Does keratosis pilaris hurt?

What does keratosis pilaris normally feel like?

Typical KP feels like patches of tiny, rough bumps, sometimes with a sandpaper texture. The bumps form around hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow through your skin. Keratin, a protein in skin, hair and nails, builds up and blocks those openings. The palms and soles do not have hair follicles, so KP does not appear there.12

KP commonly appears on the upper arms, thighs and bottom; children can also have bumps on their cheeks. The bumps can resemble small pimples, but they are plugs of dead skin cells. Dryness makes them more noticeable, which helps explain why they often improve in summer and return in winter. In a dry climate or with frequent pool swimming, the bumps can remain noticeable throughout the year.23

Why might the area hurt?

Treatment itself can irritate the surrounding skin. Scrubbing can worsen KP, and applying too much chemical exfoliator or using it too often can leave skin raw. Even correct use can cause excessive dryness or irritation. If that happens, stop the exfoliating product for a few days rather than applying more to chase smoother skin.4

A painful bump can have another cause. On the bottom, for example, bumps can be folliculitis, irritation of a hair follicle, or boils rather than KP. A boil is a deeper form of folliculitis and can be painful. Do not squeeze, pick or try to drain a painful lump yourself; a clinician can identify what it is and whether it needs treatment.5

How can you make dry, rough skin more comfortable?

Treatment is optional if the bumps do not bother you, even if the skincare aisle would prefer a different answer. If dryness, itch or appearance bothers you, treating dry skin can ease symptoms and make the bumps less noticeable.3

1. 1Wash gently with a mild cleanser and warm, not hot, water. General skin care starts with avoiding scrubbing and preventing dryness.
2. 2For rough bumps, exfoliate gently rather than scrubbing hard. If you add a chemical exfoliator, choose a product containing an ingredient such as lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea and follow its directions exactly.
3. 3Apply moisturizer after the exfoliating product. Choose a thick oil free cream or ointment, and apply it to damp skin within five minutes of bathing. Moisturize at least two or three times daily and whenever the skin feels dry.

Use mild, unperfumed bathing products and avoid hot showers, harsh scrubs, scratching, picking and rubbing. If your skin becomes itchy or inflamed, a pharmacist can help you choose a suitable cream and decide whether you need to see a doctor.2

How long will the bumps last?

KP often lasts for years and can eventually clear by itself. Treatment can improve its appearance, but a cream is not a lifetime cancellation notice for the bumps. Once skin improves, a maintenance routine often means treating it a few times a week. If home treatment is not helping, a dermatologist can discuss other options.24

When should you get medical advice?

Seek medical advice for pain, pus, swelling or new redness during treatment. Persistent symptoms or uncertainty about the bumps also warrant an appointment. A family doctor can usually diagnose KP by examining the skin; you do not normally need a specialist or medical testing just to identify it.17