Keratosis pilaris is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps, most often on the backs of the upper arms and the fronts of the thighs. It is sometimes called "chicken skin". It is not an infection and it is not contagious. It cannot be cured, but a gentle routine can make the skin much smoother.
What it looks like
- Small bumps, the size of a grain of sand, around hair follicles.
- A rough, dry feel, like sandpaper.
- Bumps that are skin-colored, white, red, or brown on darker skin.
- Sometimes mild redness or itching.
- Common sites: upper arms, thighs, buttocks. In children, the cheeks.
What causes it
The bumps are plugs of keratin, the protein that forms the outer layer of the skin. Keratin builds up and blocks the opening of a hair follicle. Why this happens is not fully understood, but:
- It runs in families.
- It often begins in childhood or the teenage years.
- It is more common in people with dry skin or eczema.
- It tends to be worse in winter, when skin is drier, and better in summer.
- It often improves with age.
The gentle routine
1. Wash gently
- Take short, lukewarm showers or baths.
- Use a mild, soap-free cleanser.
- Do not scrub the bumps. Rough scrubbing irritates the skin and can make them redder.
2. Exfoliate with a lotion, not with force
Products that loosen keratin are the mainstay of care. Look for a lotion or cream containing one of these:
| Ingredient | What it does |
|---|---|
| Lactic acid or ammonium lactate | Loosens dead cells and moisturizes |
| Urea | Softens keratin and draws in water |
| Salicylic acid | Helps to unblock follicles |
| Glycolic acid | Smooths the surface |
| A retinoid | Helps skin cells to shed normally; can irritate; by prescription or over the counter, depending on the type |
Apply as directed, usually once a day. Start every other day if your skin is sensitive. These products can sting on dry or broken skin, and alpha hydroxy acids make skin more sensitive to the sun, so use sunscreen on exposed areas.
A soft washcloth used with light pressure once or twice a week is the most physical exfoliation that is needed. See How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions.
3. Moisturize every day
After bathing, while the skin is damp, apply a thick, fragrance-free cream or ointment. If your exfoliating lotion is moisturizing, it can do both jobs. Dry skin makes keratosis pilaris more noticeable. See When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine.
4. Reduce friction and dryness
- Wear loose, soft clothing over affected areas.
- Use a humidifier in dry weather.
- Avoid very hot water.
What to expect
- Smoother skin within about four to six weeks of daily care.
- Redness or brown color may take longer to fade.
- The bumps return if you stop, so the routine is ongoing. Once skin is smooth, a few applications a week may be enough to maintain it.
Hair removal and keratosis pilaris
Shaving and waxing can make the bumps more irritated and may cause ingrown hairs.
- Shave less often, with a sharp blade, in the direction of growth, after softening the hair with warm water.
- Do not apply exfoliating acids straight after shaving.
- Laser hair removal reduces the bumps for some people. Ask a dermatologist.
See Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care for telling these bumps from ingrown hairs.
What not to do
- Pick, squeeze or scratch the bumps. This causes marks and scars.
- Scrub with loofahs, brushes or harsh scrubs.
- Expect an overnight result.
- Use many strong products at once.
Is it keratosis pilaris?
| Feature | Keratosis pilaris | Body acne | Ingrown hairs or folliculitis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical site | Backs of arms, thighs | Chest, back, shoulders | Shaved areas |
| Bumps | Small, rough, uniform | Mixed: blackheads, red spots, pustules | Red or pus-filled, sometimes with a visible hair |
| Feel | Dry, sandpapery | Oily skin | Tender, itchy |
| Pattern | Long-standing | Comes and goes | After shaving or friction |
When to see a dermatologist
- You are not sure of the diagnosis.
- Bumps are very red, inflamed, itchy or painful.
- Several weeks of home care have not helped.
- The appearance bothers you. Prescription creams and in-clinic treatments are available.
Related dry, rough areas are covered in Rough Elbows and Knees: Daily Skin Care Tips, and general care of dry skin in Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care.
Related on ArniSun
- How to Exfoliate Your Body: Methods and Precautions
- Dry Body Skin: Moisturizing Tips for Everyday Care
- Rough Elbows and Knees: Daily Skin Care Tips
- Razor Burn vs Ingrown Hairs: Signs and Care
- When to Apply Body Lotion for Your Daily Routine
Sources and further reading
Frequently asked questions
Can keratosis pilaris be cured?
No, but it can be managed. Regular use of exfoliating lotions and moisturizer keeps the skin smoother, and the condition often improves with age.
Does scrubbing get rid of keratosis pilaris?
No. Scrubbing irritates the skin and can make the bumps redder. Chemical exfoliants in a lotion work better.
Is keratosis pilaris the same as strawberry legs?
"Strawberry legs" is a casual term for dark dots on the legs, which can be caused by keratosis pilaris, open pores or shaving. The causes overlap but are not identical.