Acne, eczema, dry skin, dermatitis, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But the truth is keratosis pilaris isn't new. It's actually a very common skin condition that affects up to 40% of all adults around the globe. So, why haven't you heard more about it?

Well, maybe because the true causes of this genetic condition even have the specialist in disagreement. Some specialists agrue that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. This excess gets trapped inside the follicle, developing a bump. However, other specialists believe that it is a disorder of keratinisation wherein the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug that widens the pores making them more noticeable.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) - What does it look like?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that generates a numerous amount of small, rough, red, or tan bumps that are found primarily 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 when skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles making them appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' feel. These bumps usually appear white, but turn a red color when they become inflamed. Keratosis pilaris is benign and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except in extreme changes of temperature.

This condition is very common among teenagers affecting almost 80% of the teenage population and may also occur in babies. In order to keep this condition under control both teenagers and babies should be treated with a natural and gentile skin treatment cream.

Types of Keratosis pilaris

*Keratosis rubra faceii: This type of KP manifests as a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks giving your face a blushed look. When keratosis pilaris affects your cheecks the affected area is not only a crimson red but it also feels coarse. Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii is named after the typical "reddish" aspect it produces. *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: Hyperkeratinization is a disorder of 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.