by Edward Barrett

Created on: May 28, 2009

Keratosis Pilaris. Though you have probably never heard of it, it is a very common condition, which affects billions globally. Keratosis Pilaris, or KP, is a skin condition characterized by small, hard bumps on the skin, and usually redness. It typically affects the upper arms and parts of the face, though this may vary from person to person. Though KP has no permanent cure, there are many ways to relieve or nearly eliminate the symptoms.

What is KP?

Technically speaking, KP is the result of keratin getting trapped in follicles in the skin; the white, hard area inside of a bump is the keratin. KP is a genetically inherited condition, passed down in an autosomal dominant fashion. This means that if one or both parents has KP, the child can inherit it. Males and females have an equal chance of inheriting KP. Over 50% of the population has the gene for KP, though most people are not aware of it, and pass it off as a simple rash.

What can I do to help eliminate my KP?

Before I knew that I had KP, I tried using all types of creams, which didn't work. Anti-itch creams and anti-eczema creams do not work on KP. Clearasil has little effect on the bumps, but do not work well, as the bumps are not pimple-like. There are specialized creams for KP on the market, which you can get from your dermatologist, or order online. These creams will typically take several months to fully eliminate the symptoms, however, after using the cream for a few days or so, the redness will fade. These creams have multiple acids in them, which soften the bumps on the skin, eventually getting rid of the bumps. These acids aren't harmful to the skin, and will not irritate other non-affected parts of the body.

What should I do about my KP until the cream fully cures it?

If your skin is really bothering you, you can cover it up and hide it. In my experience, covering up KP hasn't been necessary. Initially, I would only wear long-sleeve T-shirts to cover up my bumps. When the weather got better, I began to notice that others also had KP, and I could visibly see it, I realized that people were not conscious of their KP and that no one made a deal out of it. Both guys and girls had it and didn't seem to mind.

Now, I see that my Keratosis Pilaris is no big deal. There are many solutions for and support groups for it, and I hope that you feel more confident about your skin, and cure your KP.

Learn more about this author, Edward Barrett.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.