Facts you should know about keratosis pilaris, the bumpy red skin on your arms

Everyone wants to have a glowing, fair, and smooth skin. However, not every individual is gifted with it. Do you ever wonder about the reasons behind the occurrence of red, bumpy skin on your arms? Have you tried some lotions on those bumps that won’t go away?

It is called keratosis pilaris; a common skin disorder that affects people of any age, gender, and skin tone. According to the NHS, it affects one in every 3 people in the United Kingdom and can be easily recognized by its pinkish appearance and rough skin.

Continue reading to know more about keratosis pilaris, its causes, treatment, and facts associated with it.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that can affect people of any gender, age, and skin tone. It causes small and hard bumps primarily around hair follicles and makes your skin feel like sandpaper.

The bumps are typically light colored and usually appear on arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes, on the cheeks. Except from some itching, KP does not provide any harm and doesn’t get worse with the passage of time. In the United Kingdom, one in every 3 people is affected by keratosis pilaris.

What causes red, bumpy skin or keratosis pilaris?

KP (keratosis pilaris) is due to the buildup of keratin, a protein which is responsible for protecting the skin from infections and other harmful things. The keratin buildup forms a plug that blocks the pore of the hair follicle. However, doctors are unable to find the reason for this buildup.

The chances of occurrence of KP are very high for individuals with dry skin. This skin condition tends to get worse during the winter season and may clean up in the summer.

It can also affect people with other skin disorders like eczema. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, KP is a heredity problem and there is a 50% chance of having KP if the parents have this skin problem.

Is keratosis pilaris treatable?

There is no specific treatment available for keratosis pilaris. However, you can use skin lotions, creams, or moisturizers to keep your skin looking good and feel better. A wide variety of moisturizing lotions and skin creams are available in the market. You need to consult with an experienced dermatologist to get the right cream for your skin condition.

You can also try laser treatment to get a smooth skin.

Facts about keratosis pilaris

Here are some important facts about keratosis pilaris:

1. It is completely harmless.
2. It can affect people of all ages, including healthy individuals.
3. There is a 50% chance of the occurrence of KP if the parents have it.
4. It usually appears on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks.
5. It is symmetrical. This means that it appears in both arms, legs, and both sides of the face.
6. It gets worse during the winter season.
7. KP is not completely treatable. However, some measures are available through which you can improve the skin condition.