It’s a topic that’s getting a lot of eyes in TikTok—the search for keratosis pilaris treatment has almost 630 million views—so we are here to tell you what keratosis pilaris is, why it happens, and how to treat it (at home!).
What is keratosis pilaris?
If you just found out you have keratosis pilaris and are surprised you never noticed, you shouldn’t be: Research has found that many people aren’t even aware they have it. Often referred to as “chicken skin” (resembling that of a plucked chicken) or “strawberry skin” (as Dr. Shah refers to it), keratosis pilaris is characterized by small, red bumps on the skin; according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), keratosis pilaris is harmless. The AAD explains the bumps that appear in keratosis pilaris are actually dead skin cells that have hardened to form a “plug” in a hair follicle. Dr. Lucy Chen, a board-certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology, explains that keratosis pilaris can only occur in places where there are hair follicles. While the AAD notes that it appears most frequently on the backs of the upper arms and on the front of the thighs, Dr. Chen adds that it may also occur on the cheeks and buttocks, as well. “This condition is common, and there is currently no cure, but there are ways to treat it,” she notes.
Is there a cure for keratosis pilaris?
Currently, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and in fact, many patients don’t seek treatment. This is because it often comes without symptoms and treatment is then done to minimize the appearance of bumps on the skin. This isn’t to say that there are never symptoms; people with keratosis pilaris may experience itchiness in the affected area and dryness of the skin (which may vary by season). “People with keratosis pilaris tend to have outbreaks during the winter months when the skin is likely drier,” affirms Dr. Chen. “Cold, dry climates, increased amounts of stress, or a change in hydration levels can also cause flare-ups.”
Can you treat keratosis pilaris at home?
As there is no cure, treatment for keratosis pilaris is often done to ease symptoms and reduce the appearance of the bumps caused by the skin cell plugs. Dr. Chen notes you should exfoliate the skin—gently!—to remove dead skin cells from the surface, and moisturize the skin; the AAD adds treating dry skin can help as the drier your skin, the more evident the bumps from keratosis pilaris are. “To treat keratosis pilaris, you can use steroid creams to reduce itching and redness,” continues Dr. Chen. “You can also use skin creams containing ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and urea to help loosen dead skin cells and soften the skin.” If treatment at home isn’t working, you can visit a dermatologist who may prescribe a medication (Dr. Chen says it will contain the ingredients noted above to remove dead skin cells); if that doesn’t work, laser treatment may be recommended. It is important to note that because there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, Dr. Chen admits that if you stop using medicated creams regularly, conditions may return. The skin condition can be managed, but if you didn’t even realize you had keratosis pilaris until you watched a TikTok video or felt the back of your arms, it is likely you can leave it alone. If you experience dryness or itchiness due to keratosis pilaris in the future? Well, now you know what to do. Next up: The 8 Best Lotions for Treating Keratosis Pilaris
Sources
Hwang S, Schwartz RA. Keratosis pilaris: a common follicular hyperkeratosis. Cutis. 2008;82(3):177-180.Keratosis Pilaris. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Accessed 10/25/21.Dr. Lucy Chen, board-certified Miami dermatologist of Riverchase Dermatology
