Lucas Delgado
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin. These bumps are caused by blocked hair follicles and can appear anywhere on the body that has hair follicles, including the legs. While the condition is harmless and often goes away on its own, some people may want to treat it for cosmetic reasons. Treatment options include over-the-counter moisturizers and exfoliating products, prescription topical medications, and laser therapy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Small, rough, painless bumps that resemble goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken |
| Appearance of bumps | Flesh-coloured, white, red, pink, brown, or black depending on skin tone |
| Occurrence on the body | Upper arms, thighs, cheeks, buttocks, forearms, lower legs |
| Cause | Buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the pores |
| Treatment | Moisturizers, exfoliating treatments, warm baths, hydrating lotions, microdermabrasion |
| Over-the-counter medications | Topical preparations containing lactic acid, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid, urea, or a combination of these ingredients |
| Prescription medications | Topical steroids including hydrocortisone |
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What You'll Learn
Moisturise with creams containing urea and lactic acid
Keratosis pilaris, or "chicken skin", is a common skin condition that can cause tiny, painless bumps on the skin. It is characterised by rough, spiny bumps that are usually small (1 to 2 mm) and are typically found on the thighs, arms, cheeks, and buttocks. This condition is caused by blocked hair follicles due to dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
One way to treat keratosis pilaris is to moisturise the skin with creams containing urea and lactic acid. Urea is a well-established ingredient in topical skincare that acts as a natural moisturising factor with humectant, emollient, and keratolytic properties. It helps to increase skin hydration and moisturisation, as well as exfoliate and soften the keratin that clogs pores. A clinical study evaluated the effects of a moisturising cream with 20% urea on participants with keratosis pilaris, and it was found to be generally well-tolerated and effective.
Lactic acid is another effective ingredient in treating keratosis pilaris. It is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that helps to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores. By combining moisturising and exfoliating properties, creams containing urea and lactic acid can help to smooth out the bumps and improve the texture of the skin affected by keratosis pilaris.
It is important to note that these treatments may take some time to show results and should be continued even after improvements are noticed to prevent recurrence. Additionally, it is recommended to choose non-fragranced, cream-based moisturisers and avoid abrasive exfoliants or body scrubs that can irritate the skin.
While keratosis pilaris is a harmless and common skin condition, it can cause cosmetic concerns and affect self-confidence. If you are concerned about the appearance of chicken skin on your legs or other body parts, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for personalised advice and treatment options.
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Take short, warm baths
Taking short, warm baths can help alleviate the symptoms of keratosis pilaris, also known as "chicken skin". This is because warm water helps to unclog and loosen pores, which become blocked by keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails, and dead skin cells.
It is important to keep baths short, as longer wash times can remove the body's natural oils, which may exacerbate the condition. For this reason, it is also important to avoid hot and prolonged showers.
Warm baths are a good way to treat chicken skin, as they are a gentle method of treating the skin, and will not cause irritation in the way that more abrasive treatments might. However, it is important to note that warm baths are not a cure for the condition, and it may take weeks of consistent treatment before you notice an improvement.
After taking a warm bath, it is a good idea to apply moisturiser, as this will help to seal in some of the skin's moisture. Moisturising daily is an important step in treating and preventing chicken skin, as dry skin can worsen the condition.
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Use over-the-counter corticosteroid cream for itching
If you are experiencing itchiness due to keratosis pilaris (or "chicken skin"), you may want to consider using over-the-counter corticosteroid cream to help alleviate the discomfort. This skin condition is caused by blocked hair follicles, resulting from a buildup of dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. While keratosis pilaris typically manifests as small bumps on the skin, it can occasionally cause itching.
Over-the-counter corticosteroid creams, such as hydrocortisone, can be used to address this issue. These creams have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce itching and soothe irritated skin. When choosing a corticosteroid cream, opt for one that is designed for sensitive skin and follow the instructions on the package for proper usage. It is generally recommended to apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area once or twice daily, gently rubbing it into the skin until it is absorbed.
It is important to note that while corticosteroid creams can help alleviate itching, they may not significantly improve the appearance of the bumps associated with keratosis pilaris. For that reason, you may want to consider combining their use with other treatments or products specifically formulated to address this skin condition. These can include exfoliating products, moisturizers, or other topical treatments containing ingredients like lactic acid, salicylic acid, urea, or ammonium lactate.
Consulting a dermatologist is also an option if you want more specialized advice or if your condition is particularly persistent or severe. They can recommend or prescribe stronger medications or procedures, such as laser treatment, to help manage your keratosis pilaris more effectively.
Remember, when dealing with any skin condition, it is important to be gentle with your skin and avoid harsh treatments or excessive exfoliation, as this can further irritate the skin and potentially worsen the condition.
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Try laser treatment
If over-the-counter products and at-home treatments for keratosis pilaris don't work for you, you may want to consider laser treatment. This treatment method uses a wavelength of light to remove the outside layers of skin. It can eliminate bumps, rough patches, and brown spots.
There are several types of lasers that can be used for keratosis pilaris treatment, each with varying degrees of effectiveness. Some of the most common types include:
- Fractional carbon dioxide lasers: These lasers have been shown to be effective in treating keratosis pilaris. A single session can result in a 50% improvement in skin texture.
- Pulsed light lasers: These lasers emit multiple wavelengths in each pulse (polychromatic light), which are converted into thermal energy to remove excess keratin. Multiple sessions are typically required for maximum effectiveness.
- Diode lasers: These lasers emit a specific wavelength of 810 nm and target hair follicles to unblock them. They emit photons that are converted into thermal energy in the hair follicles to eliminate excess keratin.
- Nd:YAG laser: This laser is made up of a yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) crystal doped with a neodymium ion.
It's important to note that while laser treatments generally provide satisfactory results, they are rarely permanent. Relapse is typically observed when treatments are discontinued. Laser treatment is also not recommended for pregnant women and people taking photosensitizing medication.
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See a dermatologist for prescription medication
If you have tried over-the-counter products and home remedies to treat chicken skin on your legs without success, it may be time to see a dermatologist for prescription medication. Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to develop around hair follicles. While the condition is harmless and often resolves on its own, it can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness for some people.
Dermatologists may recommend prescription topical products to treat stubborn or severe cases of keratosis pilaris. These products can help to reduce symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin. When choosing a prescription medication, it is important to consider the active ingredients that are most effective in treating keratosis pilaris. Products that contain emollients (moisturisers) and keratolytic agents are recommended. Keratolytic agents, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, glycolic acid, and retinol, help to remove dead skin cells and soften the keratin that clogs pores.
In addition to prescription topical medications, dermatologists may also suggest laser therapy as an alternative treatment option. Laser treatments, such as IPL (intense pulsed light) and CO2 fractional laser, can help to smooth the skin and lighten dark spots caused by keratosis pilaris. Microdermabrasion may also be recommended to enhance the effects of laser resurfacing treatments. It is important to note that treating keratosis pilaris may involve some trial and error, and it is always advisable to consult with a dermatologist to determine the most suitable treatment plan for your specific needs.
While prescription medications can be effective, it is worth noting that certain medical conditions and treatments may increase the risk of developing keratosis pilaris or making it worse. People with eczema, diabetes, asthma, allergies, or close blood relatives with keratosis pilaris may be more prone to the condition. Additionally, dry skin can exacerbate keratosis pilaris, leading to more frequent flare-ups during winter or in dry climates. Therefore, preventing dry skin and maintaining a gentle skincare routine are crucial steps in reducing flare-ups and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough bumps that resemble goose bumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. These bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist, including the legs.
Chicken skin is caused by blocked hair follicles, which are clogged by dead skin cells and a buildup of keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
While there is no cure for chicken skin, it often clears up on its own with age and there are treatments that can help improve the appearance of the skin.
Moisturizing is key to improving the look of chicken skin on the legs. Look for products that contain emollients (moisturizers) and keratolytic agents (a class of medications like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea) that help remove dead skin cells and soften the keratin that clogs pores. Taking short, warm baths can also help unclog and loosen pores.
If at-home treatments are not helping to improve the appearance of chicken skin on the legs, it may be worthwhile to see a dermatologist for more specialized advice and treatment options, such as prescription topical medication or laser treatment.
