What should you know about chicken skin and itchy?

Keratosis pilaris creates a sandpaper-like texture from keratin around follicles and may feel itchier after sweating, dry weather, or hot showers. Scratching can break the surface and increase inflammation. Folliculitis may cause itchy or tender bumps with a hair in the centre, sometimes followed by small pustules. A product reaction often affects the area that touched the trigger and may burn as well as itch.

Keep showers brief and warm rather than hot, then pat the skin dry. Apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment promptly. Choose loose, breathable clothing and change after sweating. Do not scrub the bumps or squeeze them. Stop recently introduced fragranced products on the area. If the itch continues, a pharmacist or clinician can help choose an appropriate treatment and check whether infection or dermatitis is involved.

Seek medical advice when itching disrupts sleep, the area becomes painful or hot, bumps contain pus, or redness is expanding. Get urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, or a sudden rash with dizziness.

Does the distribution suggest folliculitis or contact irritation? Is an exfoliating moisturiser appropriate here? How can I tell ordinary itch from signs of infection, and when should treatment be reviewed?