Keratosis pilaris, often referred to unaffectionately as ‘chicken skin’, is a common skin condition characterized by small, rough bumps on the skin. These bumps are typically located on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks.
While not a serious health concern, keratosis pilaris can make the people who suffer with it feel uncomfortable in their skin and affect their self confidence. In this blog, we are going to take you through what it is and how you can manage it.
 "I have some KP on my arms and this stuff helps keep it at bay! I feel moisturized in all 4 Midwest seasons and I love the Oatmeal Milk & Honey scent!" - Lane K. |
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin, a protein that helps form the skin’s outer layer, builds up in hair follicles. This build up creates small, hard plugs that can cause the skin to become rough and bumpy to the touch. These bumps are often white or flesh-colored and may be accompanied with other symptoms, such as dryness or itchiness of the skin.
Is Keratosis Pilaris Genetically Passed?
Keratosis pilaris is often considered to be a hereditary condition. This means that it can be passed down from parents to their children.
However, a child can suffer from keratosis pilaris without it being hereditary, as the skin condition can be developed as a byproduct of environmental factors.
 "My family has really enjoyed the Purity Goat Milk Soap. We all suffer from keratosis pilaris or eczema, and this soap has already start working within the first few days. I cannot believe we are seeing clearer skin--I wish I started using this soap years ago!" - Klaudia N. |
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
While keratosis pilaris is incredibly common, impacting somewhere between 30-50% of the adult population at one time or another, the exact cause of keratosis pilaris is largely unknown.
There are a number of factors that are believed to contribute to this skin condition:
- Genetics: A genetic predisposition may increase the risk of developing the condition.
- Dry Skin: It is widely believed that dry skin can exacerbate the symptoms of keratosis pilaris.
- Hormonal Shifts: Fluctuations in the body’s hormones, such as those that occur during puberty or pregnancy, can sometimes trigger or worsen keratosis pilaris.
- Allergies and Allergens: Some people with allergies or sensitivities may be more prone to developing the condition.
Can Keratosis Pilaris be Cured?
There is no known cure for keratosis pilaris currently. However, there are many treatments that can help you to manage the symptoms and improve the appearance and health of your skin.
 "I've been using the Tea Tree soap on my face for my adult acne & on my arms for my keratosis pilaris for about 3 weeks now. It's helping to clear the keratosis pilaris on my arms." - J.C. |
So, since there is no cure, living with keratosis pilaris becomes about management, and proactively limiting/reducing flare-ups that cause your skin discomfort.
Some great ways of managing this condition are:
- Moisturizing: Regularly applying a moisturizer can help to soften the skin and reduce the appearance of bumps. Look for moisturizers that are heavily focused on natural ingredients. Ingredients such as lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and urea are all good for cleansing the itchiness and inflammation of keratosis pilaris. Goat milk products are the perfect moisturizers because they are rich in AHA’s and lactic acid, among other things.
 "I have used the Purity Goat Milk Bath for the past two weeks. I soak for 20 minutes and shower off. My skin is smooth and my keratosis pilaris is healing." - Jana K. |
- Exfoliating: Gentle exfoliation can help remove the dead skin cells and reduce the appearance of bumps. However it is key to avoid harsh scrubs that can actually irritate the skin and can exacerbate keratosis pilaris.
 "Love the OMH luffa soap! Helps keep the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms in check!" - Kristan K. |
- Taking Retinoids: Over-the-counter or prescription retinoids can help reduce the build up of keratin in the hair follicles. This is one of the most proactive ways of managing the skin condition.
- Avoiding Irritants: One of the key ways to prevent the skin from reacting negatively to keratosis pilaris is to avoid the things that are known irritants to your skin in the first place. Avoid harsh soaps, detergents or fabrics that can make the problem worse.
 "Because I'm suffering from keratosis pilaris and leg acne, I have been using the Castile soap for two months now and it has worked wonders, the only soap that my skin hasn't developed an allergic reaction to." - Saud |
While keratosis pilaris is a frustrating condition, you are not alone in suffering from it; and it is important to remember that while it may affect your skin confidence, it is not a serious health concern. With the right management strategies, it is possible to improve the appearance and feel of your skin.