Keratosis Pilaris: What are Those Bumps on Your Arms?

This common skin condition is harmless (and treatable)

Noticing small bumps on your skin? It could be a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris.

What is keratosis pilaris?

“Keratosis pilaris (or KP) is a common skin condition where people get small bumps on their arms due to keratin buildup within the hair follicles,” says Mikael Horissian, MD, dermatologist at Geisinger. Keratin is a protein that helps form your hair, nails and outer layers of skin. When too much keratin builds up, it can form small, hard bumps on your skin. These bumps look like chicken skin. And they can appear anywhere on your body, including:

Arms
Thighs
Buttocks
Neck
Cheeks

Note: Although the bumps are usually red, depending on your skin tone the redness may be less noticeable and can appear as brown or dark bumps.

It typically starts early in life.

“Keratosis pilaris is most common in babies, young children and teens,” Dr. Horissian says. For most people, the condition starts anywhere between age 2 and your early teens. KP typically starts to improve around your 20s.

Finding the cause

KP is most common in patients with eczema and some rare genetic disorders. “Keratosis pilaris is also believed to run in families,” says Dr. Horissian. “If your parent had it, you may be more likely to develop it.”

Treating the bumps

Although KP can go away on its own, treatments are available to improve the appearance of your skin. Your healthcare provider may recommend some or all of these.

Turn to home remedies

When it comes to keratosis pilaris treatments, a few simple things you can do at home can make a big difference. Not sure where to start? Consider:

Gentle exfoliation
Using products designed for sensitive skin
Moisturizing regularly

“Taking care of your skin at home can reduce symptoms and improve your skin’s appearance,” says Dr. Horissian.

If home remedies don’t work, your provider may recommend a medicated cream.

There are a few different types and each one works differently. Lotions or creams used to treat KP may contain any of these ingredients:

Lactic or salicylic acid
Topical steroids for itchiness
Retinoids

Clearer skin awaits

If your symptoms are severe, or they don’t go away with treatment, consider talking to your healthcare provider. They can help you find the right remedy to help your skin look its best. And help you control flareups.