How to get rid of ‘crow’s skin’ on your arms and legs – 03/09/2024 – Balance

—Maybe they look like cold shivers —or the skin of a plucked chicken. Maybe they’re raised and look a little like sandpaper or acne. These could be signs of keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that can cause small, painless bumps on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, says Amy Freeman, a dermatologist in Millburn, New Jersey.

The lumps are typically skin-colored, but may appear red or pink on lighter skin tones and brown or black on darker skin tones.

Although their appearance can be “worrisome,” says Freeman, keratosis pilaris lumps are harmless and often go away on their own. However, some people can deal with flare-ups for their entire lives.

WHAT CAUSES KERATOSIS PILLARIA?

Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin — a protein involved in the formation of hair, skin and nails — builds up and, along with dead skin cells, clogs hair follicles, explains Freeman. These obstructions are what cause these small lumps.

It is estimated that 40% of adults and 50 to 80% of adolescents have keratosis pilaris. But dermatologists aren’t exactly sure why some people develop it.

One theory is that the condition is caused by a genetic mutation that interferes with the skin’s ability to moisturize naturally, says Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. The mutation may make you more likely to have dry skin, which makes keratosis pilaris worse.

People who have eczema, diabetes, or close relatives with keratosis pilaris are also more prone to the condition, says Lipner. The same goes for people with asthma, allergies or being overweight, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Because dry skin makes keratosis pilaris worse, you may experience more outbreaks during the winter or if you live in a dry climate, says Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO TREAT KERATOSIS PILLARAS AT HOME?

Preventing dry skin is one of the best ways to reduce flare-ups and generally improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris, says Baumann.

Products that contain emollients (moisturizers) and keratolytic agents (a class of medications like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and urea that remove dead skin cells and soften pore-clogging keratin) are the most effective, says Freeman.

A convenient option is to choose an over-the-counter moisturizer that contains a keratolytic agent, says Lipner.

The American Academy of Dermatology also recommends products with other keratolytics such as glycolic acid and retinol. These ingredients help soften bumps and reduce redness, says Freeman. And they’ll be most effective if you apply them right after a shower, when your skin is still damp, Lipner added. Doing this helps seal some of the moisture into the skin.

Lipner suggests avoiding anything that could irritate the skin, like using an abrasive body scrub or scratching or picking at the bumps. However, the American Academy of Dermatology says you can gently use a loofah or washcloth to remove dead skin cells. It’s also best to avoid products with fragrances and oils, which can irritate your skin and clog your pores even more, says Lipner.

During a flare-up, Freeman said you should use a moisturizer with a keratolytic agent a few times a day for a few months. Once the condition improves, you can reduce to a few times a week.

But you should still moisturize every day, she said; you just don’t need a keratolytic product once the outbreak is under control.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO PREVENT KERATOSIS PILLARS?

Keratosis pilaris is not preventable, but some people who have it as children will find that it goes away when they are older. Others deal with it their entire lives.

“But there may be periods of your life when it’s so calm that the lumps are so small and not visible that they’re barely there,” says Lipner.

WHEN SHOULD I CONSULT A DERMATOLOGIST?

If your skin is still lumpy and rough after using at-home products for a few months and you’re bothered by the way it looks, Lipner suggests seeing a dermatologist.

“There are people with very severe keratosis pilaris, and hydration may not be enough,” he says. They may also have outbreaks that are extra red and dry and maybe even itchy. In these cases, Lipner said doctors may prescribe a topical retinoid or suggest laser therapy.

But your symptoms could also be from something different. Eczema and psoriasis can resemble keratosis pilaris, says Lipner. These conditions can cause itching, inflammation, cracked skin, or infections, and need their own specific treatments.