Keratosis pilaris, commonly known as “chicken skin”, occurs when dead cells called keratinocytes build up in the skin's hair follicles and block the channel. It's quite common. It gives the skin a dry, pimple-like appearance with a sandpapery feel. It's usually seen on the outer part of the upper arms, the thighs, the buttocks, and very rarely on the face.
Although it can occasionally be itchy, it's more often a cosmetic concern. It tends to improve in summer and become more noticeable in winter. Avoiding very hot water and scrubbing in the bath, and applying a moisturiser afterwards, helps ease it. Moisturisers with a high urea content are beneficial. Lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoic acid and salicylic acid, which clear dead skin cells, can also help improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris.