If you suffer with skin that has rough patches or small acne-like bumps, you may have a condition known as keratosis pilaris (KP). Keratosis pilaris is sometimes referred to as chicken skin because affected skin has small, rough bumps that resemble the skin on a chicken. While the bumps tend to painless and are not medically serious, they can appear red and inflamed and even cause itchiness.
Keratosis pilaris generally appears on the upper arms, thighs or buttocks. It can also be found on the face where it resembles acne. It is common in children, but can occur at any age.
Types of KP include:
Keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps),
Keratosis pilaris alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation)
Keratosis pilaris rubra faciei (reddish rash on the cheeks).
Cause of Keratosis Pilaris
KP occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural and hard protein that is designed to protect the skin from harmful substances and infection. When there is excess keratin it forms a scaly plug that surrounds and traps hair follicles in the pore. This results in the formation of many plugs (often referred to as hyperkeratinization). The end result is patches of rough, bumpy skin that look like sandpaper or chicken skin.
It is not known exactly why keratin builds up in susceptible individuals. KP is associated with genetic diseases or with other skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris or atopic dermatitis. But, healthy individuals are also prone
to developing it. When temperatures fall and the humidity is low, as in winter), keratosis pilaris can worsen. Dry skin associated with winter can cause or exacerbate KP.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
There is no cure for KP, but it will often resolve on its own without treatment. Effective treatment options include:
1. Use of a loofa to remove the dead, dry skin sitting on the skin's surface.
2. Creams or lotions to exfoliate skin and help loosen the keratin plug. Ingredients including the following can help:
a. Alpha hydroxy acids such as mandelic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid help reduce roughness and soften keratin plugs.
b. Urea, which works as a moisturizer and exfoliant to soften dry, rough skin and to loosen and remove dead skin cells.
c. Topical retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids work by increasing cell turnover and preventing the plugging of the hair follicle. While effective, retinoids can be irritating so start slowly and watch for side effects. Retinoids may be purchased as retinol products over the counter or as prescription only retinoic acid preparations.
Because dry skin can exacerbate keratosis pilaris, follow self-help measures to manage dry skin. Keep skin moisturized and avoid practices that can dry and irritate skin. It can take months or even years to resolve the condition. And unfortunately, KP is likely to recur even after resolved. For this reason treatments should be continued on a regular basis.
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