What causes chicken skin rash?

Jun 16, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My friend has many small bumps on their arms. The doctor said it's keratosis pilaris, but I have some doubts and would like to ask what causes keratosis pilaris?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Keratosis pilaris, also known as follicular keratosis, has the following main causes: 1. Genetic factors: Keratosis pilaris shows a clear familial clustering pattern and may be associated with autosomal dominant inheritance. In some cases, one or both parents of affected individuals may have the condition, increasing the risk for their offspring. 2. Vitamin deficiency: Deficiencies in certain vitamins, especially vitamins A and E, may impair skin metabolism, leading to excessive keratin buildup and triggering keratosis pilaris. 3. Excessive skin keratinization: Overproduction of keratinocytes results in thickened stratum corneum and clogged hair follicles, disrupting normal sebaceous gland function and contributing to the development of keratosis pilaris. 4. Infections: Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin may trigger follicular keratosis. 5. Other factors: Endocrine imbalances, metabolic disorders, and similar conditions may also be associated with the development of keratosis pilaris. Given the diverse causes of keratosis pilaris, patients should adopt appropriate treatment strategies based on the specific underlying cause.