Acne, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But to be honest, keratosis pilaris isn't new. It's actually a very common skin condition that has been known to affect up to 40% of all adults around the globe. So, if it's so common why haven't you heard more about it?

Well, maybe because the true causes of this genetic condition even have the specialist in disagreement. Some specialists agrue that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. This excess gets trapped inside the follicle, developing a bump. However, it is also thought to be a disorder of keratinisation in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug that widens the pores making them appear more noticeable.

How do I know I have Keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that generates a large amount of small, rough bumps that are mostly found around hair follicles. This patch of bumps can be easily found located on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks. KP is sometimes referred to as "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin.

This skin condition is formed because skin cells which normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles. These plugs appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' feel. These bumps usually appear white, but turn a red color when they become inflamed. Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except in extreme temperature changes.

This condition is particularly common among teenagers (up to 80%) and may also occur in babies and should be treated with a gentile skin treatment cream.

Types of Keratosis pilaris

*Keratosis rubra faceii: This type of KP manifests as a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks giving your face a blushed look. When keratosis pilaris affects your cheecks the affected area is not only a crimson red but it also feels coarse. Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii is named after the typical "reddish" aspect it produces. *Keratosis pilaris alba: Keratosis pilaris alba named after the rough, white or alba, bumpy skin is common of this specific type of KP. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, this is not a serious consequence of this condition. KP often appears as a spread of very small hard bumps that do not produce soreness or itching. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of KP is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin results in an increased adherence of dead skin cells which block the hair follicle and lead to KP or acne.