Keratosis Pilaris: Tips for Managing Chicken Skin-Like Bumps

If you’re living with keratosis pilaris, Dr. Sonya Johnson and her team at Dermatology Associates in Indianapolis, Tipton, and Batesville, IN can provide personalized care and relief.

Tips for Managing Keratosis Pilaris

Many health problems can affect the look and feel of your skin, including keratosis pilaris. This condition is caused by a build-up of keratin in the hair follicles that results in patches of bumpy skin. It’s also known as chicken skin due to its appearance.

While it can be irritating, it's often possible to treat this condition at home with simple skin care. Dr. Johnson and her staff in Indianapolis, Tipton, and Batesville, IN share some important tips to follow below:

1. Use a gentle cleanser to wash your skin each day. Avoid bar soap and products with fragrances, as they can further irritate your skin.
2. Exfoliate to remove dead skin cells, as this can help expedite skin cell turnover and flatten out the irritating bumps. Aim to exfoliate weekly. Be gentle, though, as harsh exfoliation can worsen the condition. After physically exfoliating, you can use a chemical exfoliant, such as one with salicylic acid, to further remove dead skin cells.
3. Wear loose clothing. Friction can worsen the irritation and increase the number of bumps on your skin. Avoid tight clothing, especially in affected areas.
4. Keep your hands off. It may be tempting to pick at or scratch the bumps, but this could lead to scarring.
5. Keep your skin moisturized. Cleansing and exfoliating can dry out the skin, which may clog your pores all over again. It’s important to moisturize after every bath or shower as well as any time when your skin feels dry. Using a moisturizer that is oil-free can help prevent your pores from becoming clogged.
6. Visit your dermatologist. If at-home skin care doesn’t yield the desired results, your dermatologist can recommend additional treatment options. These may include prescription products as well as laser therapy or other techniques.

For help with managing keratosis pilaris, visit Dr. Sonya Johnson at Dermatology Associates in Indianapolis, Tipton, or Batesville, IN. Please call (317) 257-1484 to schedule an appointment today.