What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin disorder that affects many people of all ages. KP is a benign condition that presents in many small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes cheeks. KP creates a "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin. Most people with KP may be unaware that the skin condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In general, KP is often cosmetically like but medically completely harmless. KP is common in healthy individuals.

Keratosis pilaris facts

Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder.

Keratosis pilaris affects 50% of adolescents and 40% of adults.

Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough little tan or red bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks.

Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or skin of the chicken.

Keratosis pilaris is used in patients with other diseases, and dry skin, atopic dermatitis.

Keratosis pilaris is not curable, but can become less visible over time.

Keratosis pilaris tends to run in families (genetic link).

Keratosis pilaris can spontaneously clear without treatment.

Keratosis pilaris usually requires continuous maintenance therapy.

Treat keratosis pilaris with daily spreads, gentle exfoliation, glycolic or lactic acid and.

Consider options for travelers keratosis pilaris as chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and facials.

Who gets keratosis pilaris?

Anyone can get KP. While this is often a skin condition of children and adolescents, it is also used in many adults. KP is estimated to affect between 50% of all adolescents and approximately 40% of adults. Women may be affected more often than men. Age of onset is often within the first 10 years of life and may increase during puberty. However, the KP can start at any age. A large percentage of patients have other people in their family with the same condition. It has been widely observed twin. KP is also seen in atopic dermatitis, and in patients with a very dry skin.

Expert:Medisuv