Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetic disorder of keratinization of hair follicles of the skin.

It is an
extremely common benign condition that manifests as small, rough folliculocentric keratotic
papules, often described as chicken bumps, chicken skin, or goose bumps, in characteristic areas
of the body, particularly the outer-upper arms and thighs. Although no clear etiology has been
defined, keratosis pilaris is often described in association with other dry skin conditions such as
ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and, less commonly, with atopic dermatitis, including conditions of
asthma and allergies.[1]
Keratosis pilaris affects nearly 50-80% of all adolescents and approximately 40% of adults. It is
frequently noted in otherwise asymptomatic patients visiting dermatologists for other conditions.
Most people with keratosis pilaris are unaware the condition has a designated medical term or
that it is treatable. In general, keratosis pilaris is frequently cosmetically displeasing but
medically harmless.
Overall, keratosis pilaris is described as a condition of childhood and adolescence. Although it
often becomes more exaggerated at puberty, it frequently improves with age. However, many
adults have keratosis pilaris late into senescence. Approximately 30-50% of patients have a
positive family history. Autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance has been
described.
Seasonal variation is sometimes described, with improvement of symptoms in summer months.
Dry skin in winter tends to worsen symptoms for some groups of patients. Overall, keratosis
pilaris is self-limited and, again, tends to improve with age in many patients. Some patients have
lifelong keratosis pilaris with periods of remissions and exacerbations. More widespread atypical
cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing.
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetically based disorder of hyperkeratinization of the
skin. An excess formation and/or buildup of keratin is thought to cause the abrasive
goose-bump texture of the skin. In these patients, the process of keratinization (the
formation of epidermal skin) is faulty. One theory is that surplus skin cells build up
around individual hair follicles. The individual follicular bumps are often caused by a
hair that is unable to reach the surface and becomes trapped beneath the keratin
debris. Often, patients develop mild erythema around the hair follicles, which is
indicative of the inflammatory condition. Often, a small, coiled hair can be seen
beneath the papule. Not all the bumps have associated hairs underneath. Papules
are thought to arise from excessive accumulation of keratin at the follicular orifice.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is overall a very common condition and is present worldwide. Keratosis
pilaris affects 50-80% of adolescents and approximately 40% of adults worldwide.
In India and other countries, a specific condition called erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et
colli is described. This is an unusual condition with a possible genetic or other relationship to

keratosis pilaris. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli is characterized by the triad of

hyperpigmentation, follicular plugging, and erythema of the face and neck.[2, 3]

Mortality/Morbidity
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity. Often, patients are
bothered by the cosmetic appearance of their skin and its rough, gooseflesh texture. Obesity has
been implicated in a wide spectrum of dermatologic diseases, including keratosis pilaris.[4]
Keratosis pilaris is commonly present in otherwise healthy individuals and does not have any
known, long-term health implications.
Age of onset of keratosis pilaris (KP) is often within the first decade of life;
symptoms particularly intensify during puberty. However, keratosis pilaris may
manifest in persons of any age and is common in young children. Some authorities
believe individuals can outgrow the disorder by early adulthood, but often this is not
the case

Keratosis pilaris (KP) patients often report a rough texture (gooseflesh appearance)
and overall poor cosmetic appearance of their skin. Eruptions are usually
asymptomatic, except for occasional pruritus. Many people with keratosis pilaris are
unaware the skin condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In
general, keratosis pilaris is often cosmetically displeasing but, medically, is
completely harmless. Keratosis pilaris is frequently noted in otherwise healthy,
asymptomatic patients visiting dermatologists and other physicians for unrelated
skin conditions.