Acne, eczema, dry skin, dermatitis, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But in all honesty, 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, why do you know so little about it?

Well, maybe because even though this skin condition is genetic in origin its cause is yet to be known. Some doctors argument 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 which is known to generate large amounts of small, red, and rough bumps that are found around hair follicles, and located on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks. KP is sometimes referred to as "gooseflesh," "goose bumps," or "chicken 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 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, but has also been seen in infants. In order to keep them from suffering from this condition they should be treated with a gentile and natural skin treatment cream.

The different 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 receives its medical term from the typical "reddish" aspect. *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, they are merely a cosmetic consequence. KP most often appears as a spread of tiny hard bumps that aren't sore and don't itch. *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 increment in the adherence of dead skin cells which causes a block in the hair follicle and leads to acne or KP.