Dermatitis, acne, dry skin, 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 doctors argument that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. The excess becomes trapped inside the hair follicle, which in turn develops a bump. However, other specialists believe that it is a disorder of keratinisation wherein the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug that widens the pores making them more noticeable.

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

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that generates a numerous amount of small, rough, red, or tan bumps that are found primarily around hair follicles, and 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.

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

This condition is very common among teenagers affecting almost 80% of the teenage population and may also occur in babies. In order to keep this condition under control both teenagers and babies should be treated with a natural and gentile skin treatment cream.

Types of Keratosis pilaris

*Keratosis rubra faceii: KP rubra faceii is a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks (blushed look). When your cheeks are affected with keratosis pilaris the affected area will not only be a crimson red color but it will also feel coarse. The typical "reddish" aspect of this type of facial keratosis pilaris gives it the medical name of Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii. *Keratosis pilaris alba: Keratosis pilaris alba is given this name because of the rough, white, bumpy skin. 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.