There are millions of people who have red bumps at the top of their arms which is sometimes referred to as "chicken skin".
Many may not be troubled by its appearance and may not have even given it a second thought, while others may be concerned about the way it looks and the overall dryness of the skin area. But it is a very common, harmless, skin condition that is thought to affect up to one in three people of all ages in the UK.
Keratosis pilaris can look like permanent goose bumps and is most common at the top of the arms and back, but can also appear on the thighs, buttocks and forearms. Unfortunately, there is no known cure, but there is advice on how to improve the rash-like appearance.
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What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is patches of skin, usually on the upper arm, that are red and bumpy. Sometimes it can feel dry and rough like goose bumps.
The skin can become itchy and inflamed for some people who suffer from it and many notice an improvement during the summer months - and it can become worse in the cold, drier conditions of winter.
It is a heredity skin condition where, if one parent has it, there is a one-in-two chance the child will inherit it. It happens because there is a build up of protein (keratin) in the skin's hair follicles which causes the outer layer of the skin to thicken.
Symptoms include small painless bumps and dry, rough skin as the NHS website said: "The excess keratin blocks the hair follicles with plugs of hard, rough skin. The tiny plugs widen the pores, giving the skin a spotty appearance." It is not contagious.
Who is affected?
It affects up to one in three people in the UK and they can be of any age, but it is found more commonly in adolescents, females, people with eczema and people of Celtic origins. It usually begins when the sufferer is a baby but the condition can be very mild and not noticed until it becomes 'worse' during puberty and it can clear in adulthood, but not always.
People have been known to have the condition well into their 50s. Keratosis pilaris is not infectious, so you cannot spread or catch it.
How should I treat keratosis pilaris?
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but it is harmless and very common. In reality there is very little that can be done to treat keratosis pilaris but there are some tips on how to reduce the redness if it is bothering you.
The NHS recommends:
- Stop using scented soap. Use a non-cleansing soap so that it won't dry out your skin.
- Moisturise. Your GP or pharmacist can recommend creams that will reduce the dryness.
- Exfoliate. Gently exfoliating the area with a foam pad or pumice stone can take away the rough skin. But be gentle.
- Lukewarm showers. Not a hot bath.
Some have turned to chemical peels and cosmetic exfoliation treatments - but it is important to note that there is no strong evidence that these will help any more than the above advice. People are encouraged not to use harsh scrubs on skin and avoid having hot baths or showers.
The NHS adds: "Specialist treatments for keratosis pilaris include steroid creams and laser treatments. These types of treatments are not usually available on the NHS and can be expensive to pay for privately. While they may help relieve symptoms in some cases, they do not cure keratosis pilaris, so symptoms can come back after a course of treatment."
Should I see my doctor?
There is no need to see your doctor if you have keratosis pilaris but, if you are concerned about any rash, you should always consult a medical professional, such as trying the NHS Choices 111 service. The NHS advises you to speak to a pharmacist if:
- things you try yourself are not helping your keratosis pilaris and the condition is bothering you
- your skin becomes itchy or inflamed
- you're not sure if you need to see a GP
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