Keratosis pilaris: patient information

What does keratosis pilaris look like?

Tiny, rough bumps commonly appear on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, back or buttocks. KP is common in children and teenagers and can become more noticeable during puberty. Bumps alone are not enough to identify it: several childhood rashes look alike, so a pediatrician or dermatologist can check an uncertain diagnosis.1

What causes the bumps?

Keratin, a protein in skin, builds up around hair follicles. Dead skin cells form plugs that create the bumps.2

Why KP develops is not fully understood. It runs in families, and genetic changes involving the FLG gene can contribute to both dry, scaly skin and KP. Some people have more widespread symptoms that feel uncomfortable. Research is exploring differences in gene activity within affected skin, but more work is needed before those findings become new treatments.3

Which moisturizer can help?

Moisturizers are a practical starting point, even if a plain cream has neglected to call itself a resurfacing system.2

How should I care for the skin?

1. 1Keep showers brief and use lukewarm water.
2. 2Wash with a mild body wash.
3. 3Use a moisturizer consistently, adjusting the product and application frequency to avoid irritation.

A humidifier can help in dry weather. Softer, looser clothes reduce friction and trapped heat and sweat. Hot water and long showers remove natural oils and worsen dryness.2

Finding a workable moisturizer can involve trial and error, which is a less glamorous job description than 'body care ritual'.2

How long does improvement take?

Expect gradual improvement over weeks or months of consistent care. Symptoms can return after treatment stops. A dermatologist can help if products cause irritation or symptoms persist.2

KP can improve through adulthood. For a child with confirmed, ordinary KP, treatment is not medically necessary. Teenagers and adults who dislike its appearance can choose treatment rather than waiting for it to become less noticeable.13

Can laser treatment help?

Laser treatment can reduce persistent redness and roughness, including on the face. Results are not permanent, and treatment can be costly.2

What if facial bumps come with eyebrow hair loss?

Ordinary KP is harmless, but an uncommon facial form called keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei can cause permanent eyebrow hair loss and small, scar like depressions. Have those changes assessed by a dermatologist rather than treating them as ordinary roughness. This form usually starts in infancy and is mainly diagnosed in children and adolescents.4

For this facial form, treatment aims to reduce scale rather than cure the condition. Options include cleansers without soap, moisturizers containing urea, salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy acid, and topical retinoids, medicines applied to the skin. Sun protection matters because sun exposure worsens redness. Laser or intense pulsed light can reduce redness temporarily. The condition often becomes less noticeable after puberty, but established hair loss and scarring are permanent.4