Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Keratosis pilarisRough bumps that feel like goosebumps.
Keratosis pilaris is a very common, harmless skin condition with small, rough bumps where hairs emerge from the skin, mainly on the upper arms and thighs. The skin there feels dry and grainy, like goosebumps that won't go away. The condition is hereditary, usually starts in childhood or puberty and often fades by itself over the years.
What is keratosis pilaris?
With keratosis pilaris you see dozens of small, skin-coloured to red bumps close together, each at the site of a hair follicle. Preferred sites are the outer upper arms, the thighs and the buttocks; in children sometimes the cheeks. The skin feels rough, like fine sandpaper. The bumps usually don't hurt and itch mildly at most, but many people find them cosmetically bothersome. An individual bump can become inflamed and resemble a pimple.
Keratosis pilaris looks like goosebumps, but there is a difference: real goosebumps fade after a short while, these bumps stay.
How does keratosis pilaris develop?
The bumps develop because the skin produces too much keratin, the protein that makes up the skin's outer layer. That keratin accumulates with dead skin cells in the openings of the hair follicles, creating small horny plugs. Why this happens is not precisely known; predisposition plays the biggest role and the condition often runs in families. Keratosis pilaris is seen more often in people with dry skin or a predisposition to eczema, and is often more prominent in winter, when the skin is drier.
What can you do yourself?
It cannot be cured, but the skin can be made smoother. Apply a rich, neutral cream to the areas daily; a cream with urea or salicylic acid often works better, because it slowly softens and dissolves the horny plugs. On arms and legs you can also gently exfoliate; don't do that on the face, where the skin is thinner. Shower briefly and lukewarm and use little soap, because dry skin makes the bumps more prominent. The effect of care is temporary: if you stop, the bumps usually return.
Please note
Leave the bumps alone: scratching and picking makes them red and inflamed and can leave small scars.
When to see a dermatologist or doctor?
For keratosis pilaris itself a doctor is rarely needed: the condition is harmless and usually fades over the years. Do have the skin assessed if you are unsure whether it really is keratosis pilaris, if bumps become inflamed, or if the areas keep bothering you despite good care. The dermatologist can confirm the diagnosis at a glance and prescribe a stronger cream that reduces the keratin build-up if needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is keratosis pilaris contagious or dangerous?
No, neither. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless, hereditary trait of the skin. You cannot pass it on to others and it never turns into anything serious.
Does keratosis pilaris go away by itself?
Often yes, but slowly: the condition usually starts in childhood or puberty and fades over the years. In many adults the bumps largely disappear by themselves. Until then, good care keeps the skin smoother.
Which cream helps against keratosis pilaris?
A rich, neutral cream keeps the skin supple; a cream with urea or salicylic acid slowly softens the horny plugs and smooths the skin. Apply daily and keep it up: the effect is temporary and disappears when you stop.
Can you exfoliate keratosis pilaris?
On the upper arms and legs, gentle exfoliation can smooth the skin somewhat. Don't do it too hard and not on the face, where the skin is thinner and more sensitive. Always apply a rich cream after exfoliating.
When should you see a dermatologist about these bumps?
If you are unsure whether it is keratosis pilaris, if bumps become red and inflamed, or if the areas keep bothering you despite care. The dermatologist confirms the diagnosis and can prescribe a stronger cream.
Sources and more information
- Rode bultjes op armen of benen (drleenarts.com)