How to get rid of keratosis pilaris

What causes keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris forms when dead skin builds up around hair follicles, creating small, rough bumps. It tends to be inherited and is often seen on the upper arms and thighs. Dry skin makes the roughness more noticeable, and the bumps are often worse in winter. Keratosis pilaris can also be associated with atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema.23

How do you treat it at home?

1. 1Keep bathing short, warm rather than hot, and no more than once a day. Wash gently with a mild cleanser.
2. 2Gently exfoliate with a loofah, buff puff, or rough washcloth. Do not scrub, because scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen keratosis pilaris.
3. 3Apply a keratolytic product after exfoliating, following its directions.
4. 4Apply moisturizer to damp skin within five minutes of bathing.

A keratolytic is also called a chemical exfoliator, so the label gets two names for one small job. Product options include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or urea. Lactic acid is one of the gentler exfoliating acids and is commonly used for keratosis pilaris, including in body washes. It can be a useful option for sensitive skin, but even a gentle acid can leave skin dry or irritated.12

Choose a thick oil free cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Apply it after bathing and whenever your skin feels dry; dermatologists recommend moisturizing at least two or three times a day. Moisturizer helps prevent dryness, which can make keratosis pilaris flare.1

How often should you exfoliate keratosis pilaris?

Follow the home care plan daily until your skin looks clearer, but use the exfoliating product only as often as its directions say. Using too much or applying it more often than directed can leave skin raw and irritated. If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, stop the product for a few days. After the bumps improve, maintenance often means treating the skin a few times a week. Maintenance a few times a week is common for keratosis pilaris; the bumps have declined to honor a one and done policy.1

How do you treat keratosis pilaris on arms?

The upper arms are one of the most common places for keratosis pilaris, so use the same gentle routine there. Shaving or waxing skin with keratosis pilaris can cause more bumps. If hair removal seems to trigger them, laser hair removal is an option dermatologists identify for avoiding a flare from shaving or waxing.1

How do you treat keratosis pilaris on legs?

The upper thighs are a common site, and the same exfoliation and moisturizing steps apply. Keratosis pilaris can appear elsewhere on the legs too. Keep the water warm rather than hot and wash gently, since dry skin can make the rough texture stand out more.23

What if the bumps are red on the cheeks?

A red, scaly cheek pattern can be a variant called keratosis pilaris rubra. For this variant, emollients containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, or topical retinoids, may reduce scale. A dermatologist can discuss options for redness, including pulsed dye laser treatment.5

What should you expect?

Keratosis pilaris can stop on its own, but home care does not permanently cure it, so maintenance is often needed. If it remains despite home treatment, a dermatologist can help. Clinician options can include oral medicines or laser treatment for keratosis pilaris.16