Now that we’re shedding layers and also abandoning sleeves in favour of garments that’s breezy and also summertime ideal, the trouble of poultry skin (which most commonly appears on the tops of arms and also is aggravated by warmth) is more difficult to ignore.
There’s absolutely nothing like bumpy skin to place the kibosh on smooth, smooth arm or legs. And also, if you’re efforts to feel like an absolute siren have actually been warded off by rough, red swellings, you’ll know the irritation of hen skin.
So, we’ve assembled a need-to-know overview of what hen skin is, what causes it and (most significantly) exactly how to treat it.
What is poultry skin?
Understood by its medical name, keratosis pilaris, hen skin looks like little red, white or brownish bumps (which look like goosebumps or plucked poultry skin) and are most generally located on upper arms, upper legs, bases and cheeks.
They do not have a tendency to feel scratchy, they’re not contagious and they don’t position a danger to our wellness. They can feel unpleasant as well as harsh.
What creates it?
Poultry skin is triggered by too much keratin (a protein that supports hair growth) accumulating in our pores. “What happens is the hair follicle comes to be blocked with a build-up of keratin,” says Eilidh Smith, creator as well as CEO of skincare specialists Skinwork. For that reason you’ll just locate it in position where the skin has hair follicles (so never ever on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet). The specific factor behind this is unidentified, however it’s believed to be hereditary and also “there are some theories that dairy as well as gluten can be the source of keratosis pilaris,” states Eilidh.
Are there any type of triggers that make poultry skin worse?
Hormonal modifications might be responsible, for example, the problem has a tendency to flare up during the age of puberty as well as pregnancy. However, “warmth and not using the appropriate items can make the problem even worse,” describes Eilidh. Perfumed soaps as well as bathing items, extremely severe body scrubs and also really warm showers can all contribute.