What is the main cause of Keratosis Pilaris? Keratosis Pilaris, commonly known as “chicken skin� is a skin condition that affects a lot of people worldwide. Even though science has still to find a cure, we do however know what causes keratosis pilaris, and who is most likely to suffer from it.
As a rough estimate, Keratosis Pilaris affects between 40 and 50% of the adult, worldwide population. However, it's far more predominant in adolescents, with a reported 50 to 80% of teenagers experiencing this unsightly condition. Research has shown that it's mainly hereditary, and that people are more than likely to suffer if your dad or mum has had or is currently suffering from the condition. It is evident in all races, although it has been stated that people of Celtic origin have a higher chance of suffering, females are also more susceptible to the condition than males. Whilst babies can suffer from Keratosis Pilaris, it usually starts in early childhood, and starts to get worse in your teens or as the child enters puberty. Luckily enough quite a lot of people state that it does get better after puberty, occasionally disappearing all together during maturity, and while some people can continue to suffer throughout their 40's and 50's, it's very uncommon in the older generation. The main cause of keratosis pilaris is to do with the keratin production, the creamy coloured substance which is located in the outer layer of the skin. Keratin is a component of skin, mainly made of protein, nails and hair, however when the body over produces keratin, then the skin will thicken. The additional keratin has the consequence of blocking the hair follicles with plugs of skin, which eventually leads to raised bumps on the affected areas.