Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)

Overview

Extra keratin plugs hair follicles.

It often runs in families and gets better with age.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Tiny rough bumps on the arms or thighs

Less common

• Red cheeks

When to get medical care

Causes

Keratin buildup in hair follicles.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Eczema
• Dry skin
• Family history

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can tell by looking.

The exam

A skin check.

Treatment

Smoothing creams help.

Self-care

• Use moisturizers with urea or lactic acid
• Take short, lukewarm showers
• Use a humidifier
• Don't scrub hard

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To help:

• Moisturize daily

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless; often fades with age.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)