Acne, eczema, dry skin, dermatitis, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But to be honest, keratosis pilaris isn't new. It's actually a very common skin condition that has been known to affect up to 40% of all adults around the globe. So, if it's so common why haven't you heard more about it?

Well, maybe because the true causes of this genetic condition even have the specialist in disagreement. Some specialists agrue that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. The excess is trapped withing the hair follicle, developing a bump. However, it is also thought to be a disorder of keratinisation in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug that widens the pores making them appear more noticeable.

What does Keratosis pilaris (KP) look like?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition which is known to generate large amounts of small, red, and rough bumps that are found around hair follicles, and located on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks. KP is sometimes referred to as "gooseflesh," "goose bumps," or "chicken skin".

KP is formed when skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles making them appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' feel. These bumps are commonly white, but whenever they are inflamed they appear red. Keratosis pilaris is benign and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except in extreme changes of temperature.

This condition is particularly common among teenagers (up to 80%) and may also occur in babies and should be treated with a gentile skin treatment cream.

The different Types of Keratosis pilaris

*Keratosis rubra faceii: KP rubra faceii is a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks (blushed look). When your cheeks are affected with keratosis pilaris the affected area will not only be a crimson red color but it will also feel coarse. Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii is named after the typical "reddish" aspect it produces. *Keratosis pilaris alba: Keratosis pilaris alba is given this name because of the rough, white, bumpy skin. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, this is only a cosmetic consequence. KP most often appears as a propagation of tiny hard bumps that are hardly ever sore or itchy. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin increases the adherence of dead skin cells causing a blockage in the hair follicles and leading to KP or acne.