Dermatitis, acne, dry skin, 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 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, 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. The excess is trapped withing the hair follicle, developing a bump. However, it is also thought to be 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 which is known to generate large amounts of small, red, and rough bumps that are found 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,".

This skin condition is formed because skin cells which normally flake off as a fine dust begin to form plugs in the hair follicles. These plugs 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 benign and does not usually itch or cause any pain, except in extreme changes of temperature.

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 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 is named such because of the rough, white, bumpy skin that is typical of this condition. 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 Keratosis pilaris is a disorder that affects the cells lining the inside of a hair follicle. The excess keratin increases the adherence of dead skin cells causing a blockage in the hair follicles and leading to KP or acne.