‘Chicken Skin’ – Reasons and Management of Keratosis Pilaris

A condition often seen in women, children, or teenagers, keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that causes rough or dry patches of skin as well as bumpy skin. Often called ‘chicken skin’, the condition usually clears up by the time one hits their thirties. Rough feeling patches of skin or skin with raised bumps on them is the primary identifier of the condition, giving one’s skin the look of goosebumps or that of the skin of a plucked chicken.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, also known as KP, is a benign condition and not infectious or contagious. When pores on our skin are clogged up by dead skin cells, we get the bumpy skin characteristic of keratosis pilaris. 

These rough patches of skin and bumps usually occur on the arms – often upper arms – as well as the cheeks, thighs, and buttocks. Essentially, it can appear on any part of your body that has hair follicles. Sometimes red or brown in colour, these pimple-like patches do not usually cause any itchiness, scratchiness, or discomfort. When there is itchiness, the discomfort may lead to scarring. 

It has also been found that often the bumps have ingrown hair within them. Besides these symptoms, KP has also been described as having sandpaper-like skin texture due to the bumps. 

Often you will notice that the condition worsens in seasonal changes of low humidity that causes dry skin. Winter months are when the condition seems to worsen while summer is more smooth sailing in comparison.

Causes of ‘chicken skin’

Our skin is made up of a multitude of pores that allow it to ‘breathe’. These pores house a hair follicle each. When dead skin cells end up clogging these pores and therefore, the hair follicles, they bring about the condition of ‘chicken skin’. The clogging of pores leads to our skin feeling bumpy, rough and raised in texture.

The condition is named after the protein keratin, whose build up causes the skin condition. The protein keratin is found in our skin, hair and nails. Sometimes, our hair follicles are clogged up by built-up keratin instead of the keratin simply flaking off. This blockage leads to the formation of the small yet rough bumps that are characteristic of ‘chicken skin.’

The cause for such a build-up of keratin is not yet known. It has been noted that there is a possibility of it being related to our genes, meaning one’s family history could give clues to the condition. On the whole however, healthcare providers are yet not in the know as to what causes this harmless condition in some and not in others. 

Conditions like eczema or dermatitis, which make the skin dry, itchy, and thickened, often have ‘chicken skin’ occurring along the side.

Management of KP or keratosis pilaris

‘Chicken skin’ or keratosis pilaris is so commonly occurring in the population, that dermatologists and specialists often simply consider it as one of the types of skin, instead of as a medical condition. 

Although the condition clears up on its own by the time one hits their thirties, it does cause discomfort for a few. As such, you can adopt a few measures at home to ease the condition. 

Since the condition is caused by blocked pores, it is recommended that one take long and warm baths to gently and smoothly open up and unclog the pores. Too long of a bath, however, will dry out the skin of its natural oils and moisture, so one must time themselves. It is also important to ensure the skin does not dry out too quickly and receives adequate care. 

Avoid irritating the skin. Use mild and gentle soap to cleanse your skin. Harsh chemicals and complex formulas may often dry out the skin. Unperfumed soaps and products are the best way to go in this case. 

Take the time to indulge in exfoliation and try to include it within your routine as a regular step. Use a loofah or a pumice stone, or even a washcloth for this purpose. You may use an exfoliating scrub or wash to aid this step. Remember to be gentle; scrubbing too hard will result in irritating the skin. Daily exfoliation will help remove dead skin gently and ease the symptoms.

Moisturising thus is an important step to include into your skin care routine. Remember to pat yourself dry and not rub so as to not aggravate the condition. Use a moisturizer best suited to your skin. Moisturising two to three times a day at the minimum greatly helps in keeping the skin hydrated and healthy. Using hydrating lotions is also a major plus point and products with glycerine come recommended, as do home remedies like application of rose water. 

Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes. Clothes that stick to one’s skin can cause additional reasons for discomfort since they cause added friction that only serves to irritate the skin further. 

While prevention of the condition is not possible, the bumpy skin usually starts clearing up around one’s mid-twenties and if often completely gone by one’s thirties. Visit your doctor if the condition causes additional discomfort or anxiety to the person afflicted. For recommendations on medicated creams and lotions or on specialist procedures to undertake for the condition, consult your dermatologist. They will appropriately guide you on the best steps to take to care for your skin and your self. It is not recommended to avail these treatments without clinical guidance.