Dermatitis, acne, dry skin, eczema, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But in all honesty, 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, why do you know so little about it?

Well, maybe because even though this skin condition is genetic in origin its cause is yet to be known. 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, some specialists rebut by saying that this condition is caused by 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.

How do I know I have Keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that generates a large amount of small, rough bumps that are mostly found around hair follicles. This patch of bumps can be easily found 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 when skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles making them appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' 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.

The different 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 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 is given this name because of the rough, white, bumpy skin. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, this is not a serious consequence of this condition. KP often appears as a spread of very small hard bumps that do not produce soreness or itching. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of KP 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.