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Chicken Skin (Keratosis Pilaris): Why You Just Can't Get Rid of It

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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

Rhonda

I have a small patch on my leg and ALWAYS point it out to the dermatologist when I go for my "humilating" yearly appointment. Living in south Florida and all the previous sun damage I did when I was young thinking a red-head COULD be tan.........I make sure to get checked yearly......just "another" part of getting older :)

July 10, 2009 - 7:29am

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Alison Vavra

Yes, very true... its not just women, its 40-50% of the population. I think women tend to be more concerned with it since its not the prettiest thing to look at.

And Rhonda... my dad has it on his arms I think.

July 10, 2009 - 7:18am

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

It's not 40-50% of just women it's the entire population.

July 10, 2009 - 7:00am

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Rhonda

So to whom in the "family" do we have to thank for this also??????? LOL!!!

July 10, 2009 - 5:54am

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Alison Vavra

I honestly never really thought about the KP on my arms because it never bothered me and I never knew what it was. I hope you and your daughter find something that works for her! I did read that it usually gets a little better as kids grow older so maybe its just a rough few years she will have to be frustrated.

July 9, 2009 - 8:58pm

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alysiak

Thank you for sharing this. My daughter has keratosis and sometimes gets so frustrated trying to deal with it. She's also very pale, so her condition often looks like a pinkish rash.

I'll have her try a salicylic acid-based product to see if that will help.

July 9, 2009 - 4:49pm

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to alysiak)

I'm the same way. Pale, with kp.
Nothing helps. I wish I could help you. I'm a teenage girl as well, and some days I get so depressed about it I don't even want to leave the house. It is a terrible thing to have, and I'm very upset that doctors aren't doing more to try to figure out how to cure it.

February 13, 2010 - 10:47pm

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EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous (reply to Anonymous)

i agree.. i am so frustrated.. doctors maybe sometimes not helpfull.. my doctor gave me triderm ointment to heal kp within 6 weeks.. it didnt work out so well.. infact.. it worsen the kp.. i dont know what to do.. i just cant get rid of it..

September 30, 2010 - 10:21pm

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wendi
(reply to Anonymous)

Have you tried using a loofa. It really works. Use a body wash like Nivea or something that won't dry out your skin. Pat it dry and use lotion with salycylic acid or gycolic twice a day and you will see a huge difference. Some self tanners help mine symtoms too. Just keep reading different sites and maybe someone will give you some great info. I know it is a pain and when I was a teenager I did not date much because of it and still don't like people touching my leg. In school in the locker room girls would say ohhh she has goose bumps..I hate it too..Just try things that might work for you. Good luck

July 28, 2010 - 2:38am

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Alison Vavra
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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.