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A common skin condition called keratosis pilaris causes rough-feeling bumps on the skin. These tiny bumps are actually dead skin cells. They can be red or brown.

“The pilaris is found on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. These bumps don’t usually cause any problems, and they aren’t contagious.”

This condition is known to worsen in the winter months when the skin tends to dry out and may also worsen during pregnancy.

There are some ways to treat and prevent this harmless skin condition from getting worse. By 30 years old, keratosis pilaris will usually clear up.

This is everything you need to know about this skin condition.

The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. For this reason, it’s commonly known as “chicken skin.”

The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair is found and, therefore, will never appear on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. The upper arms and thighs are where keratosis pilaris is found. It can extend to the forearms and lower legs.

Other symptoms include:

  • There is a slight pinkness or redness around the bumps.
  • Irritated skin.
  • Dry skin.
  • The bumps feel like something.
  • There are bumps that can appear in different colors depending on the skin tone.

Is it possible you have a disease like keratosis or Psoriasis? We break down the differences.

This benign skin condition is the result of a buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the pores.

If you have a condition called keratosis pilaris, the hair on your body gets stuck in the pores and blocks the opening of hair follicles. A small hairbump forms over where the hair should be. If you were to pick at the bump, you might notice a small hair growth.

The exact cause of keratin buildup is unknown, but doctors think it may be associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases.

Who can develop keratosis pilaris?

Chicken skin is common in women, children, teenagers, and those of Celtic ancestry.

It is most common in children and teenagers. In late infancy or adolescence, keratosis pilaris can begin. Most cases are gone by the age of 30.

Flare-ups can occur during puberty and during pregnancy. People with fair skin are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.

Keratosis pilaris is diagnosed based on medical history and a physical exam. A skin doctor, known as a dermatologist, can typically confirm the diagnosis just by looking at the affected area. Factors that go into the diagnosis include:

  • Your age.
  • What is it like?
  • Which areas are affected?

There is no formal testing to confirm the diagnosis.

There is no known cure for keratosis pilaris. It usually clears up on its own. There are some treatments you can try to alleviate the look of it, but it is not usually treatment-resistant. If the condition improves at all, it may take months.

Dermatological treatments

Your dermatologist may recommend a moisturizing treatment to soothe itchy, Dry skin. and improve the skin’s appearance from the keratosis rash. Many over-the-counter and prescription topical creams can remove dead skin cells or prevent hair follicles from being blocked. A doctor or healthcare professional can determine the best treatment for you.

If you don’t already have a dermatologist, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area.

Two common ingredients within moisturizing treatments are urea and lactic acid. Together, these ingredients help to loosen and remove dead skin cells and soften Dry skin.. Other treatment methods a dermatologist may suggest include:

Talk with a doctor before using these creams, though, as they may contain ingredients that are not good. Some prescription creams may have acids that can cause negative side effects.

  • redness
  • stinging
  • irritation
  • It was dry.

There are also some experimental treatment options available, such as photopneumatic therapy and vascular laser treatment.

Keratosis pilaris isn’t preventable. But following a gentle skin care routine can help prevent flare-ups and minimize its appearance. For example, using an oil-free cream or ointment to moisturize your skin can help prevent the clogged pores that contribute to keratosis pilaris.

There are some techniques you can use at home to treat your keratosis pilaris. Self-care treatments can help reduce bumps, itching, and irritation.

  • Take warm baths: Taking short, warm baths can help unclog and loosen pores. It’s important to limit your time in the bath, though, as longer wash times can remove the body’s natural oils.
  • Exfoliate: Daily exfoliation can help improve the appearance of the skin. Dermatologists recommend gently removing dead skin with a loofah or pumice stone, which you can purchase online.
  • Apply hydrating lotion: Lotions with alpha hydroxy acid such as lactic acids can hydrate Dry skin. and encourage cell turnover. Some dermatologists recommend products such as Eucerin Advanced Repair and AmLactin, which you can purchase online. Glycerin, found in most beauty supply stores, can also soften bumps, while rose water can soothe skin inflammation.
  • Avoid tight clothes: Wearing tight clothes can cause friction that can irritate the skin.
  • Use humidifiers: Humidifiers add moisture to the air in a room, which can maintain the moisture in your skin and prevent itchy flare-ups.

People at a young age are affected by keratosis pilaris, a skin condition that is often referred to as chicken skin. It tends to go away on its own by 30 years old, even though there is no cure.

Certain steps can help you manage it. Find the best ways to treat it with a dermatologist.

This article is in Spanish.