Maybe it looks like goosebumps – or the skin of a plucked chicken. Maybe they are raised and feel a bit like sandpaper.
These could be the signs of keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that can cause small, painless bumps on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks, according to Dr. Amy Freeman, a dermatologist in New Jersey.
The bumps are usually flesh-colored, but they may look red or pink on lighter skin tones and brown or black on darker skin tones.
Although they can be “disturbing,” Freeman says, the bumps are harmless and often go away on their own. However, some people suffer from flare-ups throughout their lives.
Blockages
Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin—a protein involved in the formation of hair, skin, and nails—builds up and clogs hair follicles along with dead skin cells, Freeman explains. These blockages cause those little bumps.
An estimated 40 percent of adults and 50 to 80 percent of teenagers have keratosis pilaris. But dermatologists don’t know exactly why some people get it.
One theory is that the condition is caused by a genetic mutation that disrupts the skin’s ability to hydrate itself naturally, says Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist in New York. The mutation can make you more susceptible to dry skin, which worsens keratosis pilaris.
People with eczema, diabetes or close relatives with keratosis pilaris are also more susceptible to the condition, Lipner said. The same applies to people with asthma, allergies or obesity.
Because dry skin makes keratosis pilaris worse, you may have more flare-ups in the winter or if you live in a dry climate, says Dr. Leslie Baumann, a Miami-based dermatologist.
Preventing dry skin is one of the best ways to reduce flare-ups and make keratosis pilaris look better overall, she suggests.
Keratolytic agent
Products containing emollients (moisturizers) and keratolytic agents (a class of medications that remove dead skin cells and soften the keratin that clogs pores) appear to be the most effective.
The products help smooth the bumps and reduce redness. They are most effective if you apply them immediately after showering when your skin is still damp. This helps lock in some moisture in your skin.
Experts recommend avoiding anything that might irritate your skin, such as using an abrasive body scrub, or scratching or picking at the bumps. You can carefully use a sponge or washcloth to remove dead skin cells. It is also best to avoid products with fragrances and oils.
During a flare-up, Freeman says, you should use a moisturizer with a keratolytic agent a few times a day for a few months. Once it improves, you can reduce to a few times a week. But you still need to moisturize every day, she emphasizes.
With periods
Keratosis pilaris cannot be prevented, but some people who have it as children find that it goes away as they get older. Others suffer from it their entire lives. “But there may be times in your life when it is so quiet that the bumps are so small and invisible that they are almost not there,” says Lipner.
If moisturizing doesn’t help after a few months, Lipner recommends seeing a dermatologist. “There are people with very severe keratosis pilaris, and hydration may not be enough,” she says. They may also have flare-ups that are extra red and dry, and maybe even itchy. In those cases, doctors may prescribe a topical retinoid or suggest laser therapy.
But your symptoms could also be caused by something else. Eczema and psoriasis can resemble keratosis pilaris, Lipner says. These conditions can cause itching, inflammation, cracks in the skin or infections and require their own specific treatments.
© The New York Times
