What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

The cause of Keratosis Pilaris is not entirely understood. It is believed to occur when keratin, a human skin protein is over-produced and plugs hair follicles, causing the rough bumps to form. 50% to 80% of young people are said to have Keratosis Pilaris, and 40% of all adults have it. KP is not contagious and is more common in the winter months and less common in the summer months when the humidity is higher.

More women appear to have the condition than men, and it can become worse for them during pregnancy and after childbirth. As you age, Keratosis Pilaris usually disappears or lessens greatly. Your KP will become worse when your skin is dry, so  cleansing and exfoliating your skin is important. Food is also believed to make your condition worse, causing the bumps to grow bigger.

The appearance of KP can be different for other people. Because of this, there are different names given for the condition. The most common are:

• Keratosis Pilaris Rubra – red patches on the face.
• Keratosis Pilaris Alba – white or skin-coloured bumps.
• Keratosis Pilaris Astrophicans Faciei – Another facial condition, similar to rubra.

There are many more KP-like conditions to discover. Most of them are harmless and you shouldn’t worry if you have one of these. Because KP is very common, it isn’t considered unnatural to have it, and the exact cause is nothing serious.

If you want to understand more about the causes of Keratosis Pilaris, see your healthcare professional. You will know more about the causes of your specific condition. There is so much more to know about KP and we will bring you more information in the future. We will write about the different types listed above and the specific treatment options for each of them.