Keratosis Pilaris

Also Called: Chicken Skin

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (pronounced: care-uh-TOE-siss pill-AIR-iss) is a common skin condition that causes tiny bumps. They’re most often on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks.

Keratosis pilaris isn’t an infection and it's not contagious. Although the condition can vary from person to person, it tends to get better with time.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris causes small bumps on skin that may:

• look reddish, white, brown, or black based on your skin tone
• feel dry and rough like sandpaper
• form on your upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks
• be common around puberty
• come and go but tend to get worse in winter

Keratosis pilaris can look like goosebumps. The bumps don’t hurt or itch and don’t go away quickly like goosebumps.

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris happens when a protein called keratin plugs the hair follicles (sac-like pits in the skin). The condition is genetic. So, if you have it, chances are a family member has it too — or had it.

How Is Keratosis Pilaris Diagnosed?

Your doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor who treats skin problems) can look at your skin and see if you have keratosis pilaris.

How Is Keratosis Pilaris Treated?

Keratosis pilaris usually goes away on its own, and most people don’t do anything to treat it. But if the bumps bother you, here are some things to try:

• Take warm showers or baths, not hot ones.
• Use a mild, non-soap cleanser when washing your body and face.
• Apply a mild moisturizer several times a day. Moisturizers that have lactic acid or salicylic acid can help soften bumps and make skin less rough.

If you’re not sure what products to choose or your skin doesn’t improve, talk with your doctor.