What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that is thought to be harmless, but it can still cause itching and discomfort. This condition mostly affects children and teens but can also affect adults—although it usually clears up by around the age of 30.

While there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, if it’s causing itchiness or irritation for your little one, products like the Itchy Baby Co. Natural Oatmeal Bath Soak and Eczema Moisturiser may be helpful for soothing and hydrating the affected skin. While these products are not made specifically to target keratosis pilaris, they may be helpful for the dryness or itching associated with it. 

Is keratosis pilaris a form of eczema?

No, keratosis pilaris and eczema are two different skin conditions. However, it’s believed that having eczema (atopic dermatitis) may increase your child’s chances of developing keratosis pilaris.

What does keratosis pilaris look like?

Keratosis pilaris is sometimes called “chicken skin”, as it consists of tiny bumps on the skin that can look similar to that of a chicken. These bumps can be skin-coloured (varying with your skin tone), white or red and can feel rough to the touch. If the bumps are itchy, they may become inflamed and appear more red. Keratosis pilaris usually appears on areas of dry skin, and it is commonly found on the arms, front of the upper thighs and cheeks, but it can appear elsewhere on the body.

What causes keratosis pilaris?

It is caused by a build-up of a protein called keratin in the pores of the skin, which covers and blocks the hair follicle openings. Those with keratosis pilaris may notice ingrown hairs inside the bumps, which are being blocked from growing through the skin.

It’s unknown exactly what triggers this keratin build-up, but there are some things that can make your child more likely to be affected by keratosis pilaris such as:

• Eczema
• Dry Skin
• Asthma
• Hayfever
• Genetic factors (they may have a relative with keratosis pilaris)

How do you treat keratosis pilaris?

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, and it usually goes away on its own in time without treatment. If keratosis pilaris is causing your child discomfort, it’s recommended to seek advice and treatment options from a medical professional. Some over-the-counter treatments can be too harsh for children’s skin, so always check with your doctor or pharmacist before proceeding.

Given that symptoms of keratosis pilaris can be caused by dry skin, it’s best to keep your little one’s skin well hydrated. While Itchy Baby Co. products are not formulated specifically for keratosis pilaris, our three-step skincare routine can help lock in moisture and may be helpful for soothing the itchiness and dryness associated with it.

What else can I do to manage my child’s keratosis pilaris?

Here are some other things that may help with keratosis pilaris symptoms:

• Use only lukewarm water in the bath and shower – baths or showers that are too hot can cause skin to become drier and itchier
• Try not to let your child scratch their skin
• Avoid washing your child with harsh soaps or other products that can be drying on the skin
• Moisturise regularly to help your child’s skin stay hydrated – be sure to moisturise your child’s skin immediately after bath or shower time while their skin is towel dried but still damp.

This blog post was brought to you and your baby with love by Julia and the Itchy Baby Co. team. X

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.