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 the true causes of this genetic condition even have the specialist in disagreement. Some doctors believe 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.

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

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 are commonly white, but whenever they are inflamed they appear red. Keratosis pilaris is a benign skin condition and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except 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: This type of KP manifests as a constant and unrelenting reddish rash on the cheeks giving your face a blushed look. When your cheeks are affected with keratosis pilaris the affected area will not only be a crimson red color but it will also feel 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 most often appears as a spread of tiny hard bumps that aren't sore and don't itch. *Hyperkeratinization: This type of Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin results in an increased adherence of dead skin cells which block the hair follicle and lead to KP or acne.