Is That “Chicken Skin” You’re In? What to Do about Keratosis Pilaris (KP)
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a dry skin condition most commonly located on the upper arms and sometimes on the upper thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. It is caused by dry skin cells getting trapped in the hair follicles. This leads to sandpaper-like bumps and a reddish-brown, spotty appearance. KP may run in families, along with eczema, environmental allergies, asthma, and food allergies.
KP is not contagious or harmful. Most patients are annoyed by the appearance and in some cases, the skin may feel itchy. This condition may get worse in the winter. It is harmless but motivated patients may see the benefits of treatment.
Tips for Smooth, Healthy-Appearing Skin:
Keep skin moisturized and hydrated.
Post-shower daily, apply a skin-softening moisturizer directly to damp skin.
To gently soften and exfoliate the skin, look for ingredients such as salicylic acid, retinol, glycolic acid, ammonium lactate, and uric acid in body moisturizers.
Cleansers containing salicylic acid and/or glycolic acid can be helpful.
Avoid the temptation to aggressively exfoliate, as this may lead to more dryness and redness.
Any questions? Not sure if you have KP? Consult one of our board-certified dermatologists. Please contact SSDP to schedule an appointment with any of our physicians.
