Can keratosis pilaris be cured?

What causes the bumps?

Keratosis pilaris happens when keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails, builds up inside hair follicles instead of shedding. The result is small, rough bumps, commonly on the upper arms, thighs or bottom. They can match your skin colour or look red or brown. The condition is harmless and not contagious, so treatment is optional if the appearance, dryness or itch does not bother you.1234

Will it go away with age?

Keratosis pilaris often starts in childhood and becomes more obvious during the teenage years. For some people, the bumps fade or become less noticeable by about age 30; others have them for longer. Natural clearing is usually gradual over years, not a predictable birthday milestone. Skin can also look better in summer and worse in winter, when the air is drier. A seasonal improvement does not necessarily mean the bumps have gone for good.123

How to make keratosis pilaris less noticeable

1. 1Wash with a mild, unperfumed soap or bathing product. Use lukewarm rather than hot water and keep showers short, ideally 15 minutes or less.
2. 2If you exfoliate, gently use a washcloth or exfoliating mitt during bathing. Avoid harsh scrubs, and do not scratch, pick or rub the bumps.
3. 3Apply a creamy moisturizer while your skin is still damp, within five minutes of leaving the shower or bath. Gently massage it into the affected areas.
4. 4Continue moisturizing two or three times daily. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable cream; urea or lactic acid are common options for keratosis pilaris.

Creams containing urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can moisturize skin or loosen the scale plugging follicles. Prescription retinoids, medicines related to vitamin A, can also reduce keratin buildup. Follow your dermatologist's instructions for the amount and frequency of a prescribed exfoliating medicine. Stop it for a few days if your skin becomes dry or irritated; using more can irritate rather than improve your skin.123

How long does treatment take?

Improvement often takes months. If you have followed a treatment plan for four to six weeks without improvement, tell your dermatologist rather than increasing treatment yourself. Finding a useful treatment sometimes takes a few attempts. Bumps are likely to return if you stop the medicine, so ongoing care matters even after your skin looks smoother.15

A maintenance plan can mean using a medicine less often or switching to a moisturizing cream without a prescription. Maintenance is part of treatment, which gives the bathroom shelf a continuing job rather than a retirement date.1

When should you get help?

Speak to a pharmacist if home care is not helping and the bumps bother you, or if your skin becomes itchy or inflamed. See a clinician if you are unsure what the bumps are, particularly if they hurt: keratosis pilaris bumps are usually painless. A clinician can usually diagnose keratosis pilaris by examining your skin.245

A dermatologist can consider prescription creams or laser treatment for persistent symptoms. Lasers may improve redness, discoloration or texture, but they are not a cure. In the UK, steroid creams and laser treatments for keratosis pilaris are not usually available on the NHS because their effectiveness has not been proven, and private treatment can be expensive.134