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“Bumpy arms”, “chicken skin” or “goosebumps that never go away” are common phrases we hear when patients come to us with keratosis pilaris or “KP”.

KP is a benign condition of the skin that commonly occurs on the backs of the upper arms and also on the thighs or buttocks. Sometimes, younger patients may even display KP on their cheeks. The bumpy texture of the skin is the result of dead skin plugging a hair follicle. Many times it is asymptomatic; however, sometimes patients will report itching or sensitivity on the skin.

Most commonly, KP occurs in patients in their teenage years or young infants under the age of two. Some causes of KP include having close family members with the condition, dry skin, eczema, and obesity.

While KP is not a harmful condition, many patients are concerned by the appearance of their skin. Treatments for KP include prescription moisturizers containing Urea, Lactic Acid or other exfoliators to help improve the appearance and texture of the bumpy skin by removing excess dead skin cells. In a few cases, a laser may further treat this condition.

Keratosis Pilaris is not contagious and for many people it may even resolve spontaneously. To schedule an appointment to discuss your skin, call our office at (952) 929-8888.

Have you noticed cracking, scaling and dryness on your hands? Maybe you’ve tried over the counter hand creams and lotions, but your skin is still painful and just won’t heal? You may be suffering from hand dermatitis (eczema).

Patients with hand dermatitis suffer from several symptoms including chapped skin, itching skin, small blisters on the palms of the hand or between the fingers, itching or burning of the skin or even deep cracks that cause bleeding or weeping skin.

Treatment of hand dermatitis is twofold. One part is treating the symptoms and the second part is finding out the initial cause. Coming into contact with chemicals, frequent exposure to water and other exposures can cause hand eczema. Common professions of patients with this skin condition include hair stylists, dish washers, medical professionals and others who come in contact with chemicals or detergents.

If you have dry, chapped or cracked hands that do not improve with the use of over the counter hand creams or if you have any pain, burning or itching of the skin, it may be time to see your dermatology providers for treatment. While hand dermatitis isn’t contagious or harmful, it can be a cause of infection as well as pain and embarrassment.

Please contact us at (952) 929-8888 to schedule your appointment today.

Brooke Moss, PA-C, MPH is a board-certified dermatology Physician Assistant. She is accepting new patients in our Edina and Downtown Minneapolis locations.

Expert Care. Exceptional Skin.

Understanding Bumpy “Chicken” Skin — Keratosis Pilaris

Understanding Dry, Scaling, Cracking Hands

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