How common is keratosis pilaris?

Is keratosis pilaris common?

Yes, in both children and adults. Teenage estimates range from 50% to 70% through to 80%, while adult estimates sit around 40%. These are approximate figures rather than a precise count for every population. Keratosis pilaris usually starts in childhood or adolescence and often becomes more noticeable around puberty, but people of any age can have it.234

Keratosis pilaris often runs in families, so having a parent or another family member with it increases your chances. It is also associated with eczema and dry skin. The exact cause is not fully understood, although inherited traits appear to play a part. Keratosis pilaris is not infectious: you cannot catch it from someone else or pass it on.145

What do the common bumps look like?

Keratosis pilaris causes tiny bumps around hair follicles, the openings where hairs grow. Keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails, builds up and plugs those openings. The bumps feel rough or dry, sometimes like sandpaper, and can resemble goosebumps or small pimples. They are usually painless, although some people have itching.24567

The upper arms, fronts of the thighs and buttocks are common locations. Children also often have bumps on their cheeks. Some people have only a few bumps; others have larger patches extending onto the forearms or lower legs. Keratosis pilaris does not appear on the palms or soles.6

The bumps can match your skin colour or look white, red, pinkish purple, brown or black. Redness is more visible on fair skin, while bumps can look darker on brown or black skin. Colour alone is not enough to identify keratosis pilaris.36

Does keratosis pilaris go away?

Keratosis pilaris can last for years. It often improves during adulthood, and some people find that the bumps fade or become less noticeable by about age 30. There is no cure, and improvement with age does not mean everyone will lose the bumps completely.234

Dry weather can make the bumps more obvious, so keratosis pilaris often looks worse in winter and better in summer. In a dry climate, or with frequent swimming in a pool, the bumps can remain noticeable throughout the year. Treating dryness often helps their appearance.7

Do you need to treat it?

Treatment is usually unnecessary unless the dryness, itching or appearance bothers you. Gentle skin care can help, without giving the bathroom cupboard a new job title. Start with a fragrance free cream moisturizer, especially after washing while the skin is still damp. Use mild, unperfumed bathing products and lukewarm rather than hot water. Avoid picking the bumps or scrubbing hard.1247

Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the surface, which is a skincare step rather than a polishing contract. Creams containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid can help smooth the bumps. Start exfoliation two to three times weekly and reduce use if dryness, redness, rash or irritation develops. Acid creams should be avoided in young children because they can burn or sting. Improvement can take weeks, and ongoing care is often needed.15

When should you get the bumps checked?

Ask a clinician about painful, larger, deeply felt or suddenly appearing pus filled bumps rather than assuming they are keratosis pilaris. Other conditions can look similar. A pharmacist can help if your skin becomes itchy or inflamed, or self care is not helping and the bumps bother you. A clinician can usually diagnose keratosis pilaris by examining the skin; medical testing is usually unnecessary.124