Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis Pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is commonly nicknamed "chicken skin" or KP for short. This skin condition is pretty common, runs in families, and may show up more in people with asthma, allergies, or eczema. While these bumps are harmless, they can be aesthetically annoying.
What is KP?
A harmless and common skin condition often referred to as "chicken skin." It causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps typically found on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and even facial cheeks. The condition develops when too much of a protein called keratin develops and blocks the hair follicle, causing bumps to form and often surrounded by redness.
Here is what it looks like on a few different skin tones.
The exact cause is unknown, but there are some studies that show people with KP may be deficient in vitamin A. If you have KP you may want to up your intake of vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, spinach, broccoli, kale, sweet potatoes, or egg yolks to name a few. (Google the full list of food sources!)
On a personal note, I've had keratosis pilaris since I was a kid. It's on the back of my arms, the back of my thighs and butt, and before I started using exfoliating skincare products on my face as a teen, I even had KP my cheeks. It's not surprising because it runs in my family, I have asthma and allergies, which makes me the perfect candidate for these lovely little bumps. Over the years, it has come and gone and for me, at least, I definitely have to be diligent with my treatment to keep them at bay. So if you have it too, I feel ya!
Treatment
Exfoliation is the best treatment because it helps “unglue” the keratin plugs in the hair follicle. There are tons of options on the market, but products that contain urea, AHA, or BHA as their main ingredient are ideal.
Product Picks
Cerave SA Cream For Rough & Bumpy Skin and Cerave SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin are both salicylic acid and lactic acid body formulas. The cream version is rich and buttery, while the lotion has a lightweight finish.
Cetaphil Rough & Bumpy is a 20% urea-based formula. Currently, my fav to treat my KP!
Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion - 12% Lactic Acid
If you want to add a treatment to your daily body care routine, the Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask is also delightful.
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, Journal of the American Medical Association, Mayo Clinic, and keratosistreatment.com
