Understanding Your Skin: Keratosis Pilaris

This is going to be the first in a series of articles explaining as many skin issues as we can to help you understand your skin, and our first is on Keratosis Pilaris (also known as KP, ‘Strawberry Skin, or ‘Chicken Skin’).

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a common rough and bumpy skin condition often seen in children and teenagers. It usually appears on the skin as tiny, painless bumps that resemble what we often call ‘goose pimples’ or ‘chicken skin’ around the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks.

While it is harmless and tends to gradually disappear with age, it can still be an ongoing skin concern. It cannot be cured or prevented, but topical application of some skincare products could help enhance the skin’s appearance.

What Does Keratosis Pilaris Look Like?

On black and brown skin, Keratosis pilaris may appear as discolouration that is one to several shades darker than your natural skin colour and may become permanent hyperpigmentation. The bumps can feel rough and dry like sandpaper and may itch. And depending on the severity, some cases of KP can make your skin also appear dull.

The bumps may also change in number or size over time. Such changes may occur when you go through hormonal changes, like during pregnancy. Or when you experience seasonal changes like colder, dryer seasons.

In some people, they may appear like their natural skin colour but raised, like goosebumps. This is to say, it does not have a specific look so a consultation with a dermatologist may be necessary for proper diagnosis.

Causes Of Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris bumps or pimples are dead skin cells that are clogging the hair follicles as a result of a buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the pores.

If you have keratosis pilaris, the keratin of your body hair clogs your pores, blocking the opening of growing hair follicles. As a result, a small bump forms over where a hair should be. If you were to pick at the bump, you might notice a small hair emerge. The exact cause of keratin buildup is unknown, but doctors think it may be associated with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and genetic conditions.

Who Can Develop Keratosis Pilaris?

Anyone can be susceptible to this skin condition, but it’s most common in women, children, or teenagers, as well as people with:

• Dry skin,
• Eczema,
• Ichthyosis,
• Hay fever, and
• Obesity.

In children and teenagers. keratosis pilaris often begins in late infancy or adolescence. It typically clears up in your mid-20s, with most cases completely gone by age 30. Hormonal changes can cause flare-ups during pregnancy and puberty but it will most often clear up gradually.

What Are The Symptoms Of Keratosis Pilaris?

The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is the bumpy appearance of the skin. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble 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 follicles exist and, therefore, will never appear on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. Keratosis pilaris is common on the upper arms and thighs. It can extend to the forearms and lower legs.

Other symptoms associated with it include:

• Slight discolouration around the bumps,
• Itchy, irritable skin,
• Dry skin,
• Bumps that feel like sandpaper, and
• Bumps that can appear in different colours depending on skin tone.

How To Treat Keratosis Pilaris

There’s no need to treat Keratosis Pilaris as there are no serious symptoms or complications. But you may want to relieve itchiness or manage the appearance of the bumps.

In this case, a dermatologist might recommend topical products to relieve itching and improve appearance such as:

• Moisturising products: can help soothe your skin by trapping moisture like the Kanda Body Balms.
• Gentle exfoliants: Like the Kanda Charcoal Soap can help to gently remove dead skin cells.
• Keratolytics: Lactic acid or salicylic acid 6% lotion can help exfoliate your skin, removing dead skin cells from your pores.
• Retinol cream: Retinoids can help exfoliate your skin and also help produce new skin cells.

How To Manage Keratosis Pilaris At Home

The most common treatments for keratosis pilaris include exfoliation and using moisturising products several times a day, especially after having your bath. While bathing, use a natural exfoliator like a loofah to gently scrub your skin, especially in areas affected by keratosis pilaris.

Within 5 minutes of leaving your bath or shower, apply a moisturising cream or balm to your skin, which can help soften dead skin cells and aid their removal. If you are using a keratolytic, stop using it if your skin becomes more dry or irritated.

Caring for keratosis pilaris at home requires regular care and maintenance. You can prevent flare-ups by keeping your skin moisturised.

Other ways to maintain skin moisture include:

• Add a humidifier to your home when the air feels dry.
• Avoid harsh types of hair removal like shaving and waxing.
• Bathe only once per day.
• Reduce your amount of time in the shower or bath.
• Use a mild cleanser on your skin (bar soaps can dry you out).
• Use oil-free cream or ointment daily.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing.