MyDermaCare
Skin concerns

Keratosis pilaris

Small rough skin lifts — the so-called "chicken skin". Very common, benign and essentially aesthetic. Improves with proper care routine.

Start consultation

What is Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign and non-contagious skin condition characterized by small rough elevations — often with the appearance of "chicken skin". They appear mainly in the arms, thighs, buttocks and sometimes in the cheeks.

It is a normal variation of the skin very common, but sometimes uncomfortable aesthetically. It usually improves spontaneously with adulthood, although it never completely disappears in many people.

Signs and symptoms

  • Small rough elevations, skin colour or slightly reddish.
  • Rough feeling to the touch — "fine junk."
  • Typical distribution — outer face of arms, thighs, buttocks, sometimes cheeks.
  • Usually painless and without itching.
  • It can get worse in winter with dry air.
  • The base may turn red on sensitive skin or after aggressive exfoliation.

Causes

  • Accumulation of keratin in hair follicles, forming small tampons.
  • Genetic predisposition — very common in families.
  • Combination with dry skin and atopic dermatitis.
  • It's not an allergy, infection or disease.
  • Nothing that the person "does" cause keratosis pilaris — but some habits can aggravate it (aggressive defoliation, drying soaps).

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is clinical — the appearance and distribution are very characteristic. In an online consultation, the dermatologist evaluates photographs and a questionnaire about evolution and other skin symptoms. No additional tests are required.

Care and routine that helps

No need to "cure" — it is not a disease. The aim is to reduce roughness and improve appearance. Simple and consistent routines do more than aggressive treatments.

  • Generous daily hydration with proper emollients.
  • Short baths with warm water, avoiding hot.
  • Replace aggressive soaps with soft products.
  • Avoid aggressive mechanical exfoliation — it can worsen inflammation.
  • Photoprotection, especially if you use chemicals with exfoliants.
  • If significantly aggravated, the dermatologist may indicate specific formulations to improve appearance.

Talk to a dermatologist about your keratosis pilaris

No months-long wait for an in-person appointment. Each case reaches the dermatologist already prepared with photographs, history and questionnaire answers. Choose a report in under 24h or a booked video consultation.

Start consultation

Frequently asked questions

And is it dangerous?

Nope. The keratosis pilaris is totally benign. It evolves into nothing and has no association with other significant diseases. It's just a variation of the skin.

Is there a cure?

There is no cure in the literal sense — it is a constitutional feature of the skin. But it can be controlled and the appearance improved significantly with the right routine.

Will it pass with age?

It usually improves with adulthood, although it never disappears completely in many people. Taking good care of the skin accelerates this improvement.

Is online consultation for keratosis pilaris?

Yeah. The diagnosis is clear by photography and the plan is based on routine care — very compatible with online consultation. The dermatologist may indicate specific formulations for your case.

Improve the appearance of your skin with a dermatologist

Send photos and answer the questionnaire. A dermatologist defines the right routine for you — on average, useful 24 hours.