Keratosis Pilaris

Your healthcare provider will typically diagnose keratosis pilaris with a simple physical examination of your skin where you have bumps. Keratosis pilaris is easy to recognize, so medical testing isn’t usually necessary. The location and characteristics of the bumps can help you identify whether you have keratosis pilaris. But if your healthcare provider isn’t sure, they may conduct an allergy test or a biopsy.

Location

Keratosis pilaris bumps most often show up on your arms — especially your upper arms. However, they can appear wherever hair follicles are on your body, including your:

• Face (cheeks, neck or under your eyes).
• Legs (thighs).
• Back.
• Chest.
• Butt.
• Forearms.

Characteristics

How your skin bumps look and feel can reveal a lot about their cause. Keratosis pilaris bumps are:

• Painless: If you feel discomfort or pain when pressing on a skin bump, it’s probably not keratosis pilaris.
• Itchy or dry: The bumps, and the skin around them, may feel itchy or dry.
• Rough: Running your hands over these bumps may feel rough to the touch, like sandpaper.
• Discolored: Depending on the natural color of your skin, your bumps may appear skin-colored, red, white, brown, dark brown or black.

Do I need to see a specialist to diagnose keratosis pilaris?

In most cases, your family doctor can diagnose keratosis pilaris. Some people may see a dermatologist to treat their keratosis pilaris.