Keratosis pilaris is a common, mostly harmless skin condition, which appears as tiny bumps on the skin. Some people say these bumps look like goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. For this reason, it’s commonly known as “chicken skin.” These rough-feeling bumps are actually plugs of dead skin cells. The plugs appear as chicken skin on arms most often on the upper arms and thighs (front). While it can occur at any age, keratosis pilaris most commonly affects children and adolescents. The symptoms often improve and then disappear entirely early in adult life. Children may have these bumps on their cheeks.
The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance.
➔ Slight pinkness or redness around bumps
➔ Itchy, irritable skin
➔ Dry skin
➔ Bumps that feel like sandpaper
➔ Bumps that can appear in different colour depending on skin tone (flesh-coloured, white, red, pink, brown, or black)
Keratosis pilaris is caused by the build-up of a skin protein called keratin. Excess keratin can block hair follicles or pores in the skin, forming small, hard bumps. The reason for the build-up of keratin is unknown, but it often occurs alongside other skin conditions, such as dermatitis. In most cases, it is a genetic condition that runs in families.
Keratosis pilaris is not infectious, so you cannot spread or catch it.
Keratosis pilaris is more common in winter when the skin tends to be drier.
Keratosis Pilaris is a common and usually harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. In most cases, it does not require medical treatment and often improves or disappears by the age of 30.
Use a moisturiser containing one or more of the following ingredients:
Urea
Salicylic Acid
Lactic Acid
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Apply your moisturiser:
After every shower or bath
Within 5 minutes of bathing, while the skin is still slightly damp
At least 2–3 times daily
Gently massage into the affected areas
Regular use of PILARIS MOISTURISER may help soften the skin and loosen the buildup of keratin within hair follicles.
Topical retinoids may help improve skin texture by promoting skin cell turnover and reducing follicular blockage.
Short courses of moderate-potency topical steroids may be prescribed if itching or inflammation is present.
Laser therapy or Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) may be recommended to:
Reduce redness and inflammation
Improve skin texture
Reduce pigmentation and discoloration
Improve the appearance of brown spots that may remain after bumps resolve
Your dermatologist will determine the most suitable laser treatment based on your skin type and symptoms.
Moisturise your skin regularly
Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and bathing products
Gently exfoliate using a soft washcloth or exfoliating mitt
Take cool or lukewarm showers and baths
Pat your skin dry after washing instead of rubbing
Do not use perfumed soaps or bath products that may dry out the skin
Do not use harsh scrubs or aggressive exfoliants
Do not take hot showers or baths
Do not scratch, pick, or rub the affected areas
Do not wear tight-fitting clothing, as friction may worsen irritation
Keratosis Pilaris is a long-term but manageable condition. Consistent moisturising and gentle skin care are the key factors in improving skin appearance and reducing symptoms.
Keratosis pilaris is a common, mostly harmless skin condition characterised by tiny bumps on the skin, often referred to as “chicken skin.”
It commonly affects the upper arms and thighs but can also appear on the cheeks and other areas.
The condition is caused by a build-up of keratin, a skin protein, which blocks hair follicles, forming small, hard bumps.
No, keratosis pilaris is not infectious and cannot be spread from person to person.
Treatment options include moisturisers containing urea, salicylic acid, or lactic acid, topical retinoids, and laser treatments to reduce redness and improve skin texture.
Yes, laser treatments can help reduce erythema (redness) and pigmentation associated with keratosis pilaris.
While there is no cure, keratosis pilaris often improves or disappears entirely by the age of 30.
Yes, it often occurs alongside other skin conditions such as dermatitis.