Keratosis Pilaris: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Keratosis pilaris sometimes called “KP” is a harmless skin condition that causes small, hardened bumps to form along the skin. Skin in affected areas becomes dry and stiff, with a texture resembling sandpaper. 

This could be a valuable superpower for woodworkers and carpenters, but for everyone else, it’s a condition that requires some effort to ease its symptoms.

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is), I know it’s a mouthful but the condition is less complicated than it sounds. It causes dry, rough patches, along with raised bumps on skin.

The condition is not harmful and the bumps are not itchy or painful. These bumps look similar to a plucked chicken which is why it is often called ‘Chicken Skin’. The tiny bumps on skin are actually dead skin cells clogging the hair follicles.

While the literal definition of this condition is 

• ‘Keratosis’: excess keratin in skin and body
• ‘Pilaris’: Latin for hair.

Types of KP

This condition has different types. What makes these types different from each other are the severity of symptoms and their locations.

1. Keratosis Pilaris Rubra: It causes small red bumps on the arms, legs, and head.
2. Keratosis Pilaris Rubra Faceii: Causes red rashes on cheeks like eczema.
3. Keratosis Pilaris Alba: Leads to irritated bumpy skin.

Keratosis Pilaris Causes

This skin issue is a perfect example of too much of a good thing. Or let’s be more direct–too much keratin. Keratin is a protective protein found in our skin cells. It gives the skin rigidity and strength, helping protect it against infections and rendering it less likely to tear.

However, people who suffer from this issue produce too much keratin. The protein builds up around hair follicles instead of shedding, forming a solid plug–those bumps on the affected areas. You might be tempted to assume that more keratin means stronger skin, but don’t start stitching your superhero suit together just yet. 

Samurai swords, lasers, and other projectiles affect keratosis pilaris patients the same as everyone else. Sorry, Bulletproof Boy. Your day hasn’t come yet.

These hardened bumps tend to be exacerbated by certain factors like

• Cold, dry air
• Dry skin

For many people, the condition worsens in the winter and may improve during the summer months. Doctors aren’t sure why these keratin plugs form, but they have found keratosis pilaris treatment options that can help reduce their effects.

Can Vitamin Deficiency Cause KP?

Even though there is not much research to back this fact, some researchers may link the deficiency of vitamin A as a cause for KP. In some cases taking vitamin A Supplements or using moisturizers with little amount of this vitamin has helped reduce KP symptoms.

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris

If you’ve ever gotten goosebumps, or gooseflesh as some like to call it, you have an idea of what keratosis pilaris symptoms look like. But unlike goose pimples (why does it have so many names?), the raised bumps associated with this condition don’t go away easily. 

Here are some of the common symptoms to help you identify it:

• Painless tiny bumps around hair follicles
• Dry skin (xerosis)
• Rough skin like sandpaper
• Irritated skin
• Discoloration around bumps
• Mild itching (in some cases)

The bumps associated with this skin disorder are mostly skin-colored but can be reddish, pink, brown, white, or black depending on your skin tone. These symptoms usually appear on

• Cheeks
• Neck
• Legs
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Back
• Chest
• Forearms 

It can pretty much appear anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles. This is why it can never appear on your palms and foot soles.

How Common is This Skin Condition

If you think that you are the only one experiencing it. Don’t worry you are not alone. It is much more common than you think. About 40% of adults and 50% to 80% of teenagers experience it once in their lifetime. 

Risk Factors of KP

If you are wondering who can develop skin problem, then the answer is anyone. Anyone can experience this condition–it knows no age, race, or skin tone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it usually begins before the age of 2.

People who have any of the following conditions are more likely to experience it:

• Eczema
• Asthma
• Dry skin
• Hay fever
• Obesity
• Ichthyosis Vulgaris
• Hypothyroidism
• Diabetes
• Down syndrome
• Cushing’s disease

Hormonal changes during pregnancy and teenage years can also trigger flare-ups and it usually clears out completely by the age of 30.

Keratosis Pilaris in Children

It is very common in babies and children. Most people develop it first before they turn 2 years old. And then experience flare-ups until the condition starts disappearing at the age of 30.

It usually causes tiny, red, or colorless bumps on toddler skin mostly on the cheeks, arms, and thighs. You may notice the condition getting worse when the weather gets cold and dry. Children who have a family history or health history of eczema, hay fever, and asthma are more prone to developing it. 

Some infants will have KP on their cheeks, backs of the arms, forearms, thighs, and lower legs. By the age of 9 or 10 years old, there may only be bumps on the cheeks and backs of arms.

Even though it is not harmful for the baby but it is essential to take proper care of your baby’s skin to ease the symptoms. This can be done by keeping the skin clean with a keratosis pilaris body wash and moisturized at all times with keratosis pilaris moisturizer. 

Learn more about Keratosis Pilaris from Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

• Lotion for Keratosis Pilaris

Is Keratosis Pilaris Contagious?

Thankfully, it is not contagious. Don’t worry you or your baby can not give it to others. It is just a sensitive skin condition that improves with proper care and may disappear as you grow older.

Is Keratosis Pilaris Genetic?

Keratosis can be considered genetic to some extent. It follows an autosomal dominant pattern. That means if the parent had this skin condition there is a 1 out of 2 chance that the child will also inherit and experience it. 

People who have a genetic condition of Ichthyosis vulgaris, that causes extremely dry and flaky skin are more likely to experience it.

Keratosis and Strawberry Legs

Keratosis can cause tiny dark black or brown spots to appear all over the legs–and when seen from a distance it can look like strawberry skin, which is why keratosis pilaris on legs is often known as strawberry legs. 

Strawberry legs can be caused by a skin infection, clogged pores, dry skin, folliculitis, excessive shaving, and keratosis pilaris. They appear when the hair follicles are clogged by dirt, sebum, bacteria, and dead skin. 

Bumps Under Eyes Not Milia

Keratosis pilaris under eyes may look similar to the little white spots on skin you experience with milia. Most people consider the bumps under their eyes as milia. However, there are other skin conditions like that may also lead to clusters of bumps. 

If you are unsure about whether you are experiencing milia under eyes or if it is Keratosis, it is best to consult a healthcare provider.

Other Conditions Similar to KP

It may resemble many other conditions like

• Acne (baby acne)
• Atopic dermatitis
• Facial rosacea
• Lichen spinulosus
• Phrynoderma (toad skin)
• Eruptive vellus hair cysts
• Perforating folliculitis

Proper diagnosis of these conditions is essential for immediate treatment. The best way to diagnose a condition is by making a visit with your doctor.

How Do You Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris

There’s no cure for it, but its symptoms are manageable and will likely clear on their own in time. Some people think that hard scrubbing will help reduce the size of the bumps but it will only make the bumps look more red. 

Cleansing

Cleansing is vital to keep the skin protected from bacteria and viruses. The moisturizers can only do good to your skin when the skin itself is clean.

• Cleanse the skin at least twice daily with a gentle cleanser.
• Clean it once in the morning and once before going to bed.
• Use cool or luke-warm water to wash the skin.
• Pat dry your skin instead of rubbing it.

The keratosis pilaris cleanser that you use for sensitive skin should be free from harsh chemicals that irritate the skin like fragrance, paraben, sulfate, and phthalates and should contain natural ingredients that help soothe the irritated skin. 

Exfoliation

Exfoliation is important to remove dirt and dead skin from the skin. Exfoliate your skin once a week using a washcloth or loofah while taking a bath. Make sure that you gently exfoliate the skin in circular motions and don’t overdo it.

Excessive scrubbing can worsen the condition and cause red rashes. 

Moisturizing

Using a moisturizing cream will help relieve the dryness and irritation that can accompany the condition. 

• Moisturize your skin at least twice daily. 
• Moisturize the skin immediately after washing or taking a bath.
• Use a moisturizer that is fragrance-free so it does not irritate the skin.

A keratosis pilaris cream that is infused with natural ingredients like licorice root extract, glycerin, is a great choice. These ingredients are effective in soothing irritated, dry, itchy skin.

Humidifiers

Dry interiors can worsen symptoms, this is why your condition gets worse during winter. You can keep the air moisturized in your home with the help of a humidifier. It may help KP just like a humidifier may help with eczema.

Medical Treatment

Your doctor may recommend a few additional treatments like Topical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. However, they can burn sensitive skin or if used for too long, so avoid them with young children.

Topical retinoids can prevent keratin plugs from forming. However, you should be aware that redness and peeling are possible. They’re also not advised for women who are pregnant, nursing, or may become pregnant. The doctor may prescribe the use of creams for a limited period that contain

• Urea
• Salicylic acid
• Retinoids
• Alpha-hydroxy acid
• Lactic acid

Before using any medical treatment consult your healthcare provider.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatments can reduce the redness and inflammation associated with severe cases. It can not be considered a permanent cure however it can reduce the severity of the condition and enhance the appearance of the skin.

Keratosis Pilaris Selfcare

A few things you can do at home to make your symptoms better are:

• Limit your shower time to 10-15 minutes.
• Use only lukewarm water to wash the skin.
• Drink enough water to keep your body and skin hydrated.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes.
• Use a gentle fragrance-free detergent to wash your clothes.
• Try not to scratch the bumpy skin, if you have a severe urge of scratching then just gently pat the skin. 
• Avoid skin tanning, waxing, and shaving.

Home Remedies

Various home remedies are used as a keratosis pilaris treatment at home such as baking soda, apple cider vinegar, and coconut oil. But the fact is these can do more harm to your skin than good and can further worsen the condition so avoid using them.

Best Keratosis Pilaris Moisturizer

If you are searching for the best lotion for toddlers with keratosis pilaris, then pick up a one that’s free of skin-damaging chemicals like

• Fragrance
• Dyes
• Paraben
• Sulfate (SLS, SLES)
• Phthalates
• Gluten
• Soy
• Lanolin 

Dr. Eddie’s clinically tested body lotion for keratosis pilaris can do the thing. It is hypoallergenic and is free from all of these skin-irritating chemicals. It can help keep your skin hydrated, soothe the irritation and itching, and increase your comfort as you wait for your real superpowers to kick in.

Dos and Don’ts

Do	Don’ts
Moisturize the skin regularly	Use hot water for baths
Use fragrance-free skincare products	Scrub vigorously or rub your skin
Gently exfoliate the skin once a week	Squeeze the bumps
Use cool and lukewarm water	Scratch the skin

Complications Associated With Keratosis

The complications associated with this skin disorder are infrequent. However, if proper care is not given to the affected skin it can lead to other issues like

• Hyperpigmentation
• Skin inflammation
• Permanent scarring 
• Skin infections due to picking and scratching.

These complications are only if you ignore a proper skincare routine or pick at the bumps.

Key Takeaways

• Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition.
• It is not harmful or contagious.
• It causes clusters of bumps on skin.
• Anyone can experience it but it usually develops before the age of 2.
• It improves by the age of 30
• A proper skincare routine that includes regular cleansing and moisturizing can help ease the symptoms.

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