Acne, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, 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 has been actually known to affect at least 40% of the global population. So, why haven't you heard more about it?

Well, probably because there isn't much known about this genetic condition. Some doctors believe 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 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 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.

The different 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 occurs on the cheeks, the affected area is not only 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, they are merely a cosmetic consequence. KP most often appears as a spread of tiny hard bumps that aren't sore and don't itch. *Hyperkeratinization: Hyperkeratinization is a disorder of the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin results in an increased adherence of dead skin cells which block the hair follicle and lead to KP or acne.