How to Manage Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin problem that affects many people. It can last a long time—typically for years—and can affect anyone at any age. It happens when keratin builds up within the skin follicles. This causes small bumps to appear on the skin, most typically on the upper arms, buttocks, thighs, or cheeks. The appearance has led to the sometimes-used term, “chicken skin arms”.

The condition isn’t 100% understood but it’s believed to be hereditary. Indeed, it usually affects more than one family member, although not every child will inherit the condition from a parent.

Keratosis pilaris treatment is aimed at soothing the condition, rather than curing it. You’ll be relieved to know that the condition is completely harmless. And when we say it’s common, it really is… Up to 70% of teenagers have the condition to a lesser or greater degree, and around 40% of adults, according to the National Library of Medicine. It tends to clear up on its own over a period of years, but there are plenty of things that can be done to help reduce the symptoms.

These are aimed at moisturizing the skin to reduce dry patches and to soothe if it becomes itchy. These can easily be integrated into your skincare regime, and most people won’t need to see a skin doctor to do so.

What a Great KP Skincare Routine Looks Like

Some people find that the symptoms of KP worsen during the colder months of the year. This is because the skin has less exposure to the air and, let’s be honest, many of us don’t pay quite as much attention to our skin when it’s covered up and out of view. The following tips are key to reducing the look of KP bumps and will also help prevent any itchiness from occurring.

• Use unperfumed and mild skin care products: This includes shampoos, conditioners, soap, shower gel, bubble bath, moisturizers, cleansers, toner… In other words, any products that you use on or that come into contact with your skin.
• Refrain from over-hot showers and baths: When water is too hot, it has a drying effect. The whole ethos behind treating KP is to reduce moisture loss. Sticking to cooler water temperatures will help—and that includes not water that’s too hot on cleansing face cloths too.
• Don’t use over-harsh exfoliating products: These can cause damage to the integrity of the skin and cause it to further dry out. However, you should use a gentle exfoliating brush or mitten to help remove the upper loose flakes of skin. But gentle is the important word here… No getting overzealous and scrubbing too hard.
• Ignore the urge to scratch or pull at your skin: Difficult we know, especially if your skin becomes itchy. But trust us, while it might give a brief moment of relief, the itchiness (if you have it) will only get worse and the rough bumps will also increase.
• Use the right moisturizer and plenty of it: Yep, the key is to provide your skin with as much moisture as possible. Think products like E45, CeraVe SA Smoothing Lotion, or AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone. Again, be gentle when applying it and be sure to use it straight after a bath or shower while your skin is towel dry but still slightly damp. Plus, and as dermatologists we can’t stress this enough… The ultimate skin moisturization comes from within, which means regularly sipping on water throughout the day.

Most people don’t need to seek professional help for KP. But if you’re concerned about the cause of your bumpy skin, a dermatologist can diagnose what the cause is.

Discover more about KP, rashes, and other common and not-so-common skin conditions at

Services | Bayou City Dermatology and call us today to book a consultation.