Will keratosis pilaris go away?

It often improves gradually with age and many people find it fades significantly by their late twenties or thirties, although some have it lifelong. In the meantime, it tends to come and go, usually worse in winter and better in summer when humidity is higher. Consistent moisturising keeps it under control but does not remove the underlying tendency.

Does scrubbing get rid of the bumps?

Gentle exfoliation helps by removing the keratin plug on the surface, but aggressive scrubbing damages the skin, increases redness, and can make the condition worse. The most effective approach is chemical exfoliation with moisturisers containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, used daily, combined with a soft washcloth rather than abrasive brushes.

Is keratosis pilaris a form of acne?

No. Although both involve plugged follicles, acne is driven by oil, bacteria, and inflammation and produces blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples, mainly on the face, chest, and back. Keratosis pilaris is a build-up of keratin without infection, giving uniform, dry, rough bumps in a different distribution. Acne treatments are not usually helpful for keratosis pilaris, although retinoids can help both.

DermatologicalVery common; affects a large share of adolescents and a substantial minority of adults

Keratosis Pilaris

Also known as: Chicken skin, Follicular keratosis

Keratosis pilaris is a very common, harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps, often described as 'chicken skin' or permanent goosebumps, most often on the backs of the upper arms, the thighs, the buttocks, and sometimes the cheeks. The bumps form when keratin, the protein that protects the skin, builds up and plugs the openings of hair follicles. It is genetic, tends to run in families, and frequently appears alongside dry skin or eczema. Keratosis pilaris typically starts in childhood or adolescence, is often worse in winter when the skin is drier, and tends to improve with age, frequently fading by the thirties. It cannot be cured, but regular moisturising and gentle exfoliation can smooth the skin considerably.

At a Glance

Common symptoms: Small, rough, skin-coloured, red, or brown bumps, usually painless, A sandpaper-like texture to the affected skin, Bumps clustered on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks
Main treatments: There is no cure, but regular care improves the appearance of the skin, Moisturisers containing urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, which soften keratin plugs and smooth the skin, Gentle physical exfoliation with a soft washcloth or loofah, avoiding harsh scrubbing which worsens redness
Category: Dermatological · Very common; affects a large share of adolescents and a substantial minority of adults
See a doctor if: Bumps that are painful, filled with pus, or spreading, which suggest folliculitis or another condition

Symptoms

Small, rough, skin-coloured, red, or brown bumps, usually painless

A sandpaper-like texture to the affected skin

Bumps clustered on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks

Dry skin around the bumps, worse in cold or low-humidity weather

Mild redness or pinkness around each bump

Occasional mild itching, especially when the skin is dry

Causes

Excess keratin forming plugs that block hair follicles
Genetics: the tendency is inherited, often in a dominant pattern
Dry skin, which makes the plugs more prominent
Hormonal changes, which may explain flares during puberty and pregnancy

Risk Factors

Family history of keratosis pilaris
Eczema (atopic dermatitis), dry skin, or ichthyosis
Childhood and adolescence
Cold, dry climates and winter months
Asthma or hay fever (part of the atopic tendency)
Being overweight

Diagnosis

Visual examination of the skin; the appearance and location are characteristic
No tests are needed in most cases
Occasionally a doctor will rule out other conditions such as folliculitis, acne, or eczema if the picture is unusual

Treatment

There is no cure, but regular care improves the appearance of the skin
Moisturisers containing urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or glycolic acid, which soften keratin plugs and smooth the skin
Gentle physical exfoliation with a soft washcloth or loofah, avoiding harsh scrubbing which worsens redness
Topical retinoids (such as tretinoin or adapalene) prescribed for more persistent cases
Short courses of mild topical steroids if the skin is red and inflamed
Laser or light treatments to reduce redness in some people, offered by dermatologists
Supportive: short, lukewarm showers, mild fragrance-free cleansers, and a humidifier in dry rooms

Prevention

Moisturise daily, ideally straight after bathing while the skin is still damp
Avoid hot water, harsh soaps, and vigorous scrubbing, which strip the skin and worsen bumps
Use a humidifier during winter or in centrally heated homes
Wear loose, soft fabrics to reduce friction over affected areas
Keep treatment consistent; bumps return within weeks if moisturising stops

When to See a Doctor

Bumps that are painful, filled with pus, or spreading, which suggest folliculitis or another condition
Significant itching, redness, or inflammation not helped by moisturisers
The appearance is causing distress and over-the-counter products have not helped after a couple of months
You are unsure whether the bumps are keratosis pilaris, acne, or eczema

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Eczema

Dermatological

Dry Skin

Dermatological

Folliculitis

Dermatological

Acne Vulgaris

Dermatological

Keratosis Pilaris

Symptoms

Causes

Risk Factors

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

When to See a Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

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