What does keratosis pilaris look like?

Keratosis pilaris causes tiny bumps that may be:

Flesh-colored
White
Pink or red
Brown
Darker than the surrounding skin
Rough or dry
Mildly itchy

The bumps commonly develop on the:

Backs of the upper arms
Fronts of the thighs
Buttocks
Cheeks

The surrounding skin may be dry or discolored. The condition is frequently more noticeable during colder months when humidity is low.

What causes keratosis pilaris?

Keratin is a protein that helps protect the skin. In keratosis pilaris, keratin and dead skin cells form plugs in hair follicles.

The condition often runs in families and is more common among people with dry skin or atopic dermatitis. It frequently begins during childhood or adolescence and may become less noticeable with age.

Keratosis pilaris is not caused by eating a particular food and cannot be spread to another person.

How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?

A dermatologist can usually diagnose the condition by examining the skin. A biopsy or laboratory testing is generally unnecessary.

Professional evaluation may be helpful when bumps are severely inflamed, painful or difficult to distinguish from acne, folliculitis or another condition.

How is keratosis pilaris treated?

Treatment is optional because keratosis pilaris is harmless. For patients bothered by the texture or appearance, treatment may include:

Regular moisturizing
Lactic acid
Urea
Salicylic acid
Glycolic acid
A topical retinoid
Medication for inflammation
Laser treatment for persistent redness in selected cases

These treatments soften scale and help prevent follicles from becoming plugged. Results require consistency, and the bumps may return when treatment is discontinued.

Do not use strong exfoliating products on young children unless instructed by a healthcare provider.

How should I care for affected skin?

Use a mild cleanser and avoid scrubbing the bumps with rough cloths, brushes or abrasive scrubs. Aggressive exfoliation can worsen irritation and discoloration.

Take short, lukewarm showers and apply moisturizer afterward. A humidifier may help when indoor air is dry.

Avoid picking the bumps, as this may lead to inflammation, infection or scarring.

Schedule a keratosis pilaris consultation

Several conditions can cause rough or follicular bumps. The Dermatology Clinic can confirm whether keratosis pilaris is present and recommend products that fit your age, skin type and sensitivity. Contact us today to get scheduled.