What’s Up With Those Weird Red Bumps On Your Skin? (2 of 3)

What causes keratosis pilaris

If you have keratosis pilaris, it is important to understand the causes of this condition. It’s all about good keratin gone bad. Essentially, keratin is a naturally occurring protein found in the skin that is tasked with keeping it free of infection and fighting against harmful bacteria. However, when keratin collects around your hair follicles, the result is clogged pores and you develop “chicken skin” as a result.

As with many skin conditions, where you are in your life stage determines how common it is to be afflicted with keratosis pilaris. In particular, it is most likely to happen anytime between infanthood and young adulthood. However, this doesn’t mean the condition can’t occur at other life stages.

Genetic predisposition

You are probably wondering if you’re cursed. After all, you look around at your friends and see that they don’t have these bumps all over their arms as you do! Well, if by “curse” you mean “genetic predisposition,” then the answer is yes. It is indeed something inherited from your family. So if your parents or siblings have it, there’s a mighty good chance that you’ll get it too. The likelihood of having keratosis pilaris also increases if you have atopic dermatitis.