Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3786 LivesSaved
3568 Lives1 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
An estimated 40- 50 percent of women have Keratosis Pilaris (KP), affectionately known as Chicken Skin. I was unfamiliar with the term until yesterday when I read an article that mentioned the ailment. It makes perfect sense when I think about it, or when I look at my arms—rough, bumpy patches of skin that do, in fact, resemble that of a chicken.
I have always noticed people with KP on their arms and noticed it on my own, but I never knew what it was called, what caused it, or how common it really is. KP occurs when excess keratin (a protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails) accumulates in hair follicles on the body. It can be found most commonly on the arms and thighs but can also occur on the back, torso, buttocks, and in some cases, the face.
KP is an inherited skin condition (sorry, if you have it, you're probably stuck with it). If a parent is affected there is a 1 in 2 chance that the offspring will also be affected. It is more prevalent in childhood and dissipates with age but it is not uncommon for adults to show symptoms. KP causes the skin to become dry and sometimes itchy and is usually worse in the winter because skin becomes much drier in the winter months. KP cannot be transmitted from one person to another by touch; it is not contagious or infectious. The bumps associated with KP are spiky, rough, and can look like goose bumps that do not go away.
Although there is no cure for KP, many dermatologists believe that keeping skin moisturized will help. Of course, there are a lot of products on the market that claim to help reduce the appearance of Chicken Skin. Skin creams or ointments containing lactic acid or salicylic acid, which are readily available at drugstores, have been shown to have better results than those containing no acids.
The bottom line: if you are looking to improve the appearance of your KP, there is no need to buy expensive moisturizing creams from department or specialty stores. Find a cheaper moisturizer at a drugstore (Wal Mart, Target, CVS, etc…) that contains salicylic or lactic acid and use it to keep the skin affected by KP moisturized. It may not completely get rid of it, but at least you will improve the appearance without spending an arm and a chicken leg!
Add a Comment29 Comments
You can read this article:
August 19, 2015 - 12:49pmhttp://todotab.com/how-to-get-rid-of-chicken-skinkeratosis-pilarisbumpy-skin/
This Comment
I have experienced this since I was a child. I've searched things about this as deep as I could to find the effective method. Well I have found some ways on the internet but some worked, and some don't. Until I have found some natural ways to effectively stop KP. Natural ways = Less cost! And you dont have to spend a fortune to pay for the dermatologist which is only temporary. I have carefully handpicked some methods that works for me and I hope it will work for you too! http://www.diseasepreventionfordummies.tk
July 12, 2015 - 8:25pmThis Comment
I had keratosis pilaris for about 20 years and it finally improved when I started taking a cod liver supplement. I think it's the combination of Vit. D (which is why sun works for some people) and Vit. A (which can also be useful externally, either in the form of a retinol-based cream or by using something like shea butter where it is naturally occurring)*. I tried a number of moisturizers and creams and have found that the only thing that has really worked is the Vit.A/D combo in cod liver oil.
* Do note that both vitamins are oil soluble and you can take too much; follow suggested dosage. If you use Vit. A/ retinol on the skin, it breaks down with sunlight and might be better taken at night.
March 4, 2015 - 2:39pmThis Comment
I had this when I was younger but for the most part, I don't anymore. I have some on my legs (back of calves) but the rest is gone. What works for me is exfoliating (like, daily) with an exfoliation mitt, shaving regularly (sloughs off dead skin), and moisturizing. Another thing that makes a big difference for me is using a cream-based shower gel, not a clear one. Clear shower gels make my chicken skin worse and more dry, the creamy ones seem to moisturize it and keep it happy. If it's really bad, you can buy 12% AHA cream at the drug store (for your face) and just apply it on the chicken skin areas every few nights. It helped mine a lot. I finally got it to the point where it's basically gone. Tanning or using a self tanner also helps to hide it, if you can't get it to go away entirely.
February 28, 2015 - 2:17pmThis Comment
I am a life-long keratosis pilaris sufferer, and have constantly been trying to find something that works. I've been to the dermatologist many times for help and have been prescribed a variety of medicines without success. Needless to say I've been more than frustrated and had just about given up looking for help.
February 13, 2015 - 6:38amThen I stumbled upon this natural remedy ( http://the-natural-way.info/Best-Treatment-For-KP.php ) and thought I'd give it one last try. only a few days later I was seeing results! My skin is finally clear! This is the only treatment I've ever used that has helped.
This Comment
I'm a male and I believe I have this. Is it possible for males to get this? I've only seen females on these article. Mine looks exactly like some of these pictures. It's located On my triceps(back of my arms). It doesn't itch at all but it feels rougher than the rest of my skin. I'm 18 and I've had it for about 3 or 4 years I think. Maybe longer. I heard cocoa butter helps it to clear.
January 19, 2015 - 11:44amThis Comment
I've tried so many ways to treat my keratosis pilaris. I have them on my arms and all over my legs. I hate it so much. I wear jeans in the summer because I want to cover them. The sight disgusts me. I wish I could wear dresses and shorts like all the other girls in my school and not have to worry about a thing. I just stare at girls legd and wish I had normal skin like theirs.
July 8, 2014 - 3:11pmThis Comment
Keratosis pilaris is not a dangerous or malignant medical condition, therefore, treatment is not necessary, but many seek it due to cosmetic reasons. Creams and lotions are the most common treatments, although many prefer to take pills that promote healthy skin as well, such as biotin. The creams and lotions can have a variety of ingredients, including general acne prevention ingredients such as salicylic acid as well as moisturizers such as Vitamin D and E. Steroid creams can be used to reduce redness. Remedies such as using coconut oils to treat keratosis pilaris is one of the options available for ones that looks for a cheaper way to get rid the skin condition.
http://www.keratosispilaris101.com/keratosis-pilaris-treatment-cure/
July 5, 2014 - 7:31amThis Comment
I started noticing my KP around 15 (I'm 20 now) and since then have always been self conscious about them. My mom said that she used to have them, and now her upper arms are completely smooth and dot-less. If hers faded with age, will mine get better also as I get older?
September 4, 2013 - 11:07amThis Comment
This helps me a lot, knowing that more people have what i have. I get so frustrated looking at the other girls in school with the perfect smooth skin and wish I could have that. It's very hard to wear tank tops or dresses knowing that your ugly bumps on your arms are showing. I wish they just went away. But I will do what you say and put lotion on and everything hopefully they go away a little.
Avon had a lotion just for people having chicken skin. that worked! i used it and the bumps got super soft and some went away!! but I cant find it on Avon anymore..
September 28, 2011 - 6:10pmThis Comment