Emily Carter
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, hard bumps on the skin, particularly the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. The bumps are caused by a build-up of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infections, which blocks the hair follicles or pores. While the condition is harmless and usually disappears by the age of 30, it can cause cosmetic concerns and self-consciousness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common name | Chicken skin |
| Medical name | Keratosis pilaris |
| Description | Small, painless bumps that resemble goose bumps or the skin of a plucked chicken |
| Causes | Buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infections; the buildup blocks hair follicles |
| Appearance | Bumps can be skin-coloured, red, brown, white, pink, or black, depending on skin tone |
| Location | Upper arms, thighs, cheeks, buttocks, face, and forearms |
| Skin type | More common in people with fair skin and dry skin |
| Age | Common in babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers; usually clears up by age 30 |
| Treatment | No cure; treatments include moisturisers, exfoliating treatments, warm baths, hydrating lotions, and skin creams |
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What You'll Learn
Keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition
Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, hard bumps on the skin, especially on the arms, legs, or buttocks. These bumps are often the same colour as the skin, but they can also appear red, brown, white, pink, or black, depending on skin tone. The condition is characterised by patches of rough, bumpy skin that resemble goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken, earning it the nickname "chicken skin".
Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infections. This excess keratin blocks the openings of hair follicles or pores, leading to the formation of small bumps. While the reason for the keratin buildup is unknown, it is believed to have a genetic component and is more common in people with dry skin. Keratosis pilaris tends to worsen during winter when the air is drier and improves in the summer as skin hydration increases.
The condition is typically diagnosed through a physical examination of the skin by a dermatologist or healthcare provider. Medical testing is usually unnecessary, as the characteristic appearance and location of the bumps are distinctive. However, in some cases, an allergy test or a biopsy may be conducted for further evaluation.
While there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, it is a benign condition that usually improves with age and often disappears by the age of 30. To manage the condition and improve skin appearance, individuals can adopt a gentle skincare routine that includes moisturising and mild exfoliation. Topical creams, lotions, and cleansers can also help enhance the skin's texture and reduce the cosmetic concerns associated with "chicken skin".
Keratosis pilaris is most common in children, adolescents, and young adults, with a higher prevalence in females. It tends to clear up as individuals transition from adolescence to adulthood, and it rarely persists beyond the age of 30.
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Buildup of keratin, a hair protein
Keratosis pilaris, also known as "chicken skin", is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough bumps to appear on the skin. These bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin, a hair protein, in the pores. Keratosis pilaris is characterised by the appearance of possibly itchy, small, gooseflesh-like bumps, with varying degrees of reddening or inflammation. The condition is typically more common in babies, toddlers, children, and teenagers, and it often worsens around puberty. It usually clears up by the time a person reaches their mid-20s, with most cases completely gone by age 30.
Keratosis pilaris bumps happen when keratin clogs (blocks) the pores instead of flaking off. The excess keratin surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore, forming hard plugs. Many keratosis pilaris bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled due to the keratinized skin "capping off" the hair follicle and preventing the hair from exiting. This process is known as hyperkeratinization.
The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist and will never appear on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. Keratosis pilaris is common on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, back, and buttocks. It can also extend to the forearms and lower legs. The bumps can appear in different colours (flesh-coloured, white, red, pink, brown, or black) depending on skin tone.
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but it can be treated or prevented from worsening. Various treatments can improve the cosmetic appearance of the condition, such as topical creams, moisturizers, exfoliating treatments, warm baths, and hydrating lotions. Over-the-counter moisturizers with ammonium lactate and alpha hydroxyl acids, such as AmLactin® or CeraVe SA® cream, are recommended for rough, bumpy skin. Additionally, medicated vitamin A creams, such as Retin-A®, can help decrease the buildup of keratin. However, it is important to be cautious when using these creams as overuse can irritate the skin.
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Dry skin and winter months
Dry skin is more common in the winter months than in the warmer months. This is due to the changes in humidity and temperature, which create the perfect conditions for causing dry skin. The epidermis, or outermost layer of the skin, tends to reflect the level of humidity around it. When the humidity drops, so does the water content of the epidermis.
The cold, dry air outside and the dry heat from indoor heating systems can strip the skin of its natural, moisturising oils. Taking hot baths or showers can also damage the surface of the skin, leading to dryness. Using harsh soaps and rubbing the skin vigorously when drying it can also contribute to skin damage.
To combat dry skin in the winter, it is recommended to:
- Use a humidifier in your home, set to around 60%.
- Limit yourself to one 5- to 10-minute bath or shower daily, using lukewarm water.
- Minimise your use of soaps, opting for moisturising preparations or soap-free cleansers.
- Avoid deodorant soaps, perfumed soaps, and alcohol products, which can strip away natural oils.
- Avoid bath sponges, scrub brushes, and washcloths.
- Apply moisturiser immediately after bathing or washing your hands.
- Wear soft fibre fabrics that won't irritate the skin, such as cotton or silk.
- Use fragrance-free laundry detergents and avoid fabric softeners.
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Genetic predisposition
Keratosis pilaris (KP), commonly known as "chicken skin", is a benign skin condition that is believed to have a genetic component. KP is characterised by the appearance of small, painless bumps on the skin, particularly on the outer sides of the upper arms, thighs, face, back, and buttocks. While the exact cause of KP is not fully understood, it is associated with a build-up of keratin, a protein that helps form hair, nails, and the skin's outer layer.
Several genetic factors are associated with KP. Firstly, it is linked to a disorder of keratinization, where excess keratin clogs hair follicles, forming bumps on the skin. This build-up of keratin is a result of hyperkeratinization, a process influenced by genetic traits. Secondly, certain genetic syndromes increase the likelihood of developing KP. These include Down syndrome, hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, and ichthyosis vulgaris, a skin condition characterised by dry, scaly skin.
Additionally, KP is often associated with other genetic skin conditions, such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and allergies. Individuals with fair or light skin also have a higher predisposition to KP. While the exact genetic mechanisms are not fully elucidated, it is clear that genetics plays a crucial role in the development of KP.
In summary, while KP is a common condition that can affect anyone, genetic factors significantly influence its development and manifestation. The presence of KP in family members, certain genetic syndromes, and associated skin conditions all contribute to an increased risk of developing KP. Understanding the genetic predisposition to KP can help individuals recognise their susceptibility to the condition and seek appropriate management strategies if needed.
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Treatments and skincare routines
The "chicken skin" appearance on the back of your arms is a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris, which is characterised by small red or flesh-coloured bumps that give the skin the appearance of "gooseflesh". It is caused by excess keratin plugging the hair follicles, resulting in the formation of bumps. While the condition is harmless and typically doesn't require treatment, there are several self-care tips and treatments that can help improve its appearance:
- Moisturise your skin: Keratosis pilaris often flares up when the skin becomes dry. Therefore, applying a thick, oil-free, non-fragranced, cream-based moisturiser can help prevent dry skin and improve the condition.
- Exfoliate gently: Exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells from the skin's surface, smoothing the skin and flattening the bumps. It can be done physically using a loofah, buff puff, or rough washcloth, or chemically using keratolytics, which are topical exfoliant preparations. However, be cautious not to scrub or exfoliate too vigorously, as it can irritate the skin and worsen the condition. It is recommended to exfoliate two to three times a week and slowly increase as needed.
- Use a humidifier: Using a humidifier can help improve skin moisture levels and prevent dryness, which is a trigger for keratosis pilaris.
- Apply topical treatments: Topical over-the-counter medications containing lactic acid, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid, urea, or a combination of these ingredients can help diminish the appearance of bumps.
- Choose appropriate clothing: Avoid thick, tight, or abrasive clothing, such as wool or spandex, as they can irritate the skin and trigger flare-ups.
- Use soap-free body cleansers: Opt for gentle, soap-free body cleansers instead of harsh soaps on the affected skin to prevent further irritation and dryness.
- Avoid hot and prolonged baths: Prolonged exposure to hot water can dry out the skin, so it is advisable to limit bath time and use warm water instead of hot water.
- Avoid picking at the bumps: Picking at the bumps can irritate the skin and potentially lead to infection.
While these treatments can help manage the condition, it is important to note that there is currently no cure for keratosis pilaris. The condition usually improves with age and may clear up on its own by the time an individual reaches their 30s. If the condition bothers you, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist for a personalised treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicken skin, or keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes small, rough bumps that look like goose bumps or the skin of a plucked chicken.
Chicken skin is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infections. The excess keratin blocks hair follicles and pores, leading to the formation of bumps. It is often influenced by dry skin and tends to worsen in the winter months.
While there is no cure for chicken skin, it typically clears up on its own by the age of 30. Moisturizers, exfoliating treatments, warm baths, and hydrating lotions can help manage symptoms and improve the appearance of the skin.
