Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
Medical Author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common skin disorder seen in many people of
all ages. It 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 frequently noted in otherwise healthy people.
Who gets keratosis pilaris?
Anyone can get KP. Although it is commonly a skin condition of children and
adolescents, it is also seen in many adults. KP is estimated to affect between
50%-80% of all adolescents and approximately 40% of adults. Females may be more
frequently affected than males. Age of onset is often within the first 10 years
of life and can particularly get worse during puberty. However, KP may begin at
any age. A large percentage of patients have other people in their family with
the same condition. It has been commonly been seen in twins. KP is also seen in
atopic dermatitis patients and patients with very dry skin.
What is the prognosis of patients with keratosis pilaris?
Overall, KP tends to be a chronic
skin condition periodically becoming worse or better. KP is a benign,
noncontagious, self-limited skin condition that tends to be mild. KP frequently
improves with age in some patients. Many patients note improvement of their
symptoms in the summer months and seasonal flares in colder winter months. More
widespread, atypical cases of KP may be cosmetically distressing.
Will I eventually outgrow keratosis pilaris?
KP usually improves with
increasing age. KP may even spontaneously clear completely after puberty.
However, more frequently the condition is chronic with periodic exacerbations
and improvements. Many adults still have the skin condition into their 40s and
50s.
Does keratosis pilaris affect the entire body?
Although possible, it is
fairly rare to have KP all over the body. The lesions in keratosis pilaris most
characteristically involve the back of the upper arms. Other common locations
include the thighs and buttocks and occasionally the face. It does not affect
the eyes, mouth, palms, or soles.
What does keratosis pilaris look like?
Typically, KP patients present with a
scattered, patchy rash made of very small red or tan bumps. Often, 10-100 very
small slightly rough bumps are scattered in an area. The affected area may have
a fine, sandpaper-like texture. Some of the bumps may be slightly red or have an
accompanying light-red halo indicating inflammation.
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| What does keratosis pilaris look like? |
Sometimes, a small, coiled hair is trapped beneath the rough bump. Acne
whiteheads, called milia, may also be in the same areas as KP. Patients may
complain of a rough texture and an irregular cosmetic appearance of the skin.
The cheeks may appear pink, red, flushed, and be studded with very small
(pinpoint) bumps.
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| Keratosis pilaris may cause bumps on the backs of the upper arms, as seen here. |
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