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Have acne
Pimples
Acne on my face
Acne on the forehead
I have acne on my body
Formation of spots
Blackheads
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What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is characterized by keratin plugs in the follicular orifices and redness around hair follicles. Also known as "chicken skin", it is characterized by rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin. It is commonly seen on arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.
Typical Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
- Pimples / Acne
- Dry, bumpy rash
- Skin problems
- Redness, bumps, or irritation on the skin
Diagnostic Questions for Keratosis Pilaris
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have acne?
- Is your skin rough to touch?
- Do you have any skin problems
- Have you noticed any redness, bumps, or irritation on your skin?
Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
General cutaneous measures such as hydrating skin, avoiding long baths or showers, and using mild soaps or cleansers are key lifestyle changes that are helpful. Topical keratolytic agents are first-line therapy, followed by topical retinoids and corticosteroids.
Reviewed By:
Sarita Nori, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Sarita Nori was drawn to dermatology because of the intersection of science and medicine that is at the heart of dermatology. She feels this is what really allows her to help her patients. “There is a lot of problem-solving in dermatology and I like that,” she explains. “It’s also a profession where you can help people quickly and really make a difference in their lives.” | Some of the typical skin problems that Dr. Nori treats include skin cancers, psoriasis, acne, eczema, rashes, and contact dermatitis. Dr Nori believes in using all possible avenues of treatment, such as biologics, especially in patients with chronic diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. “These medications can work superbly, and they are really life-changing for many patients.” | Dr. Nori feels it’s important for patients to have a good understanding of the disease or condition that is affecting them. “I like to educate my patients on their problem and have them really understand it so they can take the best course of action. Patients always do better when they understand their skin condition, and how to treat it.”
Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)
Dr. Ueda graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine and trained at the University of Tokyo Medical School. She is currently a clinical assistant professor at the Department of Dermatology, Jichi Medical University, and holds several posts in the dermatology departments at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Komagome Hospital, University of Tokyo, and the Medical Center of Japan Red Cross Society.
Content updated on Jan 14, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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People with similar symptoms also use Ubie's symptom checker to find possible causes
- Rashes
- Redness of the skin
- Leg rash
- Acne on my cheek
- Red rash
- Whiteheads
- Hand skin is dry
- Acne on my head
- Acne on my skin
- Lots of acne
- Pink rash
- There is a sore on the side
- Acne
- Rash on the wrist
- Itchy skin not covered by clothes is itchy
See full list
Symptoms Related to Keratosis Pilaris
Diseases Related to Keratosis Pilaris
FAQs
Q.
Bumpy Skin? Why Your Skin stays Bumpy & Medical Keratosis Pilaris Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider with persistent bumpy skin: most cases are keratosis pilaris, a common and harmless buildup of keratin that plugs hair follicles and creates rough, sandpaper-like bumps on the arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, often worse in dry weather. Effective steps include consistent use of keratolytic creams such as urea, lactic, glycolic, or salicylic acid plus daily thick moisturizers, gentle cleansing, and short warm showers, with prescription retinoids or laser options for stubborn cases; important caveats and red flags that may change your next steps are detailed below.
References:
* Alai, N., Badiu, D. L., & Bobeica, C. (2023). Keratosis Pilaris: Current Perspectives on Clinical Presentation, Pathogenesis, and Management. *Archives of Dermatological Research, 315*(3), 2758. PMID: 38048107. DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02758-1.
* Tang, M. M., & Kricorian, A. (2023). Keratosis pilaris: an updated review of its pathogenesis and treatment. *International Journal of Dermatology*. PMID: 38038755. DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16462.
* O'Callaghan, C., & McAleer, M. A. (2021). Keratosis Pilaris. *Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10*(11), 2440. PMID: 34070007. DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112440.
* Penny, N., & Zito, P. M. (2024). Keratosis Pilaris. In *StatPearls [Internet]*. StatPearls Publishing. PMID: 28846222.
* Maghfour, J., Ly, S., & Shariatzadeh, D. (2018). Keratosis Pilaris: A Comprehensive Review. *American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 19*(4), 503-516. PMID: 29557007. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-017-0291-3.
Q.
"Sandpaper" Skin? Why Your Pores Are Suffocating & Medical Steps for Keratosis Pilaris
A.
Rough, sandpaper-like bumps are often keratosis pilaris, a very common and usually harmless buildup of keratin that plugs hair follicles, not dirt or poor hygiene, and it responds to keratolytic creams like lactic or glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and 10 to 20 percent urea plus consistent moisturizing and gentle care. There are several factors to consider, including when to see a doctor for pain, severe itching, spreading redness, or pus, and when prescription retinoids or laser may help persistent redness. See below for triggers that worsen it, who is at higher risk, realistic timelines for results, and step-by-step medical and at-home treatments that can guide your next steps.
References:
* Al-Shobaili FA, Balamash KS, Alfadly RA, Al-Mohanna NA, Alhazzani MA, Alanazi MI, Alnuqaydan AM, Alsubaie KA, Almutairi FA, Alzahrani AA. Molecular and Clinical Overview of Keratosis Pilaris. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Aug 21;24(16):12933. doi: 10.3390/ijms241612933. PMID: 37628889; PMCID: PMC10454378.
* Hwang S, Kim MB. An updated review of the diagnosis and treatment of keratosis pilaris. Ann Dermatol. 2022 Dec;34(6):801-808. doi: 10.5021/ad.2022.34.6.801. Epub 2022 Dec 27. PMID: 36589332; PMCID: PMC9801833.
* Magin P, Kalgo K, Thomson P, van Driel ML. Topical treatments for keratosis pilaris: a systematic review. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2022 Nov;47(11):2085-2092. doi: 10.1111/ced.15301. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35920367.
* Pincus LB, Lara-Corrales I, Glick SA. Keratosis pilaris: An update on etiology, diagnosis, and management. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2021 Jul;85(1):e1-e12. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.08.055. Epub 2020 Sep 17. PMID: 32950537.
* Penny H, Thompson AR, Mahto M. Topical Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris: A Systematic Review. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021 Oct;35(10):1993-2003. doi: 10.1111/jdv.17382. Epub 2021 Jun 21. PMID: 34008107.
Q.
"Unfixable" Texture? Why Microneedling Heals + Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Most "unfixable" skin texture can improve, and microneedling helps by triggering collagen and elastin remodeling to gradually smooth acne scars, enlarged pores, fine lines, mild laxity, and stretch marks over a series of sessions. It is not right for every cause of texture, as deep ice-pick scars, active acne, or certain bumps may need other treatments, and best outcomes depend on correct diagnosis, the right session plan, smart combinations like retinoids, peels, lasers or RF microneedling, and careful aftercare. For medically approved next steps, safety tips, timelines, and when to see a doctor, see below.
References:
* Alster TS, Graham PM. Microneedling: A Comprehensive Review. Dermatol Surg. 2018 Mar;44(3):397-404. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000001391. PMID: 29498687.
* Faghihi G, Fakhraei R, Iranmanesh B, Asnaashari S. Microneedling: Basic mechanism, advances and new applications. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Feb;22(2):397-409. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15549. Epub 2022 Dec 1. PMID: 36453912.
* El-Feky M, Soliman Y, El-Feky E, Ayoub MN. Efficacy of microneedling for acne scars: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Jul;21(7):2789-2800. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14917. Epub 2022 Mar 30. PMID: 35352331.
* Dogra S, Dogra A, Bains A, Kumar L. Microneedling: A Comprehensive Update. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 May-Jun;12(3):363-371. doi: 10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_491_20. PMID: 34188762.
* Lima D, Lima C, Cuzzi T, Boza J. Microneedling: A Review of the Current Evidence and Practical Guidelines. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 Feb;22(2):376-385. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15535. Epub 2022 Nov 22. PMID: 36416183.
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Ubie’s symptom checker demonstrated a Top-10 hit accuracy of 71.6%, surpassing the performance of several leading symptom checkers in the market, which averaged around 60% accuracy in similar assessments.
Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Pennycook KB, McCready TA. Keratosis Pilaris. 2022 Jun 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan–. PMID: 31536314.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546708/Wang JF, Orlow SJ. Keratosis Pilaris and its Subtypes: Associations, New Molecular and Pharmacologic Etiologies, and Therapeutic Options. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018 Oct;19(5):733-757. doi: 10.1007/s40257-018-0368-3. PMID: 30043128.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40257-018-0368-3Maghfour J, Ly S, Haidari W, Taylor SL, Feldman SR. Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: a systematic review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022 May;33(3):1231-1242. doi: 10.1080/09546634.2020.1818678. Epub 2020 Sep 14. PMID: 32886029.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09546634.2020.1818678Keratosis Pilaris. Pediatr Dermatol. 2019 Nov;36(6):937-938. doi: 10.1111/pde.14062. PMID: 31778553.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pde.14062Kodali N, Patel VM, Schwartz RA. Keratosis pilaris: an update and approach to management. Ital J Dermatol Venerol. 2023 Jun;158(3):217-223. doi: 10.23736/S2784-8671.23.07594-1. Epub 2023 May 11. PMID: 37166753.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37166753/