What is it?

Most of us have seen them at one time or another: small, hard, acne-like bumps on the back of our arms. Is it acne? Is it a rash? Neither. It's keratosis pilaris (KP), a hereditary skin disorder that affects almost 50% of the population and is associated with dry, chapped skin. Characterized by whitish bumps which are clustered on the backs of the upper arms, this condition is sometimes referred to as 'chicken skin'. And although keratosis pilaris is neither contagious nor harmful, it can be frustrating to heal as no real cure exists.

How do you get it?

As we age, normal shedding of dead skin cells slows down, and can take upwards of 28-30 days. Unfortunately for some people, this shedding of dead skin cells becomes compromised, causing a blockage of the hair follicles with keratin: a protein which is a primary component of skin and hair. The result of this blockage? Small, impacted bumps which create a rough texture on the skin, rather like sandpaper. Unfortunately, these impactions can be found anywhere on the body, not just the upper arms, including the back of the thighs, the buttocks or the face. Although there is no specific cause for KP, certain conditions will aggravate the bumps: cold weather, synthetic fibers, low-humidity, chlorine and extremely hot baths or showers. Additionally, women may be more susceptible during or just after pregnancy. Finally, it is believed that keratosis pilaris is hereditary, and quite often, most pronounced during the teenage years, although it tends to disappear with age.

Treatment

Even though there is no known cure for keratosis pilaris, there are many products available to treat a flare-up, and even to smooth away the bumpy symptoms of this condition. Although it may seem smart to try and simply scrub the bumps off the skin, don't. Treat the bumps, and the skin, gently to avoid further irritation. Instead, use a mild body wash and avoid picking at the bumps as this can cause scarring and, exfoliate the skin with care. Apply exfoliators or scrubs with a washcloth and choose scrubs that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy, glycolic, lactic or azelaic acids which will chemically exfoliate the skin and dissolve dead skin. Finally, always follow up with a rich and hydrating moisturizer.

In addition to exfoliating and moisturizing, support the skin with your diet, as well. Biotin, a B vitamin important for normal skin function, is easily added into the diet. Reach for foods such as eggs, spinach, milk and almonds. Also, make sure your diet is rich in essential fatty acids by eating shellfish, canola oil, leafy greens and walnuts. Taking a food based vitamin and mineral supplement is another great way to be certain you are getting all of the necessary nutrients your skin needs to glow with health and vitality.

Product Picks

To gently cleanse the skin without causing further irritation, ATOPALM Body Wash contains no harsh additives and will maintain the skin's natural moisture balance. Follow with an exfoliator to smooth dryness. Look for one which contains alpha hydroxy acids to both exfoliate and encourage new cell turnover in the skin. Finish with a richly hydrating body lotion to lock in moisture and relieve irritation: L'Occitane Shea Butter Body Lotion.

Special considerations

When appearing on the face, keratosis pilaris may be easily confused with acne as bumps are similar in size and coloring. Particular care should be taken when trying to treat this condition on the face as over-zealous remedies can leave behind tiny scars. Avoid harshly scrubbing or picking at these bumps and do not attempt to extract them at home. Instead, opt for an alpha-hydroxy acid wash to gently loosen the dead skin cells and help smooth the appearance of the bumps. Because this condition is exacerbated by dryness, be certain to use a moisturizer, twice daily, appropriate to your skin type that will keep the area hydrated and moisturized.

You may not be able to cure yourself of keratosis pilaris, but with a dedicated skin care regimen that treats all aspects of this condition, it can be kept under control and your skin smooth, vibrant and virtually bump-free.