Q The back of my arms feels bumpy like goosebumps - what is keratosis pilaris?
A Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition in which excess keratin (a protein) builds up around the openings of hair follicles, creating small, firm bumps that look like permanent goosebumps on the backs of the arms, thighs, and cheeks. Up to 40% of people experience it, and it is neither infectious nor contagious.
Detailed Answer
The skin surface continually sheds old skin cells and replaces them with new ones. In keratosis pilaris, keratin (the protein that makes up the outer skin layer) accumulates at the opening of the hair follicle and forms a plug, so the fine hair cannot emerge properly and small, rough bumps appear in clusters. The outer arms, the front and back of the thighs, and the cheeks are most commonly affected, with bumps that are reddish or close to skin color. They are not itchy or painful and are not contagious. The condition is most common during adolescence and tends to improve naturally with age.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we do not view keratosis pilaris merely as a surface keratin problem. We see it as the result of the body being unable to deliver enough blood and fluids (jin-aek) to the skin's extremities (a pattern called blood-deficiency wind-dryness, hyeolheo-pungjo), so keratin metabolism is disrupted. Addressing the internal dryness and nutritional deficiency behind the overproduction of keratin is the starting point of the Korean medicine approach.
Related FAQs
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Q
Honestly, is it unrealistic to hope the bumps on my arms disappear completely? Realistically, how much can I expect from Korean medicine?
#Possibility / Realistic Goals
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I have both atopic dermatitis and severe bumpy arms. Can they be treated together?
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The bumpy areas are dry and sometimes turn red like eczema. Can keratosis pilaris and eczema occur together?
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What is the best cleansing and moisturizing routine for keratosis pilaris? Can I use an exfoliating scrub towel?
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What daily habits should I change to keep keratosis pilaris from getting worse?
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