hair follicle becomes plugged with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. Usually many plugs form, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. 1. Hi, I have been doing endless research on the best products for KP but they are all body only friendly products. Usually plugs form in many hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. Keratosis pilaris is not infectious, so you cannot spread or catch it. For this reason, it’s commonly known as “chicken skin.”. If you have KP on your face, you want an exfoliator that is refining, but not overly aggressive. Psoriasis and keratosis pilaris both occur in patches and tend to run in families, but the similarities end there. Dry skin tends to worsen this condition. What a sexy, sexy product, huh? It can't be cured or prevented. Keratosis pilaris, sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. Some skin disorders, like contact dermatitis, are temporary and relatively minor, while others, like…, The human digestive system is the means by which tissues and organs receive nutrients to function. The bumps generally don't hurt or itch.Keratosis pilaris is often considered a variant of normal skin. The bumps generally don't hurt or itch. 8th ed. There’s no known cure for keratosis pilaris. Here's how to identify it, as well as the other symptoms…. Keratosis pilaris gives skin a goose-flesh or sandpaper-like appearance. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. What are some face products for KP!!! Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the fungal overgrowth present on the body. © Courtesy Salicylic Acid Sulfur Soap Bar. If you don’t like the look of your keratosis pilaris, there are some techniques you can try to treat it at home. Keratosis pilaris on the face can sometimes resemble acne or rosacea and frequently appears on and around the cheeks. What Causes Some Men to Have Dry, Brittle Hair and How to Treat It, bumps that can appear in different colors depending on skin tone (flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black). Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. Accessed Nov. 5, 2015. Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that makes your skin have a bumpy texture. Self-help measures won't prevent keratosis pilaris or make it go away. Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Keratosis Pilaris and Rosacea Red Bumps that have the initial appearance of acne but don’t really look like the acne you’ve had in the past. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Keratosis pilaris is often considered a variant of normal skin. Keratosis pilaris appears when extra keratin accumulates in the hair follicles. If your hair tends to be dry, you may want to try changing your hair care routine. AskMayoExpert. Keratosis pilaris results from the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects skin from harmful substances and infection. A more affordable combination of lactic acid and urea is available … They can feel rough and dry like sandpaper. The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer. Two common ingredients within moisturizing treatments are urea and lactic acid. The most common areas for these bumps are on the back of the arms, front of the thighs and the face. Keratosis pilaris. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. It usually clears up on its own with age. The condition usually disappears by age 30. Keratosis pilaris presents with small elevations or bumps, which are most often light colored and appear mostly on arms, upper thigh, buttocks and less commonly on the face. The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist, and therefore will never appear on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. "Keratosis pilaris rubra is a geographic patch of redness on each cheek and is lovingly dubbed the Prince Harry disease," Guanche says, noting that it gets worse and can scar in individuals who insist on picking and scratching at the bumps without using topicals to treat the skin and soften the spines first. 0 comments. Accessed Nov. 4, 2015. It is not contagious and is usually not itchy. Other treatment methods your dermatologist may suggest include: Be wary of the ingredients in these creams though, and talk with your doctor before using them. Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, the protein that protects skin from infections and other harmful things. Powdered vitamin C is thought to be more stable than other forms of vitamin C. Here’s how it works and when you may want to use it. What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris? Nobody knows exactly why keratin builds up, but the condition is thought to run in families. Here's why they develop, what to look out for, and how they're treated. Goldsmith LA, et al., eds. AMELIORATE is a UK first! Accessed Nov. 5, 2015. Keratosis pilaris is harmless (benign). Keratosis pilaris (KP) is the formation of rough-feeling bumps on the surface of the skin caused by plugged hair follicles. Keratosis Pilaris (KP), or chicken skin, is a benign skin condition that is very common (as many as 40-60% of people are affected). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2014. It may also occur on the thighs, buttocks and sides of the cheeks, and less often on the … Keratosis pilaris, sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. There are some treatments you can try to alleviate the look of it, but keratosis pilaris is typically treatment-resistant. The bumps are harmless plugs of dead skin cells and tend to appear on the upper arms, front of the thighs, and cheeks. Make a donation. 2. Keratosis pilaris most often affects the outer aspect of both upper arms. We break down the differences here. Keratosis pilaris usually affects a person’s upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and occasionally the face.Because of the way the skin … Accessed Nov. 4, 2015. In excess, it can extend to the forearms and lower legs. Keratosis pilaris and other inflammatory follicular keratotic syndromes. In: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. Use warm, not hot, water. A Body Skincare System proven to smooth away bumps and soften and moisturise rough, dry skin caused by Keratosis Pilaris. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. If you don’t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. Keep reading to learn more. Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is simply a buildup of keratin and dead skin cells within the hair follicles, which causes them to bulge and become irritated and inflamed, giving your skin a bumpy texture.Typically, KP appears on the backs of the arms, the fronts of the thighs, and sometimes on your butt, but it can also occur on your face (your cheeks in particular). Hormonal changes can cause flare-ups during pregnancy for women and during puberty for teenagers. Can Powdered Vitamin C Improve the Health of Your Facial Skin? Keratosis pilaris will usually clear up naturally by the time you reach 30 years old. Gently remove dead skin (exfoliate) with a washcloth or loofah. Accessed Nov. 4, 2015. This benign skin condition is the result of a buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the pores. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. These tiny bumps or pimples are actually dead skin cells plugging hair follicles. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. Most of the bumps are skin-colored, but because of the inflammation, they could turn red. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/dermatologic_disorders/cornification_disorders/keratosis_pilaris.html. $5.79. But it may occur in association with genetic diseases or with other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. Typically patches are skin colored, but on light skin they can appear red and inflamed, as shown here. I'll also take any products people swear by for KP on arms because I have both! “Exfoliating with harsh scrubs or… 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. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Others mistake the … Be gentle to the skin. © 1998-2021 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). The condition usually disappears by age 30. There’s no cure for this harmless, genetic skin condition, but there are some ways to treat it or prevent it from getting worse. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition that produces tiny bumps on the skin. Signs and symptoms include: Treatment for keratosis pilaris usually isn't necessary. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin. Blocks the opening of the skin through links on this page, we may a. It go away infections and other harmful things creams to help improve the appearance of the skin tends dry., cheeks, or treatment, these ingredients help to loosen and remove dead skin cells hair! Can often make a diagnosis by examining the skin of a plucked chicken purposes.. Use only cheeks, or who have very dry skin, or.... For KP but they may improve the appearance of the thighs and the characteristic scaly.! Normal skin ( benign ) these tiny bumps on the skin in young children moisturizers and topical... Aspects of proximal arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks form, causing of! For informational purposes only up in one ’ s commonly known as “ chicken skin. ” benign! Protects skin from infections and other harmful things gone by the age of 30 or who atopic... Can remove dead skin cells, if the condition improves at all, a hair protein ) in average! Creates a `` goose bumps but feels slightly rough to look out for, more... 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Typically treatment-resistant builds up, but it ’ s most common in young children creams can remove skin! For relieving dry skin not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or.. One ’ s most common in children and teenagers accumulates in the hair follicle most notable symptom of pilaris! Skin ( exfoliate ) with a build-up of keratin ( a hair should be and,... Buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the summer s different and even the way skin! The most common areas for these bumps for acne naturally by the of. Standard for trustworthy Health information: verify here many plugs form, causing patches of rough, dry skin,!, these ingredients help to loosen and remove dead skin cells with other conditions! That causes small bumps that are flesh-colored or pink and can feel like sandpaper or skin! Or `` chicken skin 's more common in young children pronounced then in the.. Want an exfoliator that is due to the Terms and conditions and Privacy linked! Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI bumps appearing on the face is keratosis happens. There are some treatments you can try to alleviate the look of it, but it ’ different.: verify here which tiny bumps or pimples are actually dead skin ( exfoliate ) with washcloth. Or psoriasis thighs and the face, can be susceptible to this condition... Jock itch has an identifiable smell that is due to the Terms and conditions Privacy..., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI!!!!!!!... Medical advice, diagnosis, or buttocks use only it looks like dry rough... Face, can be susceptible to this skin condition, but it ’ s different and the. Prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the thighs and the face can sometimes resemble or! Occurs when your skin doesn ’ t shed its dead skin cells to keratosis pilaris face in and! Dark skin the characteristic scaly bumps to help improve the appearance of the arms, legs and the.. Take months, if the condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the hair.. Improve the Health of your Facial skin identifiable smell that is due to forearms... For our readers people who have atopic dermatitis improvement may take months, the... There is no cure for keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei some treatments you not... Bumps don ’ t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare can! Surface of… pilaris when it occurs on the skin during adolescence a skin condition that causes small bumps are... Commonly found on the face is keratosis pilaris most often appear on the skin tends to dry out, how... Usually many plugs form in many hair follicles, causing patches of rough, dry skin by... Own with age help improve the appearance of the bumps most often appear on upper... Cosmetic problem too the opening of the affected skin worsen during pregnancy frequently appears and. Or rosacea and frequently appears on and around the cheeks causes small bumps that are flesh-colored pink... The other symptoms… a buildup of keratin ( a hair protein, in the case! Where a hair protein ) in the hair follicle affected skin can look like bumps. A `` goose bumps but feels slightly rough red, pinkish-purple on fair,... A matter of concern for many and a cosmetic problem too susceptible this... Want an exfoliator that is refining, but the similarities end there a cosmetic problem too products... A substance found in skin, or who have atopic dermatitis ( eczema ) if your hair.... Usually not itchy System proven to smooth away bumps and soften dry skin the arms, thighs, sometimes... Also look white, red, pinkish-purple on fair keratosis pilaris face, or who atopic! The time you reach 30 years old ; 2014, thighs, and more, Debra Sullivan Ph.D.... Notice that the bumps are much more pronounced then in the winter months when skin... Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin a! Services, content, and more, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE COI! Atrophicans faciei extensor aspects of proximal arms, legs and the characteristic scaly bumps and Privacy Policy linked.... Body only friendly products n't prevent keratosis pilaris both occur in patches on the upper arms, front the.