Red Bumps on Skin? Understanding Keratosis Pilaris

If you have red bumps on your skin, you may have a very common yet harmless skin condition called keratosis pilaris. It affects 50-80% of adolescents and 30-50% of adults. Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin builds in the skin. It is sometimes considered a normal type of skin and can be present in otherwise healthy individuals.

Keratosis pilaris symptoms include tiny bumps and rough, dry patches on the skin. While these bumps are not itchy or painful, many people seek keratosis pilaris treatment because the appearance of their skin bothers them.

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it. But you can treat the bumpy skin with self-care measures, moisturizers, and prescription topical creams.

Please continue reading to learn more about this chronic condition and what people with keratosis pilaris can do to manage it.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common condition that can occur at any age but is more frequent in young children and adolescents. In people with keratosis pilaris, small bumps develop on the skin. These bumps appear like goose bumps and make the skin feel like sandpaper. The bumpy skin is sometimes called “chicken skin.” The painless bumps of keratosis pilaris commonly develop on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. These hard bumps are less common on the face but can appear on the cheeks.

What can cause keratosis pilaris to flare up?

Dry skin and low humidity conditions can make keratosis pilaris flare up. The condition has also been linked to a high BMI (excess body weight).

Keratosis pilaris occurs due to a buildup of keratin in the affected area. Keratin is a protein that normally protects skin. But an excess of keratin in the skin makes hair follicles and dead skin cells clog. This leads to the formation of tiny bumps and patches of dry, rough skin.

It is not clear what exactly causes keratin to build up in the skin of certain individuals. Keratosis pilaris may be associated with a common skin condition called atopic dermatitis. People who have eczema or a family history of genetic skin diseases are also at a higher risk of developing keratosis pilaris.

What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?

Signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:

Rough skin.
Very dry skin.
Painless goosebumps that match your skin tone.
Small bumps that look like a rash or pimples.
Bumpy skin that is more noticeable in dry weather and winter months.

Can keratosis pilaris be red?

The small bumps of keratosis pilaris can be red or brownish-black, especially in individuals with darker skin tones. However, more commonly, the goose-flesh-like bumps are light-colored or the same color as your skin.

How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?

Healthcare providers diagnose keratosis pilaris by looking at your skin. A skin biopsy or other tests are usually not needed.

How do you get rid of red spots in keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris clears up on its own over time. In most people, the tiny bumps gradually disappear by age 30. In the meantime, many products can help improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris by smoothening your skin. Keep in mind that these treatments can reduce bumpiness, but they do not cure keratosis pilaris. Also, if you stop using the creams, the bumpy skin on your upper arms, thighs, and buttocks will return. Treatment options for keratosis pilaris include:

Topical Exfoliants

These are prescription and over-the-counter creams that contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea. They help to loosen and remove dead skin cells that form the small bumps in keratosis pilaris. However, these creams contain acids and should not be used on inflamed skin or in young children.

Topical Retinoids

These are creams derived from vitamin A. They increase cell turnover and prevent hair follicles from getting clogged. Examples include tazarotene (Avage, Arazlo, Tazorac, others) and tretinoin (Avita, Altreno, Retin-A, Renova, others). Side effects of topical retinoids include irritated and dry skin. These creams are not safe for use by pregnant or nursing women.

Steroid creams

Corticosteroid creams can help to temporarily reduce the redness associated with chicken skin (keratosis pilaris). However, they should not be used for more than a week or two.

Laser treatment for keratosis pilaris

Laser treatment may help people with keratosis pilaris if moisturizers and medicines do not improve the discoloration and rough texture of the skin.

What are some home remedies to remove dead skin cells and unclog hair follicles?

If you have keratosis pilaris, the following self-care measures may improve the appearance of your skin.

Avoid long, hot showers because they remove oils from your skin and leave it dry, which can make keratosis pilaris worse. Instead, limit bathtime to 10 minutes and bathe in warm (not hot) water.
Avoid scrubbing your skin because this can irritate your skin and worsen keratosis pilaris. Use a washcloth or loofah to gently massage the affected area and remove dead skin cells from a hair follicle. Dry your skin by blotting with a towel rather than rubbing.
Use a thick moisturizer with ingredients like petroleum jelly, glycerin, or lanolin within 5 minutes of coming out of the bath when your skin is still damp. Apply the moisturizer again several times a day. Cetaphil and Eucerin are good moisturizers for keratosis pilaris. They help to trap moisture and soothe dry skin.
Use a humidifier. Adding moisture to the air in your home may help relieve symptoms. Low humidity can dry out your skin and trigger keratosis pilaris.
Avoid wearing tight clothes. The friction from tight clothes can irritate your skin.

What skin conditions look like keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris may look like xerosis (dry skin), acne, atopic dermatitis, folliculitis, milia, lichen skin diseases, follicular keratosis (a rare, genetic skin disorder), and other skin conditions. Your primary care doctor or dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis and offer the best treatments for keratosis pilaris if that is what you have.

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