Keratosis pilaris – what causes it and how you can treat it

Find out what causes this rough and bumpy skin condition, and what you can do to treat it at home.

What are the symptoms?

What causes keratosis pilaris and who’s affected?

Self-care tips

When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

What are the treatments?

Keratosis pilaris – also known as “chicken skin” – is a common skin condition causing patches of rough, bumpy skin on legs, arms, and other parts of the body. It can be itchy but it doesn’t cause pain. Discover what can help.

The skin condition keratosis pilaris appears as patches of tiny spots usually on your upper arms, thighs or bottom – but can occur anywhere where there are hair follicles.

Although the condition can be noticeable, it’s perfectly harmless and there are plenty of things you can try to help it become less visible over time. 

Find out what causes keratosis pilaris – and how you can manage it.

## What are the symptoms?

With keratosis pilaris, the spots on the skin may feel dry and rough to the touch. It might look a bit like goosebumps, except they are there all the time, not just when it’s cold.

The spots are usually the same color as your skin but can sometimes look red on paler skin tones, or darker on dark skin tones.

Unlike some skin conditions, keratosis pilaris isn’t painful, although it can sometimes feel a bit itchy. 

It’s also more common or more noticeable during the winter, when skin tends to be dry or irritated by things like cold weather or thicker clothes. 

Get help with this

## What causes keratosis pilaris and who’s affected?

Keratin is the protective protein found in skin, hair, and nails. Keratosis pilaris is caused by a build-up of keratin in your hair follicles (roots). This then blocks the opening around the hair and causes a series of little bumps.

It’s not known what causes this keratin build-up but it does run in families, so you’re more likely to get it if someone in your family has also been affected.

The good news is keratosis is not infectious and so can’t be caught from someone else who has it.

It’s also more common in teens and young adults, and can clear up over time, although this may not be the case for everyone affected. Some research also suggests more women are affected than men.

## Self-care tips

Although there’s no cure for keratosis pilaris, it can clear up with time. 

If it is making you feel self-conscious or uncomfortable, there are several things you can try doing to improve the texture and appearance of your skin.

You can try:

- having shorter baths and showers with warm (not hot) water to avoid removing oils from the skin
- moisturizing your skin while it’s still slightly damp with an emollient (available from pharmacies) to lock in moisture – dry skin can make the condition worse
- avoiding harsh or perfumed soap, shower gels, or body products that can dry skin out
- not scratching, picking, or rubbing your skin
- exfoliating skin gently to remove dead skin with a flannel or mitt (avoid harsh scrubs)
- wearing loose, breathable clothing to avoid irritating affected skin
- using a humidifier in your home. It can help prevent skin drying out.

Talk to a pharmacist if your skin is itchy or bleeding, you think your skin might be infected, it’s getting in the way of your life, or you need advice about products. They can help, or tell you when you need to see a doctor.

## When to see a doctor and getting diagnosed

You don’t usually need to see a doctor about keratosis pilaris unless you’re concerned about your skin.

An examination of your skin is usually all that’s needed to check if you have the condition. Tests are not usually required. 

## What are the treatments?

If self-care tips alone don’t work, you could ask a pharmacist or doctor about other possible treatments.

Depending on how bad it is, they may recommend:

- __topical exfoliants__ – these contain acids or substances to target dead skin cells and moisturize dry patches
- __topical retinoids__ – these use vitamin A-derived ingredients (retinoids) to speed up cell turnover and prevent blocked hair follicles
- __topical steroids__ – corticosteroids help target inflammation to improve the skin’s texture and appearance
- __laser treatments__ – these can help with discoloration of the skin and work by destroying the hair follicle.

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References

Juliet Blank

Jo Wheatley

Dr Maria Reza

Article information

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Find out what causes this rough and bumpy skin condition, and what you can do to treat it at home.
