What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes small, scaly bumps on the skin where there are hair follicles. The bumps are extra keratin. Keratin is a type of protein that’s part of skin, hair, and nails. The bumps usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. They can also appear on the cheeks and on the sides of the torso. The bumps usually get worse in cold weather, and better in warm weather. In many people, the bumps go away as they get older.

What causes keratosis pilaris?

Experts don’t know what causes it. Genes may cause the skin to create the extra keratin. It's linked to eczema or atopic dermatitis.

Who is at risk for keratosis pilaris? 

You are more at risk for keratosis pilaris if you have a parent or sibling who has it. You are also more at risk if you have certain conditions like atopic dermatitis or seasonal allergies.

What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?

Symptoms can be different in each person. They may include small, hard bumps on the back of the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks. The bumps may itch, but they are usually painless. The bumps may have pale, dry skin scales on top. They may look red. Some of the bumps may have a hair from the follicle twisted inside them.

The symptoms of keratosis pilaris can look like other health conditions. See your doctor for a diagnosis.

How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. They may also ask about your family’s health history. They will give you a physical exam. The exam will include looking closely at your skin. Often this is all that is needed to make a diagnosis. In rare cases, a piece of skin may be removed (skin biopsy) and checked under a microscope.

How is keratosis pilaris treated?

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. But the symptoms can be managed. KP can improve with age and without treatment. Treatment may improve the appearance of the bumps. But the condition often comes back if treatment is stopped. Treatment may include:

• Reducing the size of the bumps. Lotion and cream with medicines, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, or tretinoin, can help reduce the bumps.

• Keeping your skin moisturized. Put lotion or cream regularly on the areas with bumps. You can also use petroleum jelly or cold cream to moisturize the skin.

These treatments may not help reduce the bumps in some people. And even if they do, the bumps may come back when you stop these skin care steps.

Talk with your doctors about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.

Can keratosis pilaris be prevented?

Experts don’t know how to prevent KP.

Living with keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a chronic condition. But you can manage it with regular skin care to reduce the bumps. This includes lightly exfoliating the area and keeping your skin moisturized.

When should you contact your doctor?

Contact your doctor if:

• Your symptoms don’t get better, or they get worse.

• You have new symptoms.

Key points about keratosis pilaris

• Keratosis pilaris is a common long-term (chronic) skin condition. It causes small, scaly bumps on the skin where there are hair follicles.

• The bumps may appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. They can also appear on the cheeks and on the sides of the body.

• Researchers aren’t sure what causes it. Genes may cause the skin to create excess keratin.

• There's no cure for keratosis pilaris. But the symptoms can be managed.

• Treatment may include reducing the size of the bumps special creams and keeping your skin moisturized. The bumps may come back when you stop these skin care steps.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your doctor:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your doctor tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new directions your doctor gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your doctor if you have questions.