Can keratosis pilaris cause white bumps?

What do keratosis pilaris bumps look like?

Look for patches of small bumps that feel like sandpaper, often with dry skin around them. They commonly appear on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Cheeks can be affected, especially in children. The bumps can also be skin colored, red or brown rather than white. Keratosis pilaris does not appear on the palms or soles because those areas have no hair follicles.134

Keratosis pilaris is common in children and teenagers and can become more noticeable during puberty. It often runs in families and is more common with very dry skin or eczema. Dry winter weather can make the texture worse, while summer can bring improvement. Keratosis pilaris is not contagious, and treatment is optional if the bumps do not bother you.235

Are the white bumps actually keratosis pilaris?

A white bump filled with pus is different from a rough keratin plug. Folliculitis, inflammation or infection around a hair follicle, can cause white, pus filled bumps and can be painful. Milia are another condition that can resemble keratosis pilaris. In children, firm white bumps that grow over time can also be molluscum contagiosum, a contagious viral condition. If the cause is unclear, a clinician can examine the bumps rather than choosing treatment by color alone.346

How to soften the bumps

1. 1Wash gently. Use mild, unperfumed bathing products and lukewarm water. Keep showers short, no longer than 15 minutes, rather than soaking in hot water.
2. 2Moisturize while the skin is damp. Apply a creamy moisturizer within 5 minutes of bathing, then gently reapply at least 2 or 3 times a day to the affected areas.
3. 3Choose a treatment for roughness if needed. Creams containing urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can moisturize or loosen the scale blocking follicles. A pharmacist can help you choose.
4. 4Follow the treatment directions. For prescribed exfoliating medicines, use only the amount and frequency your dermatologist recommends. Stop the medicine for a few days if the skin becomes dry or irritated.

Some exfoliating creams also contain moisturizer. A cream can do more than one job, which is useful if your bathroom shelf has no vacancies.7

Do not pick, scratch or aggressively scrub the bumps. Gentle washcloth exfoliation is an option, but physical exfoliation is not essential, and harsh scrubbing can make the skin worse. If friction irritates your skin, leave the scrub out and use moisturizing care instead.56

How long does improvement take?

Improvement often takes months. If your dermatologist's treatment plan has produced no improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, ask about adjusting it. Treatment controls keratosis pilaris rather than curing it, and bumps commonly return when treatment stops. Maintenance can involve less frequent medicine or a moisturizing cream. Keratosis pilaris can also fade gradually with age, although there is no way to predict whose will clear.27

When should you get the bumps checked?

See a doctor for painful bumps, persistent itch, bleeding or an area that does not heal. Itch associated with eczema can need separate treatment. If lotions bought without a prescription are not helping and the bumps bother you, ask a pharmacist or clinician about the next step. A primary care doctor can usually diagnose keratosis pilaris by examining the skin; tests are often unnecessary.26