Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

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Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Author:

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder.
• Keratosis pilaris affects 50% of adolescents and 40% of adults.
• Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks.
• Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or chicken skin.
• Keratosis pilaris is seen in patients with other dry skin conditions and atopic dermatitis.
• Keratosis pilaris is not curable, but it may become less noticeable with time.
• Keratosis pilaris tends to run in families (genetic association).
• Keratosis pilaris may spontaneously clear without treatment.
• Keratosis pilaris generally requires ongoing maintenance therapy.
• Treat keratosis pilaris with daily lubrication, gentle exfoliation, and glycolic or lactic acids.
• Consider helpful options for keratosis pilaris like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and facials.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin disorder affecting many people of all ages. KP is a benign condition that presents as numerous small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes cheeks. KP creates a "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin. A majority of people with KP may be unaware that the skin condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In general, KP is often cosmetically displeasing but medically completely harmless. KP is common in otherwise healthy people.