The small bumps, sometimes mistaken for pimples are infact completely harmless and not that noticeable. Some people however do pick at these small bumps, causing scarring in extreme cases.

Fortunately Keratosis Pilaris is treatable.  Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris does not involve any real pill or medicine, but instead it is better to use exfoliating lotion twice daily and moisturise to reduce inflammation.

More on treatment later however, Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic condition, and therefore not something that can just be easily avoided.

It is believed that Keratosis Pilaris is caused by the bodies exfoliating cell process, keratinisation. This occurs when Keratin, usually a little sticky and found within hair follicles, becoming hardened.  When this occurs the keratinisation process forms thorny areas from the keratin which stretch and open the hair follicles rather than exfoliating them naturally, causing redness and irritation.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris is limited in effect and usually temporary.  While in most conditions Keratosis Pilaris clears up naturally in adult life in some instances it does last the entire lifespan of a person.  The visual appearance of Keratosis Pilaris can be reduced by careful exfoliation and moisturising.  This must be continued for the effects to continue though.  When you stop exfoliating and moisturising it is almost certain Keratosis Pilaris and the bumps on your skin will return almost immediately.