Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that causes dry skin and tiny bumps. It usually affects your arms, thighs or bottom.
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include patches of dry, rough and bumpy skin.
You may be able to help keratosis pilaris using moisturisers and mild, unperfumed bathing products.
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include patches of dry, rough and bumpy skin.
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris may include:
Dry, rough skin.
Painless small bumps on your skin.
You usually get patches of small bumps on your arms, thighs or bottom, but they can appear in other places.
The bumps can be red, white, skin-toned or darker than your skin.
The skin can sometimes feel itchy, and may be better in summer and worse in winter.
You may be able to help keratosis pilaris using moisturisers and mild, unperfumed bathing products.
Most people with keratosis pilaris have it for years, and it may eventually clear up by itself.
Until it does, there are things you can do to help improve the appearance of your skin.
moisturise your skin – ask a pharmacist what's most suitable for you
use mild and unperfumed soaps and bathing products
gently scrub your skin with a washcloth or exfoliating mitt
have cool or lukewarm showers and baths
pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it after washing
do not use perfumed soaps or bathing products that can dry out your skin
do not use harsh scrubs on your skin – this can make it worse
do not have hot baths or showers
do not scratch, pick or rub your skin
They can recommend creams or lotion to help your skin. They can also tell you whether you need to see a GP.