What should you know about legs look like chicken skin?

[Keratosis Pilaris](/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/) causes tiny rough plugs in hair follicles and commonly affects the outer thighs, upper arms or buttocks. The bumps may be skin-coloured or mildly red and are often not painful. [Folliculitis](/conditions/folliculitis/) is inflammation around follicles and is more likely to cause tender, itchy or pus-filled spots. Shaving, friction, sweat and tight clothing can aggravate either appearance. Location, texture and symptoms help a clinician distinguish them.

Wash gently with lukewarm water and apply a plain moisturiser regularly. Avoid harsh scrubs, picking and aggressive rubbing, which can increase irritation and leave darker marks. If shaving seems to worsen the bumps, pause until the skin settles and use a clean razor with a gentle shaving product when you resume. A clinician or pharmacist can suggest a suitable leave-on product containing a keratolytic ingredient, considering your skin sensitivity and any pregnancy or eczema concerns.

Arrange an examination if bumps become painful, hot, rapidly more red, filled with pus, or associated with fever. Seek advice when the rash is spreading, repeatedly returning after hair removal or leaving scars. Sudden swelling, severe pain or feeling very unwell needs prompt medical attention rather than home exfoliation.

Ask whether the pattern is keratosis pilaris or folliculitis, which moisturiser or follicle treatment suits your skin, whether hair removal is aggravating it, and how long to try the plan before review.