Mia Patel
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to appear on the skin. It is caused by blocked hair follicles, which show up in places that have hair, such as the backs of the arms, the front of the thighs, the cheeks, the buttocks, and the neck. While the condition is harmless and often resolves on its own, it can be prevented and treated with a few simple steps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of skin condition | Benign, harmless, non-painful |
| Appearance | Small, rough, dry bumps that resemble the skin of a plucked chicken or goose bumps |
| Colour | White, Red, Pink, Brown, Black, or skin-coloured |
| Skin type | More common in people with fair skin |
| Age | Common in children, teenagers, and young adults |
| Causes | Blocked hair follicles due to excess keratin and dead skin cells |
| Treatment | No cure, but symptoms can be managed with exfoliation, moisturizers, keratolytics, laser hair removal, and topical treatments |
| Prevention | Avoid dry skin by maintaining a gentle skincare routine and avoiding abrasive apparatus |
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What You'll Learn
Exfoliate gently with a washcloth or loofah
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to appear on the skin. It is caused by blocked hair follicles, which are clogged with dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails. While the condition is harmless and tends to resolve on its own by the time one reaches their 30s, it can be bothersome for some people.
Exfoliating the skin gently with a washcloth or loofah can help remove dead skin cells from the surface. It is important to avoid scrubbing the skin, as this can irritate the skin and worsen the condition. Instead, gently slough off the dead skin cells with a washcloth, loofah, or even a buff puff.
After exfoliating, it is essential to apply a moisturiser to prevent the skin from drying out. Moisturisers that contain lactic acid or urea are recommended. If standard moisturisers are ineffective, a medicated cream containing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) can be used. Oil-free moisturisers or ointments are also preferable, as they help prevent clogged pores.
It is also beneficial to use chemical exfoliators or keratolytics, which help remove the buildup of dead skin cells. However, it is important to follow the directions when using keratolytics, as overuse can lead to raw and irritated skin.
By following these steps, you can help minimise the appearance of chicken skin on the neck and improve the overall health of your skin.
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Use chemical exfoliators and keratolytics
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a harmless skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to develop around hair follicles. It is caused by blocked hair follicles, which are clogged with dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails.
To prevent chicken skin on your neck, or to reduce its appearance, chemical exfoliators and keratolytics can be used. These products help to remove the build-up of dead skin cells.
There are a few main types of keratolytic agents:
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): Lactic acid and glycolic acid are the most popular AHAs to reduce keratosis pilaris symptoms. They gently dissolve dead skin cells and lead to cell turnover, creating smoother, more even-toned skin.
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs): Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Like AHAs, it helps to buff away dead skin cells and unclogs pores.
- Urea: This ingredient is both a humectant, which draws moisture to the skin, and an exfoliator. This means it can moisturize the skin while also reducing dead skin buildup.
When using chemical exfoliators and keratolytics, it is important to also use a moisturizer to prevent the skin from becoming dry. This can be done at least 2-3 times throughout the day.
It is also recommended to avoid abrasive apparatus on the skin, such as exfoliating sponges, loofahs, gloves or brushes, as these can do more harm than good.
It is important to note that there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, so these treatments may need to be used a few times a week to maintain results.
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Moisturise with oil-free ointments and creams
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to develop around hair follicles. It is caused by a build-up of keratin, a natural protein found in skin, hair and nails, which blocks the hair follicles.
While there is no cure for chicken skin, it is possible to manage the condition and prevent flare-ups with a good skincare routine. Moisturising with oil-free ointments and creams is an effective way to prevent dryness and minimise keratin buildup, reducing the appearance of chicken skin.
It is important to moisturise regularly, especially after bathing when the skin is still damp. Look for emollients, deeply hydrating creams that contain oils to help keep the skin soft and hydrated. Creams containing urea are particularly effective for exfoliation and moisturisation. Lotions containing glycolic acid are also recommended for their ability to reduce redness and minimise bumps, although they may be irritating on sensitive skin.
If standard moisturisers are ineffective, medicated creams containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid can help. These chemical exfoliants smooth rough and bumpy skin and improve skin texture. However, it is important to be cautious when using AHAs, as they can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
In addition to moisturising, it is recommended to exfoliate the skin gently with a washcloth or loofah to remove dead skin cells from the surface. This can be followed by the application of a chemical exfoliator or keratolytic to further help remove dead skin cells and prevent keratin buildup.
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Avoid abrasive brushes and sponges
Keratosis pilaris, or "chicken skin", is a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin's surface, resembling the skin of a plucked chicken. While the condition is harmless and typically doesn't require medical treatment, it can cause discomfort and self-consciousness.
To prevent and manage chicken skin, it is important to avoid using abrasive brushes and sponges on the affected areas. While exfoliation is an important step in managing keratosis pilaris, the use of abrasive tools can cause further irritation and damage to the skin.
The skin affected by keratosis pilaris is already sensitive and prone to dryness and itching. Aggressive exfoliation with brushes or sponges can strip the skin of its natural oils, exacerbating these issues. This can lead to increased skin cell turnover and further blockages of the hair follicles, making the condition worse.
Instead of using abrasive brushes or sponges, opt for gentle physical exfoliants such as a soft washcloth or exfoliating gloves. Chemical exfoliants, such as creams or lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), can also be effective in breaking down the keratin buildup without causing irritation.
Remember, the key to managing keratosis pilaris is to treat the skin gently and avoid any practices that may cause further irritation. This includes maintaining a gentle skincare routine, moisturizing regularly, and avoiding harsh soaps or chemicals that can dry out the skin.
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Consider laser hair removal
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, discoloured bumps to appear on the skin's surface. It is caused by blocked hair follicles, which are clogged with dead skin cells and keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails. While the condition is harmless, it can be a source of insecurity for many people.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective treatment option for people with chicken skin. The treatment uses a laser to emit wavelengths of light, targeting the pigment of the hair, which is held in the hair follicle. When the pigment absorbs these wavelengths, the hair follicle is destroyed, preventing further hair growth. Since the laser hair removal process destroys hair follicles, it also prevents any keratin from blocking the follicle and causing tiny bumps.
While laser hair removal can be an effective treatment for chicken skin, it is important to note that it may take several treatments to see results. It is also crucial to consult a dermatologist or laser specialist to determine if it is a suitable treatment option for your specific case of chicken skin. Additionally, it is important to work with a licensed medical professional who has experience treating keratosis pilaris with a laser.
In addition to laser hair removal, there are other treatments available to help improve the appearance of chicken skin and reduce symptoms. These include using moisturisers, gentle exfoliation, topical creams, and prescription medications. It is recommended to start with over-the-counter skincare products and give them time to work before seeking prescription treatments.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common and harmless skin condition that causes small, rough bumps to appear on the skin’s surface. These bumps can look similar to the skin of a plucked chicken.
Chicken skin is caused by blocked hair follicles, which is why it only shows up in places that have hair. The bumps consist of dead skin cells and excess keratin, a protein found in skin, hair and nails.
Chicken skin often flares when the skin becomes dry, so applying a moisturizer can help prevent it. It's best to select a thick, oil-free cream or ointment rather than a lotion. Moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acid are recommended.
There is no cure for chicken skin, but it usually clears up on its own with age. Other treatments that may help include exfoliating treatments, warm baths, and hydrating lotions.
