Does keratosis pilaris itch?

Why does keratosis pilaris feel itchy?

Keratosis pilaris happens when keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails, builds up and blocks hair follicles. The affected skin can feel dry, rough and occasionally itchy. The bumps are often more noticeable in winter, likely because the air contains less moisture.13

Treating dry skin often helps. Dryness can make the bumps more noticeable, and some people find that they clear during summer and return in winter. In a dry climate, or with frequent swimming in a pool, the bumps can remain visible throughout the year.4

What does typical keratosis pilaris look like?

Typical keratosis pilaris forms patches of tiny, rough, painless bumps, commonly on the upper arms, thighs or bottom. The bumps can match your skin colour, look red on white skin, or look darker on brown or black skin. Children can also have bumps on their cheeks. Keratosis pilaris is harmless and is not contagious.234

Itching alone does not identify keratosis pilaris. Eczema, allergies, psoriasis and fungal infections can also cause itchy, dry skin. A doctor can usually diagnose keratosis pilaris by examining the bumps and their location, without medical testing.1

How to care for itchy, rough skin

1. 1Wash with cool or lukewarm water and a mild, unperfumed soap or bathing product. Avoid hot baths and showers.
2. 2If you exfoliate, gently use a washcloth or exfoliating mitt. Avoid harsh scrubs, and do not scratch, pick or rub the bumps.
3. 3Apply moisturiser after showering while your skin is still damp. Use it daily and reapply several times during the day to help keep dry skin hydrated.
4. 4Ask a pharmacist for help choosing a cream or lotion if your skin is itchy or inflamed, or your current routine is not helping.

Moisturiser earns its place by helping with dryness, not by giving your bathroom shelf a more impressive job title.1

Which creams can help?

Moisturising creams containing urea, salicylic acid, lactic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can moisturise or help loosen the scale blocking follicles. These are options for rough texture as well as dryness. Medicated creams can irritate skin when overused, so do not increase the amount in an attempt to clear the bumps faster.13

For troublesome itch, a clinician can consider a short course of a moderate strength steroid cream. Steroid creams and laser treatments are not usually available for keratosis pilaris on the NHS because their effectiveness has not been proven. They are not the starting point for everyday care.23

Will the itching and bumps go away?

Treatment can ease itch and dryness and improve the appearance of bumps. Keratosis pilaris has no cure, but it often clears during adult life. Many people have it for years before it eventually improves on its own. Moisturiser can help soften the bumps, which is a more useful assignment than the cosmetic industry's usual request to transform everything.1234

When should you get it checked?

Contact a doctor if symptoms linger or you are unsure what is causing them. Pain is not typical of keratosis pilaris. Get medical advice if you develop pain, pus, swelling or new redness during treatment. Also speak to your clinician about treatment side effects or a lack of improvement.15