What You Should Know About Chicken Skin
Many people do not know that the skin condition they call chicken skin is actually a real skin condition. It is. It’s a condition called keratosis pilaris and it affects so many people, both adolescent and adult. There are many things that people do not know about this condition, such as what the symptoms are, what causes it and how it can be treated. Your best bet would be to speak with your dermatologist but in the meantime, here are a few facts about chicken skin that you should know.
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
Chicken skin, known medically as keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition caused by too much keratin in the skin. When there is too much keratin, it forms hard plugs around hair follicles. You should know that when these plugs are formed, the hair starts to curl up and is trapped in the excess keratin. This will create rough, red and raised bumps on your skin. These bumps will stay with you year round but will be worse in the winter when the air is both colder and dryer. These bumps can appear all over the body with the exception of on the hands and feet because the skin there is glabrous. Did you know that this condition is often mistaken for acne? It is, and the only way you can really tell the difference is to squeeze one of the bumps. If a creamy, thick substance comes out that looks like pus, it’s chicken skin and that white substance? That’s the keratin.
How to Treat Chicken Skin
If you are diagnosed with keratosis pilaris, you need to know there is no known cure for it. However, there are ways that you can treat it. You will want to work on softening the keratin deposits in the skin. How do you go about it? if things are mild, start out by using some topical exfoliants. For more serious concerns, microdermabrasion for Keratosis Pilaris is the best bet. You will want to soften and remove the dead skin cells from your skin. The urea or salicylic acid in these products will help you to do so. Some are available over the counter but your doctor may prescribe some as well. Your doctor may also want you to try using some topical corticosteroids to take away some of the inflammation in your skin. These are used short term to treat symptoms as they will suppress your immune system if you use them for too long. Finally, you may be told to use topical retinoids as they promote cell turnover and prevent your follicles from getting plugged up.
Chicken skin otherwise known as keratosis pilaris is nothing for you to really worry about. It can be annoying but it is not life threatening or even dangerous and it’s fairly pain free. If it is something that bothers you though, speak with your doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment for you and get started with your treatment right away to lessen the symptoms.
Chicken skin otherwise known as keratosis pilaris is nothing for you to really worry about. It can be annoying but it is not life threatening or even dangerous and it’s fairly pain free. If it is something that bothers you though, speak with your doctor or dermatologist about the best treatment for you and get started with your treatment right away to lessen the symptoms.