eric treiber

As the seasons change Dr. Eric Treiber and other dermatologist encounter different skin issues. Every new season seemingly brings with it a new outbreak of some skin issue. Recently at Treiber Dermatology we have encountered a number of patients with Keratosis Pilaris, or “chicken skin”. Chicken skin is the presence of small, dry bumps along a patient’s skin. Most commonly among the arms, and legs. This is a harmless, genetic condition caused by the overproduction of the keratin protein. Keratin blocks your hair follicle sites, causing a bump similar to acne. These bumps closely resemble goosebumps; however, they are white or red in color.

Despite being harmless, chicken skin, can become embarrassing and is a cosmetic issue people should address. A huge portion of the population suffers from this issue and there is actually no permanent cure. However, there are a few methods to stifle it, and make outbreaks calmer. Some ways to improve KP are:

Daily moisturizing: Apply generous amounts of oil-free moisturizer daily, especially after showering. Use more during cold weather.

Use products containing lactic acid, glycol acid and urea. Many OTC lotions contain these 3 important ingredients. They will help exfoliate your skin, keeping it smoother and softer.

Consult a dermatologist. Dr. Eric Treiber uses a number of methods to combat keratosis pillaris at his practice. Certain prescription retinoids can help alleviate and smooth out the bumps over time. And in certain sever cases, Dr. Treiber uses laser resurfacing treatments as well as chemical peels. These are known to exfoliate your dead skin and stimulate the growth of new, fresh skin. Generally leaving you with smooth, bump-free skin.