Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris, often shortened to KP and colloquially called chicken skin, is a common genetic condition of the skin's hair follicles, inherited in an autosomal-dominant pattern. It is marked by small, gooseflesh-like bumps that may itch and show varying degrees of reddening or inflammation. The bumps most often appear on the outer upper arms, thighs, face, back and buttocks, and can be mistaken for acne or folliculitis when they occur on the face. The cause is not completely understood, but the condition is thought to arise from abnormal deposition of keratin in the hair follicle, and variants of the ABCA12 gene have been associated with it. It is the most common disorder of the hair follicle in children. No approach cures it completely, though moisturizers, topical acids, retinoids and some laser therapies can improve its appearance.