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Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is a harmless skin condition that appears as small, rough bumps on the arms, legs, and sometimes cheeks. While it is not medically serious, it can be frustrating and cosmetically bothersome for those who experience it. At Derma Birmingham, we create customized skin care regimens for patients with keratosis pilaris to moisturize the skin and improve its appearance.

What Is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin, a protective protein in the skin. This buildup clogs hair follicles, leading to tiny, rough-textured bumps. KP commonly appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks and tends to be more noticeable in colder months when the skin becomes drier. While the condition is not contagious or harmful, many people seek treatment to improve skin texture and tone.

Individuals with dry skin, eczema, or a family history of the condition frequently develop KP. It often begins in childhood and may improve with age, but some cases persist into adulthood.

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris

The primary symptom of keratosis pilaris is the presence of small, rough bumps that resemble goosebumps or sandpaper. These are sometimes referred to as KP bumps and may be mistaken for acne or a rash. Other common symptoms include:

Dry, rough skin in affected areas
Slight redness or inflammation, particularly when irritated
Bumps that feel itchy or worsen with dry weather
A pattern of tiny, raised dots often appears in patches

Although keratosis pilaris does not cause pain, it can be a cosmetic concern for many patients. If the condition gets worse or becomes irritating, seeing a dermatologist in Birmingham, AL can help find the best treatment.

Treating Keratosis Pilaris at Derma Birmingham

Although doctors can't permanently cure keratosis pilaris, treatments can smooth the skin and reduce the bumps. At Derma Birmingham, we offer specialized care tailored to each patient’s skin type and condition. Treatment options include:

Gentle Exfoliation and Skincare

Regular exfoliation helps remove built-up keratin and smooth rough patches. We recommend:

Chemical exfoliants, such as creams containing lactic acid or glycolic acid
Moisturizing creams with urea or ceramides to soften the skin
Mild cleansers that won’t strip the skin of natural oils

Prescription Treatments

For more persistent cases, we may prescribe:

Topical retinoids to promote cell turnover and unclog follicles
Steroid creams for redness and irritation
Customized treatment plans based on individual skin needs

Chemical Peels

For severe KP that doesn’t improve with other treatments, chemical peels can help smooth the skin by treating inflammation and excess keratin buildup. At Derma Birmingham, our team creates personalized keratosis pilaris treatment plans to give each patient the best results.

Schedule an Appointment with a Dermatologist in Birmingham, AL

If you struggle with keratosis pilaris and want to improve your skin’s texture, Derma Birmingham is here to help. Our experienced dermatologists provide compassionate care and customized treatment solutions to help you achieve smoother, healthier skin. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.

Who We Are

Katherine Hunt, MD, FAAD

Dr. Hunt grew up in Hoover, Alabama and attended Hoover High School. She started her career in business and engineering at the University of Alabama.

As an undergraduate, she gained national attention and was named "USA Today National Academic All-Star" for creating a self-sustaining peer mentoring program which measurably improved students' computer science performance at Alabama.

Her extensive work experience at Huron Consulting Group and GE Healthcare helped her realize that she would be most fulfilled in the field of medicine, helping patients one-on-one.