Acne, dry skin, dermatitis, 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. This excess gets trapped inside the 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.

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

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 "gooseflesh," "goose bumps," or "chicken 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 usually white, but when inflamed they appear red. Keratosis pilaris is benign and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except in extreme changes of temperature.

This condition is particularly common among teenagers (up to 80%) and may also occur in babies and should be treated with a gentile skin treatment cream.

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 affects your cheecks the affected area is not only a 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 is named such because of the rough, white, bumpy skin that is typical of this condition. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, this is only a cosmetic consequence. KP most often appears as a spread of tiny hard bumps that aren't sore and don't itch. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin increases the adherence of dead skin cells causing a blockage in the hair follicles and leading to KP or acne.