Inflammatory Keratosis Pilaris: What to Know

Keratosis pilaris forms when keratin collects around hair follicles, creating small rough bumps. The upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks are common sites. When the surrounding skin is dry, rubbed, shaved, or picked, the bumps may look red and feel rough or itchy.

This is different from true Ingrown Hairs, although shaving and hair removal can make follicular irritation harder to recognise. A clinician can distinguish keratosis pilaris from acne, folliculitis, allergy, or another cause of Skin Bumps.

Use short, lukewarm showers and apply moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp. Emollient Therapy can improve softness, while products containing exfoliating ingredients may loosen the surface buildup. Introduce one product at a time and stop if burning or marked redness develops.

Topical Retinoids may be considered for persistent follicular plugging, with instructions suited to your skin and other medicines. Chemical Peel or Laser Hair Removal may be discussed for selected cosmetic concerns, but aggressive scrubbing and repeated passes over irritated skin can worsen redness. Improvement often requires ongoing maintenance.

Arrange an assessment if bumps become painful, hot, pus-filled, rapidly widespread, or markedly different from your usual pattern. Seek advice when itching disrupts sleep or when a new product causes swelling or blistering. A review is also useful if months of gentle care have not helped.

Ask which ingredients suit your skin, whether hair removal is aggravating the follicles, how often to exfoliate, and how to tell keratosis pilaris from folliculitis or Ingrown Hairs.