Keratosis Pilaris or chicken skin : All you need to know about this skin condition

All you need to know about Keratosis Pilaris, a skin condition.

Written By: Aishwarya Iyer | Published : April 23, 2018 12:29 PM IST

Summer calls for floral tank tops, cotton clothing and flowy dresses; except if you have those ugly looking 'big bumps' on all your beauty skin! All those red or skin coloured skin bumps or itches on your arms, things, buttocks may not just be mere rashes but Keratosis Pilaris (KP). KP or 'chicken skin,' a condition of the skin caused due to keratin debris plugging the hair follicle opening.

We ask Dr Raina Nahar, Cosmetologist and Dermatologist, Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital all about the condition.

Read: Summer care tips for your skin!

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'It appears as slightly red or skin coloured spiny lesions on the outer aspect of arms, thighs, buttocks giving it goose flesh-like appearance. It worsens in winters and is known to be associated with eczematous conditions, ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic diathesis. Once the plugging reduces it leaves pigmentation behind. Most of the times it's a chronic condition with seasonal exacerbation,' explains Dr Nahar.

What causes the chicken skin?

A buildup of excess keratin in skin causes chicken skin or KP. Having said that, there is no definite reason as to why the condition develops or so. But people with dry skin, skin allergies develop KP more often than others. Genetics can also be one of the reasons to develop KP.

Managing chicken skin

Don't scratch at the bumps or rub your skin roughly.
Use warm water rather than hot for bathing and showering.
Limit your time in the water.
Try soap that has added oil or fat.
Use thick moisturizers generously on the skin.

Treating chicken skin

Tropical treatment- This includes exfoliant like Vitamin A derivatives or glycolic acids that unclog the pores and smoothen the skin.

Lasers and chemical peels give better and faster results.

Reduce the spiny eruptions and take care of dark spots and redness after that.

Read: How to deal with common skin problems?

Tips to prevent chicken skin

'The condition doesn't have a clear-cut preventive tip because the condition comes up with every seasonal change. Yet some tips are:

Avoid pricking or itching it.
Keep your skin moisturized.
Use Vitamin A or glycolic acids.

'One thing that is important is- Do not ignore the condition. A lot of conditions look alike. Hence, getting the right diagnosis is very important,' added Dr Nahar.

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