What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a benign skin condition that occurs on the dorsal surface of the body, particularly the arms, thighs and cheeks. It is a genetic condition that affects the keratinisation of the hair follicles in the skin that is innocuous and asymptomatic but can be aesthically unsightly (see pictures of Keratosis Pilaris). Because of the nature of its appearance, it is commonly called "chicken skin".

The cause of Keratosis Pilaris is unknown, however, it appears to be more prevalent in individuals with dry skin conditions and allergies, such as hay fever. Generally a condition that occurs in children, it usually worsens during adolescence but improves later with age. For about 20% of affected individuals, it can worsen with age.

How is Keratosis Pilaris Managed?

There is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris, however, there are a range of treatments that may alleviate the condition. None have proven to be universally effective, and the efficacy varies from individual to individual. Keratosis Pilaris may also recur or worsen with a change in seasons or body conditions (such as pregnancy). Suggested methods of dealing with Keratosis Pilaris are outlined below.

Probably the least aggressive method for dealing with Keratosis Pilaris would be to apply an emollient onto the affected areas (2-3 times a day) and avoid or limit the use of agents that could cause irritation, such as soaps (or, alternatively, to use gentle cleansers in their place). Although the term emollient is used interchangeably with moisturisers, there is a difference. An emollient softens the skin while a moisturiser adds moisture.

An emollient has three properties:

1. Occlusion - provides a layer of oil on the surface of the skin to reduce water loss
2. Humectant - which increases the water-holding capacity of the top layer of the skin called the stratum corneum
3. Lubrication - adds a slip or glide across the skin

Gentle skin exfoliation with loofah scrubs and other personal care exfoliants have also been found to reduce the severity of the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris.

For more involved cases, other lotions can be applied, such as lactic acid lotions, alpha hydroxy acid lotions, salicylic acid, topical steroid creams, or retinoic acid products.

For skin that is prone to developing acne, therapeutic cleansers such as GlySal, Proactiv, salicylic acid, or benzoyl peroxide may be beneficial.

For more resistant cases of Keratosis Pilaris, it is

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