Keratosis Pilaris: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Keratosis Pilaris?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, usually treats keratosis pilaris. Many people first mention the bumps to a primary care doctor. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition. In it, a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs inside hair follicles, the tiny openings that hair grows from. It is harmless. It is also called chicken skin.
Symptoms
Common signs include:
- Small bumps like goose bumps on the back of the upper arms and thighs.
- Bumps that feel like very rough sandpaper.
- Skin-colored bumps the size of a grain of sand.
- Slight pinkness around some bumps.
Bumps on the face may be mistaken for acne. The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer.
Causes and who gets it
Keratosis pilaris is not contagious. It happens when dead skin cells clog hair follicles. It seems to run in families.
It is more common in people who have very dry skin or eczema, also called atopic dermatitis.
People of all ages and races can have it. It often starts before age 2 or in the teenage years. Women are a bit more likely to have it.
You are also more likely to have it if you have one or more of the following:
- Close blood relatives who have keratosis pilaris.
- Asthma.
- Hay fever.
- Ichthyosis vulgaris, a skin condition that causes very dry skin.
How doctors diagnose it
A health care provider can usually diagnose it by looking at your skin. Tests are often not needed.
Treatment
You do not have to treat keratosis pilaris. Treatment can help if the itch, dryness, or look of the bumps bothers you.
Moisturizing lotions can soothe the skin and help it look better. Skin creams with ingredients such as urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid may also help. Some people use a steroid cream to reduce redness.
You can apply a moisturizer within 5 minutes of getting out of the bath or shower, while your skin is still damp. Some people need to try a few treatments before they find one that works.
A dermatologist may suggest gently removing dead skin with a loofah. Lasers may work when moisturizer and medicine fail.
Improvement often takes months, and the bumps are likely to come back if you stop using the medicine. For many people, keratosis pilaris goes away with time, even without treatment.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if the bumps bother you and do not get better with lotions you buy without a prescription. If you see no improvement after following a treatment plan for 4 to 6 weeks, tell your dermatologist.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care doctor can look at your skin, suggest basic skin care, and refer you to a dermatologist if the bumps bother you.
Common questions
Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
No, keratosis pilaris is not contagious. It happens when dead skin cells clog hair follicles.
Is keratosis pilaris harmful?
No, keratosis pilaris is harmless. Treatment can still help if the itch, dryness, or look of the bumps bothers you.
Does keratosis pilaris go away?
Yes, for many people it goes away with time, even without treatment. Clearing tends to happen gradually over many years.
What makes keratosis pilaris worse?
Winter often makes keratosis pilaris worse. It is also more common in people who have very dry skin.
Who gets keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris can affect people of all ages and races. Children and teenagers are most likely to have it. Hormones may cause another flare-up around puberty.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Keratosis pilaris
- American Academy of Dermatology - Keratosis pilaris: Who gets and causes
- American Academy of Dermatology - Keratosis pilaris: Diagnosis and treatment
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
