How to get rid of Keratosis Pilaris (KP), "Chicken Skin" or "Strawberry Legs"
Help! Do you get those small, hard bumps on your skin too? The ones that never seem to go away? Don’t worry, you’re not alone!
Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common skin condition affecting nearly 40% of adults. It usually appears as small, hard bumps, often surrounded by red patches, on the upper arms, legs, or buttocks. In young children, it can also show up on the cheeks. It can look like goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken, and sometimes people mistake the bumps for small pimples.
While KP can’t be "cured" or "treated" completely, there are ways to manage it and reduce its appearance!
Causes of Keratosis Pilaris
KP is a genetic skin condition characterized by small bumps and dry, rough patches. It’s caused by extra keratin in your skin (the same building block for hair, skin, and nails), which leads to dead skin cells clogging hair follicles. This buildup can also cause inflammation, leading to redness around each follicle. KP is most commonly found on the arms, legs, and thighs. Don’t worry!
KP is a harmless skin condition, even though it might not look great. It can also cause itchiness and irritation if there's constant friction between your skin and your clothes.
Why do we have it?
Did you know that KP is hereditary?
Despite how common KP is, it’s not clear why some people get it and others don’t. Keratosis Pilaris usually starts early in life, and fewer adults have it because the condition often improves over time. It’s more common in people with a history of eczema, asthma, hay fever, extremely dry skin, or in those with family members who have the condition.
While KP is usually harmless, it often gets worse in winter and improves in summer. Dry skin and arid climates can make KP worse because skin cells cling more and shed less when dry. Higher humidity and sunlight can help control KP, so getting some sun might be beneficial!
How can I manage Keratosis Pilaris?
If you're not happy with the appearance of your KP, there are some techniques you can try at home to manage it. While the condition can't be cured, self-care treatments can help reduce bumps, itching, and irritation!
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Regular exfoliation helps remove excess dead skin and dirt, making your skin cleaner, smoother, and softer. This reduces the chance of clogged hair follicles and can help lessen the appearance of KP. The best part? You don’t need extra products—just add water! Remember to gently scrub your skin, as KP can make it sensitive.
When you exfoliate, you remove dead skin cells from the surface. Using the CheekyGlo Exfoliating Glove regularly can significantly improve your skin's appearance. Dermatologists recommend gently using tools like these to help reduce the look of bumps.
