NHS issues advice on ‘chicken skin’ condition

You may have heard of people referring to the small, red bumps on their arms and legs as ‘chicken skin’. Of course, this is not actually the medical term, and there is a name for the condition. Called keratosis pilaris (KP), this harmless condition can cause people to become self-conscious.

According to the NHS, this is a “very common harmless condition where small bumps appear on your skin. It can last for a long time, but there are treatments that may help.”

The condition is not infectious, meaning you cannot spread or catch it. In fact, you may notice it more at this time of year, as while it can affect anyone regardless of sex or age, it often feels worse in winter compared to summer.

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris may include itchy, dry, and rough skin, along with small, painless bumps. These bumps often form in patches and are typically the same colour as your skin. They commonly appear on the arms, thighs, or buttocks, but can show up elsewhere as well. While the bumps usually match your skin tone, they may look red on lighter skin or appear darker on brown or black skin.

But what causes this? The NHS explains: “Keratosis pilaris happens when your hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails. Nobody knows exactly why keratin builds up, but the condition is thought to run in families. So if your parents have it, you may get it too.” Whilst many people with “keratosis pilaris have it for years, and it may eventually clear up by itself”, the NHS notes that there are “things you can do to help improve the appearance of your skin.”

What can be mistaken for keratosis pilaris?

WhilseKP is a common common, you may mistake it for other conditions that look similar. Boots have listed just some conditions that it could be mistaken for. It further stresses that “if you’re not sure whether you have KP, a pharmacist or GP can help confirm the diagnosis and suggest suitable ways to manage your skin.”

• Folliculitis looks like red or white-headed pimples around hair follicles, but unlike KP, it’s often caused by an infection and can feel tender or itchy.

• Eczema (atopic dermatitis) tends to cause red, inflamed and itchy patches of skin. While KP bumps are usually painless and dry, eczema can be more widespread, sometimes with oozing or crusting.

• Seborrheic keratosis appears as raised, wart-like or waxy growths. Unlike KP, these tend to be larger, with a stuck-on look, and aren’t linked to hair follicles.

• Psoriasis can cause thick, scaly patches of skin that can be itchy or sore. The plaques are well-defined and covered with silvery scales, whereas KP bumps are much finer and rougher to the touch.

How to get rid of keratosis pilaris

Do this…

• moisturise your skin – ask a pharmacist what’s most suitable for you

• use mild and unperfumed soaps and bathing products

• gently scrub your skin with a washcloth or exfoliating mitt

• have cool or lukewarm showers and baths

Choosing the right cream can be key. Experts at Boots suggest choosing a moisturiser and applying it regularly, calling it “one of the best ways to help with KP.” It adds: “Emollients, creams, lotions and ointments contain oils that help keep skin soft and hydrated. However, when these products come into contact with clothing, bedding or dressings, they can make the fabric more flammable. Even when the product has dried, there is still a risk that the material could catch fire more easily.

“If you use emollients or other skincare products, it’s important to be extra careful around naked flames, open fires, and lit cigarettes. To help reduce the risk, wash clothing and bedding regularly, ideally daily if they’ve been in contact with emollients. While washing can help, it may not remove the risk completely, even at high temperatures, so caution is still needed.

“Some moisturisers also contain ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid or urea, which gently exfoliate while locking in moisture. Applying a moisturiser at least twice a day, especially after showering when your skin is still damp, can help prevent dryness from making KP more noticeable.”

Don’t do this…

• do not use perfumed soaps or bathing products that can dry out your skin

• do not use harsh scrubs on your skin – this can make it worse

• do not have hot baths or showers

• do not scratch, pick or rub your skin

Treatments for keratosis pilaris

The NHS states: “Other treatments available for keratosis pilaris include steroid creams and laser treatments. These types of treatments are not usually available on the NHS because they have not been proven to be effective, and they can be expensive to pay for privately.”

The NHS suggests speaking to a pharmacist if you’ve tried to get rid of it and things are not working, especially if the condition is affecting you. You should also contact them if your skin becomes itchy or inflamed, and if you’re unsure whether you need to see a GP.

Depending on your circumstances, the pharmacist may suggest you see your GP and offer advice, but they may also be able to give you a cream to see if that helps at all, saving you time from visiting the GP.