The Skin Nerd: Do you have bumpy skin? It could be keratosis pilaris

It’s a little early for Halloween but you may have been spotting some suspicious goosebump like spots on your skin that just won’t disappear...

Thu, 28 Sep, 2023 - 18:11

Spots, bumps, bruises — on occasion, our skin can present us with many things that spook us, but one cause for small, hard bumps that really isn’t something to be frightened of is Keratosis Pilaris.

Often confused with multiple skin conditions such as acne, Keratosis Pilaris is also lovingly referred to as ‘chicken skin’ and tends to be seen on the back of arms or top of thighs (although it can occur anywhere on the body.)

Frustrating though it may be, if you have been diagnosed with this, you can take comfort in the fact that Keratosis Pilaris is a common and harmless condition and is said to affect approximately 50-70% of teenagers and 40% of adults.*

Typically seen in children and young adults, Keratosis Pilaris tends to begin in childhood but becomes more apparent as the child enters teenage years and within adulthood. Many sufferers find their condition worsens in winter, when humidity is low. There is also thought to be a link between Keratosis Pilaris and dry skin and skin diseases such as ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic eczema.

Whilst it isn’t likely to do your skin any harm, it can be tricky to deal with, and so this week I take a further look at how you can manage and lessen any impact.

Keratosis pilaris: The Facts

What is it?

According to The British Skin Foundation, the term ‘keratosis’ means there is too much keratin, the protein that protects skin from damage and infection, while ‘pilaris’ comes from the Latin for hair.* “Keratosis Pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, raised bumps on the skin’s surface,” says Professor Nicola Ralph of the Institute of Dermatologists Ireland (instituteofdermatologists.ie). Bumps are usually the same colour as your skin, but they can also be red on white skin or brown-black for those with darker skin. “It typically appears on the back of the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes on the outer aspect of the face. While there is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris, there are treatments that can help to reduce the appearance of the bumps and improve the texture of the skin.”

Why do some people get Keratosis Pilaris?

Whilst the causes are not fully understood, according to British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Keratosis Pilaris does appear to have a genetic link, can often be found in more than one member of a family, and often fits into an ‘autosomal dominant’ pattern. This means that there is a 1 in 2 chance that each child of an affected parent will inherit the condition.* It can also be more common in people with eczema, asthma, or hay fever. What I can provide you with is some nerdie intelligence on how the condition manifests. “Keratosis Pilaris occurs when a buildup of keratin (a structural protein that’s found in our hair, skin and nails) clogs up our hair follicles. This creates a ‘keratin plug’ blocking the opening of the hair follicle and presents as a hardened lump on the skin. Normally, dead skin cells shed from the surface of the skin and are replaced with new cells. In KP, the buildup of keratin blocks the hair follicles, causing the small, rough bumps to form.”

What can you do?

Although there isn’t a ‘cure’ for this condition, some people find that it clears up in adulthood. There are a few treatments you can try to temporarily improve the condition. Once or twice a week, try massaging a salicylic acid cleanser into the areas you see any bumps and allow it to sit for about 60 seconds to two minutes before rinsing away thoroughly. Avoid doing this within 24 hours of waxing or shaving though as your skin may be too sensitive! You could also use a vitamin A enriched body mask. Vitamin A speeds up cell proliferation and exfoliates the top layer of skin, thus encouraging the skin to regulate itself and helping to promote a smoother appearance.

Moisturising regularly: Using a thick, emollient moisturiser can help to soften and smooth the skin, reducing the appearance of bumps.

Exfoliating: You can’t scrub away Keratosis Pilaris, but mild exfoliation can help to treat rough, bumpy patches. “Gently exfoliating the skin can help to remove the buildup of dead skin cells and keratin, improving the texture of the skin.”

Topical treatments: “Topical treatments that contain lactic acid, urea, or salicylic acid can help to soften and exfoliate the skin, reducing the appearance of bumps.”

Prescription medications: “In severe cases, a dermatologist may prescribe a topical retinoid or other medication to help reduce inflammation and improve the texture of the skin.”

Take care to avoid picking the skin or over-exfoliating as both can cause irritation and aggravate the condition. “By using a combination of moisturising, exfoliating, and topical treatments, many people with KP can improve the appearance of their skin and reduce the frequency and severity of flare-ups.”