Keratosis Pilaris
Understanding "chicken skin" - a common, harmless skin condition in children
Also Called: Chicken Skin
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris (care-uh-TOE-siss pill-AIR-iss) is a common skin condition that causes tiny bumps. They're most often on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks.
✅ Good News
- •Not an infection
- •Not contagious
- •Tends to get better with time
📊 How Common?
Keratosis pilaris is very common:
- • Affects 50-80% of teens
- • Often runs in families
- • Can vary from person to person
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris happens in young kids but is also common around puberty. The condition causes small bumps on skin that may:
Look Different on Different Skin Tones
The bumps may appear:
- • Reddish
- • White
- • Brown
- • Black
Color depends on your child's skin tone
Feel Dry and Rough
Feel dry and rough like sandpaper when you touch them
Appear in Specific Areas
Most commonly form on:
- • Upper arms
- • Thighs
- • Buttocks
- • Cheeks
Come and Go
The bumps tend to come and go but tend to get worse in winter when skin is drier
Keratosis Pilaris vs. Goosebumps
Keratosis pilaris can look like goosebumps. However:
Goosebumps:
Go away quickly when you warm up
Keratosis Pilaris:
Don't go away quickly - they persist
Important: The bumps don't hurt or itch.
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris happens when a protein called keratin plugs the hair follicles (sac-like pits in the skin).
The keratin buildup creates a plug that blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing the characteristic small bumps you see and feel on the skin surface.
It's Genetic
The condition is genetic. So, if your child has it, chances are a family member has it too — or had it.
Keratosis pilaris tends to run in families and is inherited from parents, though the severity can vary among family members.
How Is Keratosis Pilaris Diagnosed?
Your doctor or a dermatologist (a doctor who treats skin problems) can look at your child's skin and see if it's keratosis pilaris.
No special tests are usually needed. The diagnosis is typically made through a simple visual examination of the affected skin areas.
How Is Keratosis Pilaris Treated?
Keratosis pilaris usually goes away on its own, and most people don't do anything to treat it.
But if the bumps bother your child, they can try:
Taking Warm Showers or Baths
Not hot ones. Hot water can dry out skin and make the condition worse. Use warm, comfortable water instead.
Using Mild, Non-Soap Cleanser
When washing their body and face, use a mild, non-soap cleanser. Regular soap can be too harsh and drying for skin with keratosis pilaris.
Applying Moisturizer Several Times a Day
Regular moisturizing is one of the most helpful things you can do.
Best moisturizers for keratosis pilaris:
- • Moisturizers that have lactic acid
- • Moisturizers that have salicylic acid
These ingredients can help soften bumps and make skin less rough.
Need Help Choosing Products?
If you're not sure what products to choose or your child's skin doesn't improve, talk with your doctor. Other treatments might be available.
Quick Care Guide
✅ Do
- • Use warm (not hot) water
- • Apply moisturizer regularly
- • Use mild, gentle cleansers
- • Try lotions with lactic or salicylic acid
- • Be patient - it improves with time
❌ Don't
- • Take hot showers or baths
- • Use harsh soaps
- • Scrub skin too hard
- • Pick or scratch at bumps
- • Expect overnight results
💭 Remember
- • It's completely harmless
- • Very common condition
- • Not contagious
- • Gets better with time
- • Cosmetic only - no pain