What causes keratosis pilaris and who can get it?
Keratosis pilaris is inherited. It is thought that the children of people with it have as high as a one-in-two chance of inheriting the condition, which is caused by an excess of keratin (a protein used as a ‘building block’ by the body that is commonly found in nails) in the hair follicles of the affected area. The condition generally occurs at first in childhood before developing further during the teenage years. It can often clear by the time adulthood is reached, although in some cases the signs of keratosis pilaris will continue to be present. The condition is both harmless and not contagious.
