How do I get rid of the ‘chicken skin’ on my arms and legs?

Q: I have some small, rough bumps on my arms and legs. What are they, and how can I get rid of them?

Maybe they look like goosebumps – or the skin of a plucked chicken. Maybe they are raised and feel a bit like sandpaper.

These could be the signs of keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition that can cause small, painless bumps on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks, said Dr. Amy Freeman, a dermatologist in Millburn, NJ.

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

Although their appearance can be “disturbing,” Dr. Freeman, keratosis pilaris bumps are harmless and often go away on their own. However, some people may experience flare-ups throughout their lives.

What causes keratosis pilaris?

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, said Dr. Freeman. These blockages are the cause of those small imperfections.

An estimated 40 percent of adults and 50 to 80 percent of teenagers have keratosis pilaris. But dermatologists don’t know exactly why some people develop it.

One theory is that the condition is caused by: genetic mutation that disrupts the skin’s ability to hydrate itself naturally, said Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City. The mutation can make you more susceptible to dry skin, which worsens keratosis pilaris.

People with eczema, diabetes or close blood relatives with keratosis pilaris are also more susceptible to the condition, said Dr. Lipner. The same applies to people with asthma, allergies or obesity, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD.

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

Can you treat keratosis pilaris at home?

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

Products that contain emollients (moisturizers) and keratolytic agents (a class of medications such as salicylic acid, lactic acid and urea that remove dead skin cells and soften the keratin that clogs pores) are the most effective, said Dr. Freeman.

A helpful option is to choose an over-the-counter moisturizing lotion that contains a keratolytic agent, said Dr. Lipner. The AAD also recommends products with other keratolytics such as glycolic acid and retinol.

These ingredients help smooth the bumps and reduce redness, said Dr. Freeman.

And they’ll be most effective if you apply them right after showering when your skin is still damp, added Dr. Lipner added. Doing this will help retain some of the moisture in your skin.

Dr. Lipner suggested avoiding anything that might irritate your skin, such as using an abrasive body scrub or scratching or picking at the bumps. However, the AAD 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 the skin and clog pores even more, said Dr. Lipner.

During a flare-up, Dr. Freeman, 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 still need to moisturize every day, she said; you just don’t need a keratolytic product once the flare-up is under control.

Can you prevent keratosis pilaris?

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

“But there may be times in your life when it is so quiet that the bumps are so small and not visible that they are almost not there,” said Dr. Lipner.

When should I consult a dermatologist?

If your skin is still bumpy and rough after a few months of using at-home products and you’re concerned about how it looks, Dr. Lipner recommends going to a dermatologist.

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

But your symptoms could also be coming from something else. Eczema and psoriasis can resemble keratosis pilaris, said Dr. Lipner. These conditions can cause itching, inflammation, cracks in the skin or infections and require their own specific treatments.