Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a benign (not harmful) skin condition that looks like small bumps. If you have this condition, you may notice small, painless bumps on your skin around hair follicles. The bumps consist of excess keratin, which is a protein that helps form your hair, nails and skin’s outer layer (epidermis). Keratosis pilaris bumps may look red, brown or white, or they may look the same color as your skin. Other names for keratosis pilaris include KP or “chicken skin” because it looks like goose bumps.

Keratosis pilaris typically appears on your upper arms, but it can also appear on any other part of your body that has hair follicles.

Who does keratosis pilaris affect?

Keratosis pilaris is typically more common in babies, toddlers, children and teenagers, and it often worsens around puberty.

You’re more likely to have keratosis pilaris if someone in your family has it. As a result, healthcare providers and medical researchers believe that certain genetic traits may cause it.

You’re also more likely to have keratosis pilaris if you have:

• Fair or light skin.
• Certain skin conditions, like eczema or ichthyosis vulgaris.
• Asthma.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Cushing’s syndrome.
• Diabetes.
• Down syndrome.
• Obesity.

How common is this condition?

Keratosis pilaris is so common that many dermatologists consider it a skin type instead of a medical condition. About 50% to 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults will develop these bumps at some point during their lives.

How does this condition affect my body?

Keratosis pilaris causes small, discolored bumps to develop around your hair follicles. The palms of your hands and soles of your feet don’t have hair follicles, so keratosis pilaris won’t appear in these areas of your body.

Keratosis pilaris doesn’t hurt, but it may make you feel self-conscious or insecure about your appearance.