Keratosis pilaris is a highly common genetic follicular condition characterized by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin and hence colloquially referred to as "chicken skin" or "goose bumps".

Originally, they pop-up on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body area except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). On a global level, keratosis pilaris afflicts an estimated 40 to 50 percent of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80 percent of all adolescents. Varying in degree, keratosis pilaris can range from minimal to severe.

Keratosis pilaris tends to occur as excess keratin, a natural fibrous protein in the skin found normally in human hair, nails and callus, accumulates around hair follicles (process known as hyperkeratinization).

Keratosis pilaris is unattractive, and it most often shows as a group of small hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year round, it's in the colder months when moisture levels in the air are lower that the condition can become exacerbated and the 'goose bumps' will look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.

There are various different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faceii (red dots on the cheeks) and related conditions.

Keratosis pilaris alba is the more usual type and is characterized by tiny gray-white papules with a slight inflammatory component.

Keratosis pilaris rubra has an important inflammatory component, and thus sufferers present tiny red papules. This type is most conspicuous during the cold months.

Cells that have keratin are continually being shed and replaced by new ones. The condition known as dandruff results when the scalp sheds such cells. Hormonal influence may occur because a high frequency and intensity of keratosis pilaris is observed during puberty and in women with hyperandrogenism. In severe cases, the pores can become clogged and produce acne. The clogged pores appear like comedones of keratinized plugs surrounding the hair follicle.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris

Many sufferers find keratosis pilaris lesions cosmetically unsightly and therefore seek treatment. Occasionally, they may become secondarily infected because of scratchy tight-fitting clothing or aggressive self-therapy, in which case treatment of the infection is necessary. An important inflammatory component may be present and may be alleviated with topical steroid therapy. Treatment of the noninflamed papules can be hard because they have proven resistant to most modes of therapy.

Treatment options for keratosis pilaris concentrate on exfoliating or softening the dermis to minimize clogged pores. Treatment initially starts with adherence to nonpharmacologic measures and compliance with daily living functions that will not worsen the ailment. An important first step is to use a mild cleansing agent with abrasive properties, often termed scrub, but one that is not drying (for sensitive skin). The objective is to cleanse and open the pores of the skin. Other measures to prevent excessive dryness include taking tepid, brief showers and using a humidifier, especially during the cold months when low humidity dries out the skin.