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Acne, dry skin, dermatitis, eczema, 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, probably because there isn't much known about this genetic condition. Some specialists agrue that the cause of Keratosis pilaris is the overproduction of keratin inside the skin. This excess gets trapped inside the 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 numerous amount of small, rough, red, or tan bumps that are found primarily 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 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 usually appear white, but turn a red color when they become inflamed. Keratosis pilaris is cataloged as a benign skin condition and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except of course in extreme temperature changes.

This condition is particularly common among teenagers, but has also been seen in infants. In order to keep them from suffering from this condition they should be treated with a gentile and natural skin treatment cream.

Types of Keratosis pilaris - there is more than one

*Keratosis rubra faceii: KP rubra faceii produces a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on your cheeks making them look flushed. 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, this is only a cosmetic consequence. KP often appears as a spread of very small hard bumps that do not produce soreness or itching. *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.