Understanding Chicken Skin: Causes, Treatments, and Remedies
‘Chicken skin’, medically known as keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition characterised by small, rough bumps. It is often found on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks and can be a frustrating condition to deal with.
Understanding the causes of chicken skin and exploring the treatment options can help you manage and improve your skin’s texture.
What Causes Chicken Skin?
Keratosis pilaris occurs due to buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin from infections. When excess keratin clogs hair follicles, it creates a prickly rough texture not dissimilar to that of a plucked chicken, hence the name. The exact cause of this buildup is still somewhat unclear, but several factors can contribute:
- Genetics:
If someone in your family has keratosis pilaris, there is a high chance that you may experience it too. - Skin type:
People with dry or sensitive skin are more prone to developing chicken skin. - Hormonal changes:
Fluctuations in hormones, particularly during puberty, pregnancy, and hormonal treatments, may exacerbate the condition. - Skin disorders:
Conditions like eczema or dry skin can increase the likelihood of developing keratosis pilaris. - Environment:
Extreme weather conditions can dry out your skin, making ‘chicken skin’ more pronounced.
5 DIY Treatments for Chicken Skin
For mild cases of keratosis pilaris, it’s sensible to try out some simple measures at home:
- Warm Baths or Showers:
Soaking in warm (not hot!) water for 10-15 minutes can help soften the keratin plugs. Colloidal oatmeal is worth a go, as this can soothe irritated skin and help smooth out the bumps. Add it to your bath for a relaxing relief. However, avoid having prolonged baths or water that is too hot, as that can exacerbate the condition. - Exfoliation:
Regular exfoliation helps remove dead skin cells. Use a gentle scrub, washcloth or a soft loofah to avoid irritation. You can make DIY scrubs by mixing fine sugar or sea salt with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil for a gentle exfoliating scrub. Alternatively, look for scrubs containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to enhance skin cell turnover. However, do take care not to over-exfoliate, as this can irritate the skin. Use sparingly and rinse thoroughly. - Moisturising:
Keeping your skin hydrated is essential, both after showering and throughout the day. Use thick creams or ointments containing ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, petrolatum and mineral oil, which help to create a barrier and prevent moisture loss. Products enriched with urea or lactic acid can also help to soften rough skin and improve texture, but must not be used on irritated skin. Some brands offer formulations specifically for keratosis pilaris, containing exfoliating ingredients and intensive moisturisers. - Natural oils:
Coconut oil or tea tree oil may help moisturise and ease inflammation. Apply these oils directly to the affected areas. - Hydration:
Drinking plenty of water helps keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. During dry months, a humidifier can also be helpful, as this will add moisture to the air and prevent your skin from drying out.
Professional Treatments for Chicken Skin
If DIY treatments aren’t enough or are causing issues for your skin, then you may consider professional treatment. There are several options that can provide more effective results:
- Chemical peels:
Skin peels using glycolic or salicylic acid can help to remove the outer layer of dead skin and unclog hair follicles. They come in a variety of strengths, offering gentle to intensive results. These are applied and removed by trained skincare practitioners according to strict protocols. - Microdermabrasion:
This treatment involves using a special device to mechanically exfoliate the skin. As well as smoothing the rough bumps, this process also helps to improve texture and health of the skin. - Laser therapy:
Laser treatments can significantly reduce the redness and bumps associated with keratosis pilaris by targeting the hair follicles and underlying skin. They also promote skin cell renewal and healthier skin structure.
Professional Skincare Ingredients
In cases of more persistent keratosis pilaris, skincare practitioners may recommend medicated products to use after professional skin treatment. These include medical-grade ingredients such as:
- Topical Retinoids:
These vitamin A derivatives encourage cell turnover and can effectively reduce the appearance of bumps by helping prevent clogged hair follicles. - Prescription-Strength AHA/BHA:
Creams containing stronger concentrations of AHAs or BHAs can provide more significant improvements than over-the-counter products. - Corticosteroid:
In cases where the skin is particularly inflamed, a mild topical corticosteroid can help reduce redness and irritation.
These ingredients are available in all sorts of formats, including creams, lotions, serums and even special patches that you can apply to the skin in order to treat isolated areas of bumps.
Final Thoughts
While chicken skin is a benign condition, it can affect your self-esteem and comfort. With various DIY treatments, professional options, and medicated products, there’s no need to suffer in silence.
Feel free to contact Mulberry House Clinic in Northamptonshire for personalised advice on skincare and treatments. The clinic is medically led and all consultations take place with a former GP (Dr John Tanqueray) or SRN (Liz Tanqueray), who have decades of experience in helping clients to discover healthier skin.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with over 17 years experience. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
