Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a common dry skin condition that looks like goose bumps. The bumps can appear skin-colored or red, and are most commonly found on the arms or legs. Less commonly, keratosis pilaris can appear on the face, chest, or buttocks. 

This skin condition is caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein that makes up skin, hair and nails. Keratin can form hard plugs in the skin’s hair follicles which creates rough bumps. Keratosis pilaris generally runs in families and is more common among people with eczema (atopic dermatitis).

Treatment

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but you can reduce the skin’s roughness and redness by:

• Applying an exfoliating moisturizer every day
  • The best products are those that contain urea and alpha hydroxy acids. Urea intensely moisturizes and alpha hydroxyl acids help exfoliate rough, dry skin
• Using a mild soap or non-soap cleanser
• Taking lukewarm showers or baths instead of hot baths that irritate the skin
• Using a home humidifier