These annoying bumpy patches, commonly referred to as "chicken skin," are caused by an actual condition called keratosis pilaris (KP). KP is extremely common – it affects nearly 50 percent of the world’s population – and even more so in kids, with 50 to 80 percent of all children having it appear at some point. Even with KP being so common, most people with it are unaware that not only is there a designated medical term for the condition, but that treatment exists.

Parents who notice KP on their kids don’t need to be alarmed or feel like they did anything to cause it. Keratosis pilaris is actually hereditary, inherited as an autosomal dominant gene (similar to the brown vs. blue eye color phenomenon). All it takes is a single gene from either parent to find oneself with less than perfectly smooth skin. Parents of kids with KP may or may not have had the condition themselves.

Although it may be aesthetically displeasing, KP is medically harmless. While it may become exaggerated at puberty, it frequently improves with age. Though it may not be able to be "cured," it is certainly controllable if you choose to treat it.

Treating KP is all about smoothing away the bumps. Using dermatologist recommended therapy helps eliminate the bumps, improve skin texture, eliminate acne-causing plugs and improve overall appearance – getting rid of the "chicken skin" look.

DERMAdoctor founder and dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D. has found that keratosis pilaris responds best to a multi-therapeutic approach. "In my experience, single ingredient products or routines don't do nearly as well as combination therapy," she says. "So, I tried to combine the best active agents into a single cream targeted at keratosis pilaris."

DERMAdoctor KP Duty is the first product specifically designed to treat this chronic skin condition. It is fragrance and dye free and can safely be used on children over two years old as well as women who are pregnant.

KP Duty combines high potency dermatologist strength glycolic acid and urea with green tea. The alpha hydroxy acid and urea work as a combination chemical exfoliant and humectant, eliminating bumps and softening the skin. Green tea contains EGCG to help fight the irritation that causes the formation of skin discoloration commonly seen in KP.

This is a great active moisturizer for dry skin concerns, no matter what your skin type.

Independent clinical trials showed that 94 percent of subjects with moderate to severe cases of keratosis pilaris had clinical improvement after using KP Duty over a six-week period.

In addition to intensive moisturizing, adults and children over two with KP can help fight the condition by exfoliating with DERMAdoctor’s KP Duty Body Scrub. Medical-quality exfoliation requires more than just scrubbing. Dry skin, flaky patches and KP bumps are held together by bonds that physical exfoliation alone can’t break. KP Duty Body Scrub acts as a chemical peel and microdermabrasion session in one, allowing dermatologist-recommended skin therapies including glycolic, lactic and azelaic acids to provide deeper, more thorough results.

Smooth, non-abrasive synthetic beads lift away dead skin cells without inflicting trauma to the epidermis. Calming, anti-redness agents including green tea, willow bark and algae extracts help prevent irritation and sensitivity, leaving the resurfaced skin soft, smooth and radiant. KP Duty Body Scrub only needs to be used once or twice a week to help ward off those dreaded chicken skin bumps. Hypoallergenic with no dyes or irritants, it is a great choice for all skin types.

The important thing to remember in treating children of any age with keratosis pilaris is that this common, genetic condition cannot hurt them and does not even require treatment. Chances are it bothers you more than it bothers them! If you do choose to treat your child’s KP, just be sure to read all package warnings on any treatments to ensure they are age-appropriate and consult with your pediatrician before applying any products to a child under age two.

Amy Burger
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

This content is sponsored by DERMAdoctor. The author receives compensation for its creation. All content is the legal copyright of DERMAdoctor, Inc, and it may not be used, reprinted, or published without written consent. The information provided is for entertainment purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal or other professional advice.