What is the medical term for chicken skin in kids?

Keratosis Pilaris: The Medical Term for "Chicken Skin" in Children

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is the medical term for "chicken skin" in children, characterized by small, folliculocentric papules with variable perifollicular erythema that gives the skin a rough, bumpy appearance resembling plucked chicken skin. 1, 2

Clinical Presentation and Characteristics

• Appearance: Small, folliculocentric papules or keratotic bumps with surrounding erythema
• Common locations:
  • Extensor surfaces of upper arms
  • Thighs
  • Buttocks
  • Cheeks (particularly in children) 3
• Texture: Rough, sandpaper-like texture when touched
• Color: Can be flesh-colored, white, red, or slightly hyperpigmented

Pathophysiology

Keratosis pilaris results from:

• Hyperkeratinization of the follicular epithelium
• Keratin plugging of hair follicles
• Perifollicular erythema
• Genetic factors: Inherited mutations in the FLG gene (filaggrin) and ABCA12 gene have been implicated 1

Associated Conditions

Keratosis pilaris may be associated with:

• Ichthyosis vulgaris
• Palmar hyperlinearity
• Less commonly with atopic dermatitis 1
• In rare cases, it can be part of specific syndromes or associated with other diseases 2

Variants of Keratosis Pilaris

1. Keratosis pilaris simplex: Most common form
2. Keratosis pilaris rubra: More prominent erythema
3. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli: Affects face and neck
4. Keratosis pilaris atrophicans: Rare variant with scarring 1

Management Approaches

First-line Treatments:

• Topical keratolytics:
  • Lactic acid (most commonly used by dermatologists - 43.63%) 4
  • Salicylic acid (second most common - 20.72%) 4
  • Urea-containing moisturizers (20% urea cream has shown significant improvement in skin texture) 5

General Measures:

• Hydrating the skin regularly
• Avoiding long hot baths or showers
• Using mild soaps or gentle cleansers
• Regular moisturization

Second-line Treatments:

• Topical retinoids
• Topical corticosteroids (for inflammatory variants)

Refractory Cases:

• Laser therapy (particularly Nd:YAG laser) 3
• Microdermabrasion

Important Considerations

• KP is generally considered benign and often improves with age
• Treatment results are often temporary, with over 60% of patients experiencing recurrence within three months of stopping treatment 4
• Consistency in treatment is key for managing symptoms
• Patient education about the chronic nature of the condition is important

Prognosis

• Often improves or resolves spontaneously during adolescence or early adulthood
• May persist in some individuals
• Treatment focuses on symptom management rather than cure

Keratosis pilaris is extremely common in children and adolescents and, while sometimes cosmetically concerning to patients and parents, represents a benign variant of normal skin that typically improves with age.