Keratosis pilaris

KP; Chicken skin; Follicular keratosis; Follicular hyperkeratosis

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.

Causes

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition. It seems to run in families. It is more common in people who have very dry skin, or who have atopic dermatitis (eczema).

The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

Small bumps that look like "goose bumps" on the back of the upper arms and thighs
Bumps feel like very rough sandpaper
Skin-colored bumps are the size of a grain of sand
Slight pinkness may be seen around some bumps
Bumps may appear on the face and be mistaken for acne

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider can usually diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Tests are often not needed.

Treatment

Treatment may include:

Moisturizing lotions to soothe the skin and help it look better
Skin creams that contain urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D
Steroid creams to reduce redness

Improvement often takes months, and the bumps are likely to come back if you stop using the medicine.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Keratosis pilaris may fade slowly with age.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if the bumps are bothersome and do not get better with lotions you buy without a prescription.

Open References

References

Bell MA, Grossberg AL. Keratosis pilaris and variants. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell DF, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 125.

Patterson JW. Diseases of cutaneous appendages. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 16.

Keratosis pilaris on the cheek - illustration
Keratosis pilaris occurs most commonly during childhood and produces small, rough spots, called papules, that are typically the same color as the skin. They usually appear over the outer surface of the upper arms and thighs, but may also occur elsewhere on the body. Dry skin, especially during winter months, makes the condition worse. Keratosis pilaris tends to be inherited and may be associated with atopic dermatitis.
Keratosis pilaris on the cheek
illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii - illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumpiness (follicular spines) which may begin at birth or during childhood or adolescence.
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii
illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii - illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumps (follicular spines) which may begin at birth, or during childhood or adolescence.
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii
illustration

Keratosis pilaris on the cheek - illustration
Keratosis pilaris occurs most commonly during childhood and produces small, rough spots, called papules, that are typically the same color as the skin. They usually appear over the outer surface of the upper arms and thighs, but may also occur elsewhere on the body. Dry skin, especially during winter months, makes the condition worse. Keratosis pilaris tends to be inherited and may be associated with atopic dermatitis.
Keratosis pilaris on the cheek
illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii - illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumpiness (follicular spines) which may begin at birth or during childhood or adolescence.
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii
illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii - illustration
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumps (follicular spines) which may begin at birth, or during childhood or adolescence.
Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii
illustration

A Closer Look

Self Care

Review Date: 11/20/2025

Reviewed By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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