Although keratosis pilaris (KP)- commonly known as Chicken Skin- is a harmless condition, everyone who is afflicted with it wants to get rid of it as soon as possible to restore smooth, normal-looking skin. Chicken skin results from the buildup of protein that causes an acne-like bump to form when it clogs the skin’s hair follicles. The resulting blemishes on the skin can be either red or white in the color, and the condition has its nickname “chicken skin” due to the fact that it often looks similar to goosebumps.

Where is KP found and who gets it most often?

The most common location on the body where KP is seen is on the upper arms and the thighs. KP is commonly seen on the backs of both the arms and the thighs; however, it is possible for KP to appear on other parts of the body such as the buttocks, neck, and face. KP is most common among children and adolescents. While many individuals may suffer from this condition at a young age, patients tend to outgrow it, and it often disappears on its own as one ages.

Dealing with KP

There are many things that can be done to reduce or eliminate the appearance of KP on the skin. The following are three different things those who are suffering from the condition can do to restore the look of pure, smooth skin:

• Apply moisturizer- You should be applying moisturizer regularly even if you don’t suffer from chicken skin. You should especially concentrate on the regular application of moisturizers when spending time in the sun and during harsh winter weather. The regular application of moisturizer nourishes your skin and improves its overall health. It also can help KP conditions at times when they are the most pronounced, such as during periods of cold weather.
• Find medications/products that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, or urea- If you go to a pharmacy, you will see that there are many over-the-counter products that contain ingredients that are highly effective in treating chicken skin. Look out for products that contain glycolic acid, lactic acid, and urea in particular, as skin treatments that contain these ingredients often help to get rid of bumps by exfoliating dead skin and making the skin softer.
• See a dermatologist– A dermatologist can give you access to some of the best possible treatments for KP. You might be prescribed retinoids that are highly effective against KP, or if your condition is particularly severe a dermatologist might recommend laser treatment.