Acne, dry skin, dermatitis, 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 has been actually known to affect at least 40% of the global population. So, why do you know so little about it?

Well, probably because there isn't much known about this genetic condition. Some doctors argument 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.

What does Keratosis pilaris (KP) 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 oftentimes referred to as "chicken skin," "goose bumps," or "gooseflesh,".

KP is formed when skin cells that normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles making them appear as small bumps that have a dry ''sandpaper-like'' 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 very common among teenagers affecting almost 80% of the teenage population and may also occur in babies. In order to keep this condition under control both teenagers and babies should be treated with a natural and gentile 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. Keratosis Pilaris rubra faceii is named after the typical "reddish" aspect it produces. *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 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.