Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin)
Keratosis pilaris is a common but harmless dry skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. Because these bumps resemble the skin of a plucked chicken, the condition is also known as ‘chicken skin’.
Anyone can get keratosis pilaris, but it’s commonly found in children and adolescents, and often gets worse around puberty. It affects 50-70% of teenagers and 40% of adults.
Fortunately, symptoms often improve on their own and most cases disappear completely by the age of 30.
What are the signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris?
Typical symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:
small, hard raised bumps on the skin, typically on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks
bumps that are white, flesh-coloured, pink or red
dry and rough skin, sometimes resembling sandpaper
itchy, irritable skin
inflammation or redness around bumps if they cause itching.
Symptoms often get worse in winter when the skin is drier.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is caused by an excess of keratin (a skin protein). This build-up of keratin can block hair follicles or pores in the skin, which leads to the formation of bumps. Often this condition runs in families (is genetic) and occurs with other skin conditions such as dermatitis.
Who is at risk of developing keratosis pilaris?
Anyone can develop this skin condition. However, some people are more likely to have it. These include people who have:
fair or light skin
other skin conditions such as eczema or ichthyosis vulgaris
asthma
hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Cushing’s syndrome
diabetes
Down syndrome
obesity.
Keratosis pilaris is not infectious, so you can’t catch it from others, or spread it to anyone else.
How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?
Keratosis pilaris is diagnosed based on your medical history and a physical examination. This may be done by a general practitioner or a skin specialist (dermatologist). There is no test to diagnose the condition.
How do you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. Because it’s a mild condition that disappears by itself, it usually doesn’t require specific treatment. Any treatment is aimed at improving the appearance of the skin. Treatment usually involves:
regular, gentle exfoliation of the skin
applying moisturisers and creams containing urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid
applying topical retinoids (vitamin A) and vitamin D creams.
Some of these products can be harsh on the skin and may cause further irritation and may not be suitable for children. Your Pharmacist will be able to advise the most suitable product for your condition.
Laser therapy may also help treat keratosis pilaris which has become red and inflamed.
What else can you do?
Other things you can do to reduce your symptoms include:
avoid scratching the bumps
avoid using harsh chemicals, which can dry out the skin
use warm water (not hot) when washing
use mild and unperfumed soaps and bathing products
avoid using harsh scrubs on your skin
gently pat or blot your skin dry instead of rubbing harshly with a towel
apply moisturiser while your skin is still moist to help lock in moisture
use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in your home
avoid friction and rubbing from tight clothes.
When should you see your doctor?
You don’t usually need to see your doctor for keratosis pilaris. Your Pharmacist will be able to provide advice and recommend products to manage your condition. They can also tell you if it’s necessary to see your doctor.
However, if you're concerned about your or your child’s skin, or symptoms are causing anxiety or great discomfort, visit your doctor.
Can you prevent keratosis pilaris?
You can’t prevent keratosis pilaris. However, by maintaining a gentle and effective skincare routine you can minimise the appearance of the condition and reduce flare-ups.
Your local MediADVICE Pharmacist is available to help you manage your health. We can provide advice on medication and other products that can help you manage a range of skin conditions. We can also refer you to a doctor if necessary.
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General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.