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, why haven't you heard more about it?

Well, probably because there isn't much known about this genetic condition. Some doctors argument that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. The excess is trapped withing the hair 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 "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 commonly white, but whenever they are inflamed they appear red. Keratosis pilaris is cataloged as a benign skin condition and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except of course 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: KP rubra faceii is a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks (blushed look). When keratosis pilaris occurs on the cheeks, the affected area is not only 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 named after the rough, white or alba, bumpy skin is common of this specific type of KP. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, this is only a cosmetic consequence. KP often appears as a spread of very small hard bumps that do not produce soreness or itching. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of Keratosis pilaris 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.