Keratosis pilaris usually does not require treatment. Still, urea, AHAs, BHAs, retinoids, or corticosteroids may help improve the appearance of bumps. Some people may benefit from laser or light therapies.
Keratosis pilaris (“chicken skin” or KP) is a typically harmless skin condition that primarily affects children and teens. It occurs when keratin, a protein in your hair, builds up in the pores of your skin.
People with KP have tiny, clustered bumps in areas where hair grows, like their thighs and upper arms. Depending on your skin tone, bumps may appear white, brown, red, or pink.
KP isn’t preventable, but it may respond well to treatment. Even without treatment, it typically resolves on its own during adulthood.
When to seek medical help
KP does not usually cause physical discomfort. But if your skin is itchy or painful, speak with a dermatologist.
You should also consider consulting a dermatologist for treatment if you’re emotionally distressed or worried about the appearance of KP. Even though this condition is harmless, it may be upsetting for some people.
Several skin care ingredients can help reduce the rough bumps caused by KP. Many are available over the counter (OTC).
A dermatologist can also prescribe medicated topicals. Prescription topicals often have higher doses of the same ingredients found in OTC products, which may more effectively help relieve your symptoms.
To relieve the symptoms of KP, look for products or creams that contain these ingredients:
Urea
Urea is a humectant that breaks down keratin and reduces the buildup of dead skin in your pores.
Alpha and beta hydroxy acids
Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) chemically exfoliate your skin. That means they remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and unclog your pores.
Examples
- Lactic acid: opens clogged pores, allowing for other products to more deeply penetrate the skin
- Glycolic acid: sloughs away old and dead skin cells, leaving new ones behind
- Salicylic acid: dissolves dead skin cells, helping to brighten the skin and improve the texture
Using a chemical peel with at least 70% glycolic acid for
Keep an eye on concentrations
Products with AHAs and BHAs have varying concentrations. A concentration that’s too low may not produce the desired effects. Conversely, a too-high concentration may worsen skin inflammation.
Speaking with a dermatologist can help you find a treatment at a concentration that works for you and your skin type.
Retinoids
Retinol or an OTC retinoid, such as adapalene, may help improve your skin’s texture. It may reduce the appearance or even eliminate KP bumps.
A prescription-strength retinoid like tretinoin, which is available in multiple formulations, may be more effective at smoothing KP bumps.
Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids may help treat KP by:
- reducing or eliminating itchiness and inflammation
- softening bumps
- improving discoloration
A couple examples of available topical corticosteroids include triamcinolone and hydrocortisone.
Like acids, corticosteroids come in several concentrations. Some are available OTC, while others require a prescription.
Talking with a dermatologist can help you pinpoint the best formulation for you.
Follow directions carefully
Before changing your skin care routine, ask your dermatologist about what products might best suit your skin and any potential side effects to watch for.
Be sure to use any products only as directed. Improper use of retinoids and corticosteroids can cause more skin issues.
KP may respond positively to at-home treatments. In addition to using what your dermatologist recommends or prescribes, try these strategies:
- Take short, warm baths or showers: Hot, long showers or baths can dry out your skin, worsening the appearance of bumps.
- Use an oil-free moisturizer: Apply an oil-free moisturizer when your skin feels dry and within 5 minutes after bathing. Moisturizers that contain urea or lactic acid are good choices.
- Use fragrance-free products: Soaps, creams, and lotions that contain fragrance may irritate skin.
- Exfoliate gently: Rough scrubbing can irritate skin and worsen symptoms. Gently exfoliate your skin once a week with an AHA or retinoid.
- Use a humidifier: Keeping the air moist at home can help keep your skin moist.
- Avoid hair removal: It’s best not to wax, shave, or use hair removal cream on affected areas. This can cause irritation and more bumps. If unwanted hair is an issue, consider laser hair removal.
- Avoid self-tanners: These tend to enhance rather than hide the appearance of bumps.
If medicated creams and at-home treatments don’t work, you may want to discuss laser and light treatments with a dermatologist. This option, however, will be more costly than others.
Resurfacing laser treatments use a wavelength of light to remove the outer layer of skin, while other lasers and light-based treatments may reduce the appearance of blood vessels in the skin.
A small 2019 study of 23 Thai people with KP found that 4 weeks of intense pulsed light therapy was associated with reduced skin roughness compared to a control group.
Other laser treatments that may help improve KP include:
- pulsed-dye laser
- diode laser
- fractional carbon dioxide
A dermatologist may add microdermabrasion to a laser treatment plan for KP. This minimally invasive procedure “sands” away the outer layer of your skin.
There is no cure for KP. Still, treatment may help reduce or eliminate symptoms slowly over time.
KP usually clears on its own, without treatment. Most people with this condition see it dissipate gradually over several years. It usually resolves fully by age 30.
With proper treatment, you may start to see gradual improvement after 4 to 6 weeks, but it can take up to 12 weeks to see significant changes.
After treatment, you’ll need to continue caring for your skin with a maintenance plan to help reduce the recurrence of bumps. Once the condition resolves, daily moisturizers may be enough to maintain smooth skin.
KP usually goes away on its own without any treatment. Most people see it resolved by age 30.
Still, you can try at-home treatments and prescription creams to help eliminate bumps and improve the look of your skin.
If other treatments fail, you may also consider laser or light therapy. Talk with a dermatologist for professional guidance.