Keratosis pilaris

Definition:

A common skin condition in which keratin, the dead material of the skin, builds up around hair follicles.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This condition is most often seen as a rough, almost goose-bump appearance of the skin over the outer upper arm and outer upper thighs, although it can occur on other areas of the body. The texture is that of very coarse sandpaper. Individual lesions consist of a small skin-colored papules which build up around hair follicles. The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer.

The condition is benign, self-limiting, and disappears with increasing age.