Definition

Noun: * A common, harmless skin condition characterized by small, rough, hard bumps on the skin. These bumps are caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects skin, which plugs the openings of hair follicles. It most commonly appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The dermatologist diagnosed the rough texture on her upper arms as keratosis pilaris.
  • Many people find that keratosis pilaris improves during the summer months.
  • He uses a moisturizing lotion with lactic acid to manage his keratosis pilaris.

Advanced Usage

• "Chicken skin": A common colloquial term for keratosis pilaris, referring to its bumpy texture that resembles plucked poultry skin.
  • She always thought the bumps on her arms were just "chicken skin," but later learned the medical term was keratosis pilaris.

Variants and Related Words

• Keratosis (n): The broader medical term for any condition involving the overgrowth or accumulation of keratin on the skin.
  • Actinic keratosis is a different, more serious type of keratosis caused by sun damage.
• Follicular keratosis: A more technical synonym for keratosis pilaris, emphasizing its origin in the hair follicles.

Synonyms

• Follicular keratosis: (Medical synonym)
• "Chicken skin": (Informal, descriptive term)

Related Phrases

• KP: A common abbreviation used in informal and online discussions about skincare.
  • What's your favorite lotion for KP on the legs?

Noun

1. keratosis characterized by hard conical elevations in the openings of sebaceous glands (especially of arms and thighs)