Keratosis pilaris, commonly known as chicken skin, is a common, non-contagious skin condition that causes dry and rough patches and small bumps on the skin. It can occur at any age, but it is more common in children and usually appears on the cheeks, upper arms, thighs or buttocks.

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that can’t be cured but can be treated with moisturizers and creams to improve the appearance of the skin.

Our experienced dermatologists at Novomed can provide you with an accurate diagnosis of your condition and help you improve the appearance of your skin.

What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?

Small pimples appear primarily on the face, arms, legs and buttocks.
Dry, rough skin patches.
Skin itch that gets worse in the winter due to decreased humidity levels compared to summer.

What are the causes of keratosis pilaris?

This condition occurs when the hair follicles in your skin become blocked with the build-up of keratin, which is a protein found in hair, nails and skin. The reason why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris is still not clear, though it may be associated with a genetic disease or a skin condition such as atopic dermatitis.

Your risk of developing keratosis pilaris may be higher if you have one or more of the following conditions:

Eczema
Dry skin
Hay fever
Asthma

Doctors usually diagnose this condition simply by looking at the affected skin without doing any tests.

How is keratosis pilaris treated?

Most people with this condition don’t require any medical treatment because it clears up on its own eventually.

While there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, some patients may want to improve the appearance of their skin temporarily, especially when the condition appears in a visible area of their body.

Treatment options include the following:

Moisturizing creams and lotions to soothe itchy, dry skin and improve the appearance of the skin. Studies showed that creams with exfoliating agents, such as salicylic acid or lactic acid, are effective in improving skin appearance and can be prescribed or obtained over the counter.
Exfoliating creams and lotions that remove dead skin cells and prevent hair follicles from becoming clogged. Our dermatologist can help you choose a product suitable for your skin type with gentle and effective agents.
Retinol creams that work by promoting cell turnover and preventing hair follicles from becoming clogged. These creams are not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and they can irritate and dry the skin.
Laser treatment, which can improve skin texture in some patients with keratosis pilaris.
Topical steroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, can help in some cases where the skin becomes itchy or inflamed.

If you have this condition and want a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your skin, book your appointment today with one of our experienced dermatologists by calling toll-free 800 (NOVO) 6686 or fill the booking form on our website.