Is keratosis pilaris curable?

What are the bumps?

KP develops when keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails, builds up and blocks hair follicles. The reason for that buildup is not fully understood, but KP tends to run in families. It is not infectious, so you cannot catch it or pass it on.2

The tiny bumps feel rough and dry, sometimes like sandpaper, and can itch. They can match your skin colour or look white, red, pinkish purple or brownish black. Upper arms, the fronts of the thighs and buttocks are common locations in teenagers and adults; children often have bumps on their cheeks too. KP can extend to the forearms and lower legs, but it does not occur on the palms or soles. Dry climates and winter can make the bumps more noticeable.3

How can you make KP less noticeable?

1. 1Wash with mild, unperfumed soap or bathing products. Keep baths and showers cool or lukewarm rather than hot.
2. 2If you exfoliate, use a washcloth or exfoliating mitt gently. Avoid harsh scrubs, scratching, picking and rubbing, which can make KP worse.
3. 3Moisturise regularly. A pharmacist can help you choose a suitable cream or lotion.
4. 4Reduce friction with softer, looser clothing over affected areas. If the air is dry, a humidifier can help.

Moisturisers containing ceramides can help reduce roughness. Urea and ammonium lactate help dissolve the buildup behind the bumps; salicylic acid may also loosen keratin plugs. Salicylic acid can irritate sensitive skin. A doctor can prescribe a higher concentration of urea when appropriate. Ammonium lactate can feel sticky, so texture is another reason to choose carefully.1

How long does treatment take?

Expect gradual improvement over weeks or months of consistent use, rather than an overnight change. Finding a useful moisturiser and application frequency can take some trial and error. Symptoms can return if you stop treatment completely. Treatment is usually maintenance, which is less exciting than a cure and more useful than a promise on a bottle.1

Does a child with KP need treatment?

Ordinary KP is harmless and does not require treatment. It is common in children and teenagers and can worsen during puberty. Dermatologists offer treatment to teenagers and adults who dislike its appearance. Treating ordinary KP is a choice about appearance, not a compulsory assignment from the skincare aisle. If you are unsure what is causing a child's bumps, a pediatrician or dermatologist can check: several childhood rashes look similar.4

Can laser treatment cure KP?

Laser treatment can reduce redness and roughness in persistent KP, but results are not permanent. Private treatment can be expensive. Steroid creams and lasers are not usually available on the NHS for KP because their effectiveness has not been proven.12

When should you get help?

Ask a pharmacist if home care is not helping and KP bothers you, or if your skin becomes itchy or inflamed. See a healthcare professional for pain, pus, swelling or new redness during treatment. Report treatment side effects or a lack of improvement so your treatment can be reviewed.25

Facial bumps with eyebrow hair loss or small scar like depressions need assessment rather than routine KP care. A rare form called keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei causes permanent hair loss and skin thinning. It has no cure, although the bumps usually become less noticeable after puberty. Treatments can reduce follicular scale, but they do not reverse the permanent hair loss.6