The human body is equipped with remarkable capabilities and functions that collectively perform both physical and biochemical processes on a daily basis. These processes not only enable humans to sustain life, but they also allow humans to maintain a cohesive living relationship with the environment. Of all the vital organs, muscles, and bones that the body is comprised of, the skin holds a great significance because it is the component that houses all the other parts within. Unbeknownst to many, the skin is indeed classified to be an organ in itself and it has just as many responsibilities as the rest of the body systems.
The skin’s job is to protect, regulate body temperature, aid in sensation, excrete waste, and permit body movement and growth. However, just like any other system or organ with the body, the skin too is subject to disorders and defects; yet, these issues are often taken for granted and go unnoticed by those who lack a condition. One such common skin condition that typically affects 50-80% of adolescents and nearly 40% of adults worldwide is known as keratosis pilaris.
1. Changes in Appearance of Skin
From a positive perspective, the only symptoms that those diagnosed with keratosis pilaris are affected by occur externally. The most noticeable symptoms are changes in the appearance of skin. Due to the fact that keratin buildup (hard protein) forms keratin plugs, it is these keratin plugs that cause the appearance of the skin to closely resemble that of goosebumps. For this reason, the condition is commonly known by many as “chicken skin.” Depending on the individual’s skin tone, these tiny bumps will vary in color.
They can be white, brown, pink, or even red. In some instances, people with the condition will even notice a pinkish or reddish color encircling their bumps. These bumps will also be very rough, dry, and itchy—often causing a bit of discomfort. Nevertheless, these bumps can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles—minus the palms of the hands and the bottom of the feet. For many people, these dry/bumpy patches will usually occur on the thighs and upper arms. However, it can very well occur on the lower area of the legs, forearms, back, and face. It is also a known factor that although signs of keratosis pilaris are more prevalent among the youth, they typically tend to clear up by the age of 30.
2. Bumps on the Upper Arms
More than any other area on the body, a significant amount of people tend to develop these tiny bumps that are caused by keratosis pilaris on their upper arms. In contrast to other regions of the body, the upper arms typically have lesser contact with other areas of the body or surfaces and therefore become easily clogged with keratin buildup because of the area’s inability to naturally exfoliate. Just as it was previously mentioned, these bumps will usually be scattered on the upper arms and will take on the appearance of red or brown bumpy patches. Some people even often compare their dry bumps to that of sandpaper.
3. Dry Rough Skin
In addition to the primary characteristic of keratosis pilaris causing the appearance of bumpy skin, the other most notable symptom of KP is dry rough skin. The reason KP causes dry rough skin lies within the fact that the excessive build of keratin blocks the hair follicle from being able to naturally secrete sebum—a substance that is meant to oil and soften the skin. Without sebum, the skin becomes dry. Moreover, as a result of the prohibited secretion of sebum, the substance hardens to create the feeling and appearance of a rough texture on the surface of the skin.
4. Bumps Similar to Goose Flesh
Rather than being called by its medical term, many people usually refer to keratosis pilaris by its nickname—“chicken skin.” The nickname is indeed very suitable for the skin condition because it causes clusters of numerous tiny raised bumps to form on the skin and these bumps are very similar in appearance to that of goose flesh. Being that keratin clogs the hair follicle and traps the sebum underneath the surface of the skin to cause the area around the hair follicle to become elevated, the bumps quite naturally will stand out in appearance like goose flesh when compared to surrounding areas of unaffected skin.
5. Pimples
Many people who are unaware of KP being an actual skin condition will most likely mistake its symptoms for that of body acne. When in actuality, KP and pimples are two totally different skin conditions. Although the two conditions involve the appearance of red bumps on the skin, KP is characterized as the buildup of keratin, versus that of pimples which are classified as the buildup of sebum. In the case of keratosis pilaris, the bumps harden and remain on the skin for a lengthy period of time, whereas with pimples, the bumps will not harden and will eventually go way.
6. Redness
With the combination of clogged pores and dry rough skin, redness of the skin is highly expected to be an associated symptom of KP. KP’s severe drying effects on the skin cause the skin to become itchy and easily irritated because it lacks the skin defense that is normally presented by the secretion of sebum to the outer surface of the skin. The red coloration will most often be noticeable in the bumps themselves or on the areas of skin surrounding the engorged hair follicles. The redness will also increase in cold weather conditions and if the skin is improperly treated or simply not cared for at all.
