Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Keratosis pilaris is harmless (
In mild cases, small bumps, similar in appearance to "goose bumps," are found on the backs of the upper arms. The texture is that of very coarse sandpaper.
Bumps may also appear on the buttocks and thighs. Less commonly, bumps appear on the face and may be mistaken for acne.
Individual bumps are small, skin-colored
Review Date: 12/11/2009
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, MD, Department of Dermatology, University of
Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by
VeriMed Healthcare Network; Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director,
MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University
of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD,
MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
