Dermatitis, acne, dry skin, eczema, just when you thought you'd heard it all there's a new one, keratosis pilaris. But the truth is keratosis pilaris isn't new. It's actually a very common skin condition that affects 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 even though this skin condition is genetic in origin its cause is yet to be known. Some doctors argument 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, some specialists rebut by saying that this condition is caused by 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.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) - What does it look like?

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that generates a large amount of small, rough bumps that are mostly found around hair follicles. This patch of bumps can be easily found located on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks. KP is oftentimes referred to as "chicken skin," "goose bumps," or "gooseflesh,".

KP is formed because skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust form plugs in the hair follicles which later appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper'' 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 keratosis pilaris affects your cheecks the affected area is not only a crimson red but it also feels coarse. The typical "reddish" aspect of this type of facial keratosis pilaris gives it the medical name of Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii. *Keratosis pilaris alba: Keratosis pilaris alba named after the rough, white or alba, bumpy skin is common of this specific type of KP. Although clogged pores seem to be a problem, they are merely a cosmetic consequence. KP most often appears as a spread of tiny hard bumps that aren't sore and don't itch. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of KP is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin results in an increment in the adherence of dead skin cells which causes a block in the hair follicle and leads to acne or KP.