Is keratosis pilaris genetic?

What do we know about the genetic link?

Researchers have found associations between keratosis pilaris and changes in filaggrin, a protein that helps the skin barrier work properly. Genetics appears to influence who develops the bumps, but the full explanation for why keratin builds up remains uncertain. If you have keratosis pilaris, your child could develop it too; a family history increases the likelihood rather than making it certain.13

What actually causes the bumps?

Keratin is a protein found in skin, hair and nails. In keratosis pilaris, keratin and dead skin cells collect inside hair follicles, the small openings that hairs grow through, instead of shedding normally. Those plugs create the small, rough bumps. Keratosis pilaris is harmless and not contagious, so sharing a family tendency is different from catching it from a relative.34

Does family history explain every case?

Family history is one risk factor, not the only one. Dry skin, eczema, asthma, hay fever and ichthyosis vulgaris, a condition that causes very dry skin, are also associated with a greater likelihood of keratosis pilaris. People of all ages and races can develop it. It commonly starts before age two or during the teenage years, and hormones can trigger another flare around puberty.2

The bumps usually appear on the upper arms, thighs or bottom, although other areas can be affected. They are generally painless and can be the colour of your skin, red on white skin, or darker on brown or black skin. The surrounding skin can feel dry or itchy. Winter often makes the bumps more noticeable, while summer can bring improvement.1

Can skincare help if it is inherited?

Yes. Moisturizers and gentle skincare can soften the bumps and improve their appearance. Treatment is optional if the bumps do not bother you, so the bathroom shelf does not need a new department.4

1. 1Wash with a mild, unperfumed cleanser and lukewarm water. Keep showers short rather than taking long, hot baths or showers.
2. 2If you exfoliate, gently use a washcloth with small circular movements. Avoid harsh scrubs, forceful rubbing, scratching or picking, which can make the skin worse.
3. 3Apply moisturizer while your skin is still damp after bathing. Use it daily, and reapply several times through the day if needed.
4. 4If ordinary moisturizer is not enough, ask a pharmacist about a cream containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid. These ingredients moisturize or help loosen the scale plugging the follicles.

Will it go away?

Keratosis pilaris can last for years, but it often fades during adulthood. There is no cure, although the bumps can clear on their own. Skin care can improve the texture and appearance, which gives moisturizer a useful job without promoting it to genetic engineering. When keratosis pilaris begins in the teenage years, it often clears by the mid twenties, but it can continue into later adult life.23

When should you get the bumps checked?

A clinician can usually identify keratosis pilaris by examining your skin; medical testing is not normally necessary. Get checked if the bumps hurt or you are unsure what they are. Speak to a pharmacist if the skin becomes itchy or inflamed, or home care is not helping. Seek medical advice for new pain, pus or swelling during treatment. Overusing medicated creams can irritate skin, so do not increase application to chase faster results.145