Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Pictures, Causes, and Treatment

Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Pictures, Causes, and Treatment

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, also known as "chicken skin," is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough bumps to appear on the skin. These tiny bumps or pimples are actually dead skin cells plugging hair follicles.

- Advertisement -

Causes and Symptoms

Keratosis pilaris commonly occurs on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. It is not contagious, and these bumps do not usually cause discomfort or itching. The condition can worsen in the winter months when the skin tends to dry out and may also worsen during pregnancy.

The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. For this reason, it is commonly known as "chicken skin."

Other symptoms associated with keratosis pilaris include:

• Slight discoloration around bumps
• Itchy, irritable skin
• Dry skin
• Bumps that feel like sandpaper
• Bumps that can appear in different colors (flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black) depending on skin tone

Diagnosis

Keratosis pilaris is diagnosed based on medical history and a physical exam. A skin doctor, known as a dermatologist, can typically confirm the diagnosis by looking at the affected area. Factors that go into the diagnosis include:

• Your age
• What your skin looks like
• Which areas are affected

There is no formal testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

There is no known cure for keratosis pilaris. It usually clears up on its own with age. You can try some treatments to alleviate the look of it, but keratosis pilaris is typically treatment-resistant. Improvement may take months if the condition improves at all.

Your dermatologist may recommend a moisturizing treatment to soothe itchy, dry skin and improve the skin’s appearance. Many over-the-counter and prescription topical creams can remove dead skin cells or prevent hair follicles from being blocked. A doctor or healthcare professional can determine the best treatment for you.

Prevention

Keratosis pilaris is not preventable. However, following a gentle skin care routine can help prevent flare-ups and minimize the appearance. For example, using an oil-free cream or ointment to moisturize your skin can help prevent the clogged pores contributing to keratosis pilaris.

Home Remedies

If you don’t like the look of keratosis pilaris, there are some techniques you can try to treat it at home. Although the condition can’t be cured, self-care treatments can help minimize bumps, itching, and irritation.

• Take warm baths: Taking short, warm baths can help unclog and loosen pores. It’s important to limit your time in the bath, though, as longer wash times can remove the body’s natural oils.
• Exfoliate: Daily exfoliation can help improve the appearance of the skin. Dermatologists recommend gently removing dead skin with a loofah or pumice stone, which you can purchase online.
• Apply hydrating lotion: Lotions with alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acids, can hydrate dry skin and encourage cell turnover.
• Avoid tight clothes: Wearing tight clothes can cause friction that can irritate the skin.
• Use humidifiers: Humidifiers add moisture to the air in a room, which can maintain the moisture in your skin and prevent itchy flare-ups.

Conclusion

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that can appear on the skin, causing patches of rough bumps. While there is no cure, it usually clears up on its own with age. By following a gentle skin care routine and trying some home remedies, you can help minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris.

FAQs

Q: What is keratosis pilaris?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough bumps to appear on the skin.

Q: What causes keratosis pilaris?
A: The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is unknown, but doctors think it may be associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and genetic conditions.

Q: Who can develop keratosis pilaris?
A: Anyone can be susceptible to this skin condition, but it’s most common in children and teenagers.

Q: Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
A: No, keratosis pilaris is not contagious.

Q: Can keratosis pilaris be cured?
A: There is no known cure for keratosis pilaris. It usually clears up on its own with age.

Q: How do you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
A: There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but it typically resolves by itself with time. You can reduce the appearance of a keratosis pilaris rash with moisturizing, exfoliation, and general skin care.

Q: What triggers keratosis pilaris?
A: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of dead skin cells that clog one’s pores.

Q: Is it OK to squeeze keratosis pilaris?
A: No, you should never squeeze or pick at keratosis pilaris. Doing so can cause irritation, swelling, and scarring.

Q: Is keratosis pilaris a disease or disorder?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition. It is neither a disease nor a disorder.

Q: What does keratosis pilaris indicate?
A: Keratosis pilaris is a chronic skin condition. It is not a symptom of another health condition.