{"id":10350,"date":"2024-01-04T03:55:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-04T11:55:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/?p=10350"},"modified":"2025-05-29T11:47:00","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T18:47:00","slug":"how-to-get-rid-of-strawberry-skin-keratosis-pilaris","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/how-to-get-rid-of-strawberry-skin-keratosis-pilaris\/","title":{"rendered":"Random bumps on your arms and legs? Here’s everything you need to know to get rid of ‘strawberry skin’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve noticed small, rough-feeling bumps on your arms and legs (or sometimes cheeks and buttocks), you are not alone. Those bumps are likely keratosis pilaris<\/a> (aka KP), a common skin condition that has been nicknamed \u201cchicken skin\u201d for its trademark texture or \u201cstrawberry skin\u201d for the occasional redness that occurs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMost patients seek consultation because they\u2019re self-conscious about texture and appearance,\u201d says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo<\/a>. \u201cOthers have misconceptions, believing it to be an allergic reaction or that it may be contagious.\u201d The good news is that KP is harmless and may improve on its own over time. But if you find strawberry skin unsightly or if dryness causes bothersome itchiness or redness<\/a>, here are ways to deal.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, what exactly is keratosis pilaris?  <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

KP occurs when the protein keratin builds up and clogs pores<\/a>, which then block hair follicles and create bumps<\/a>. While it typically develops in childhood or in one\u2019s teens, it also affects up to 40 percent of adults<\/a>, with a higher incidence among women. Studies show that KP can be genetic, but can also be exacerbated if you have dry skin<\/a> or conditions, such as eczema<\/a>, asthma and allergies.  <\/p>\n\n\n

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Do\u2019s and don\u2019ts of treating KP <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Below are dermatologist-backed tips on how to get rid of keratosis pilaris without aggravating skin:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Moisturize regularly.<\/strong> \u201cUsing a thick moisturizer an help soften skin and reduce roughness,\u201d she says. When shopping for moisturizers, Dr. Robredo suggests looking for emollients containing ceramides and fatty acids<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Gently exfoliate. <\/strong>Mild exfoliation<\/a> can help remove excess keratin from the skin\u2019s surface without irritating the skin. “Exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids\u2014think glycolic and lactic acids<\/a>\u2014salicylic acids and urea can improve skin texture, roughness, tone and appearance,\u201d she adds. Retinoids<\/a>, such as tretinoin, are also known to improve redness and itchiness.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Use mild cleansers<\/a> and take short, cool baths.<\/strong> Bathe with lukewarm water and avoid long, hot showers. \u201cHot showers can strip the skin of its natural oils,\u201d warns Dr. Robredo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for what to avoid, Dr. Robredo recommends refraining from picking, over-exfoliating, or using harsh scrubs and too many products at once. \u201cThese can be irritating to already dry and sensitive skin,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are ways to combat KP flare-ups, especially during cold winter months?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To start, maintain a consistent skincare routine of moisturizing and exfoliating. \u201cCorrect use of exfoliating and moisturizing products can prevent the buildup of keratin,\u201d says Dr. Robredo. A balanced diet and proper hydration<\/a> helps as well. \u201cA diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids<\/a> and adequate water intake can support skin health,\u201d she notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During colder seasons or if you live in a particularly arid climate, try investing in a humidifier. \u201cA humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air and preventing skin dryness,\u201d says Dr. Robredo, who also recommends wearing loose, comfortable clothing. \u201cTight clothing can sometimes cause friction and may exacerbate KP.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overall, KP can be manageable<\/a> so long as you don\u2019t neglect your skin. \u201cWhile KP is harmless, ignoring it can lead to discomfort and more noticeable symptoms,\u201d she says. Consistent keratosis pilaris selfcare keeps bumps\u2014and self-consciousness\u2014at bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Murad, and are for informational purposes only, even if the advice of physicians and medical practitioners are included. This article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered specific medical advice.\u202f<\/em> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

References for this information: <\/strong>
American Academy of Dermatology Association<\/em><\/a>
Biospace, June 24, 2021<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve noticed small, rough-feeling bumps on your arms and legs (or sometimes cheeks and buttocks), you are not alone. Those bumps are likely keratosis pilaris (aka KP), a common skin condition that has been nicknamed \u201cchicken skin\u201d for its trademark texture or \u201cstrawberry skin\u201d for the occasional redness that occurs.   \u201cMost patients seek consultation […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":10475,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10350","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-skin"],"metadata":{"_edit_lock":["1757517138:21"],"_edit_last":["21"],"adobe_analytics_repeatable":["a:1:{i:0;a:2:{s:4:\"name\";s:0:\"\";s:5:\"value\";s:0:\"\";}}"],"_yoast_wpseo_content_score":["30"],"_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes":["3"],"show_featured_image":["1"],"_show_featured_image":["field_609ee1cf1ce13"],"primary_category":["5"],"_primary_category":["field_608c33bdd26d5"],"mobile_image":[""],"_mobile_image":["field_60bf7692abe28"],"_post_views_count":["field_6107dfafd6a27"],"sidebar_products_use_global_default":["0"],"_sidebar_products_use_global_default":["field_63a349a11086a"],"sidebar_products_title":["Related Products"],"_sidebar_products_title":["field_6408d62123449"],"sidebar_products_items":[""],"_sidebar_products_items":["field_63a349a110878"],"sidebar_products":[""],"_sidebar_products":["field_63a349a0dadad"],"_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":["5"],"_thumbnail_id":["10475"],"post_views_count":["113401"],"_wp_old_slug":["random-bumps-on-your-arms-and-legs-everything-you-need-to-know-to-treat-strawberry-skin"],"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":["strawberry skin"],"_yoast_wpseo_linkdex":["73"],"_yoast_wpseo_title":["Everything you need to get rid of \u2018strawberry skin' | Murad Skincare"],"_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":["Discover dermatologist-approved ways to get rid of strawberry skin and keratosis pilaris with moisturizing, gentle exfoliation, and selfcare habits."]},"aioseo_notices":[],"acf":{"show_featured_image":true,"primary_category":{"term_id":5,"name":"Skin","slug":"skin","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":5,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":238,"filter":"raw"},"mobile_image":false,"sidebar_products":{"use_global_default":false,"title":"Related Products","items":""},"post_views_count":"113401"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10350","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10350"}],"version-history":[{"count":58,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10350\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13369,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10350\/revisions\/13369"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/10475"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10350"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10350"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wellconnected.murad.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10350"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}