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's actually a very common skin condition that affects up to 40% of all adults around the globe. So, if it's so common 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 doctors believe that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. The excess is trapped withing the hair 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 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 "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin.

This skin condition is formed because skin cells which normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles. These plugs appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' feel. These bumps are commonly white, but whenever they are inflamed they appear red. Keratosis pilaris is cataloged as a benign skin condition and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except of course in extreme temperature changes.

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.

The different Types of Keratosis pilaris

*Keratosis rubra faceii: KP rubra faceii produces a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on your cheeks making them look flushed. When your cheeks are affected with keratosis pilaris the affected area will not only be a crimson red color but it will also feel coarse. Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii is named after the typical "reddish" aspect it produces. *Keratosis pilaris alba: Keratosis pilaris alba is given this name because of the rough, white, bumpy skin. 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: This type of Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that affects 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.