Keratosis Pilaris in Children

Keratosis pilaris is a long-term (chronic) condition that causes tiny, painless skin bumps. The bumps result when dead skin builds up in the roots of skin hairs (hair follicles).

This condition is common among children. It does not spread from person to person (is not contagious) and it does not cause any serious medical problems. The condition usually develops by age 10 and often starts to go away during teenage or young adult years. In other cases, keratosis pilaris may be more likely to flare up during puberty.

What are the causes?

The exact cause of this condition is not known. It may be passed along from parent to child (inherited).

What increases the risk?

Your child may have a greater risk of keratosis pilaris if your child:

• Has a family history of the condition.
• Is a girl.
• Swims often in swimming pools.
• Has eczema, asthma, or hay fever.

What are the signs or symptoms?

The main symptom of keratosis pilaris is tiny bumps on the skin. The bumps may:

• Feel itchy or rough.
• Look like goose bumps.
• Be the same color as the skin, white, pink, red, or darker than normal skin color.
• Come and go.
• Get worse during winter.
• Cover a small or large area.
• Develop on the arms, thighs, and cheeks. They may also appear on other areas of skin. They do not appear on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition is diagnosed based on your child’s symptoms and medical history and a physical exam. No tests are needed to make a diagnosis.

How is this treated?

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. The condition may go away over time. Your child may not need treatment unless the bumps are itchy or widespread or they become infected from scratching. Treatment may include:

• Moisturizing cream or lotion.
• Skin-softening cream (emollient).
• A cream or ointment that reduces inflammation (steroid).
• Antibiotic medicine, if a skin infection develops. The antibiotic may be given by mouth (orally) or as a cream.

Follow these instructions at home:

Skin Care

• Apply skin cream or ointment as told by your child’s health care provider. Do not stop using the cream or ointment even if your child’s condition improves.
• Do not let your child take long, hot, baths or showers. Apply moisturizing creams and lotions after a bath or shower.
• Do not use soaps that dry your child’s skin. Ask your child’s health care provider to recommend a mild soap.
• Do not let your child swim in swimming pools if it makes your child’s skin condition worse.
• Remind your child not to scratch or pick at skin bumps. Tell your child’s health care provider if itching is a problem.

General instructions

• Give your child antibiotic medicine as told by your child’s health care provider. Do not stop applying or giving the antibiotic even if your child’s condition improves.
• Give your child over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Use a humidifier if the air in your home is dry.
• Have your child return to normal activities as told by your child’s health care provider. Ask what activities are safe for your child.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s condition gets worse.
• Your child has itchiness or scratches his or her skin.
• Your child’s skin becomes:
  • Red.
  • Unusually warm.
  • Painful.
  • Swollen.