Chicken skin is clinically known as keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris does not usually require treatment, but can be removed with topical skin medications and oral medications if symptoms are evident or if the patient has cosmetic concerns.
Keratosis pilaris is a condition in which the skin has follicular bumps that feel rough to the touch. It often occurs on the upper arms, thighs, back and cheeks. It is mainly due to the over-keratinization of the follicular opening of the skin, resulting in skin that is not smooth to the touch and some follicular, raised pimples.
1. Topical treatment: 0.1% retinoic acid cream and tazarotene gel, 10%~20% urea cream, 3%~5% salicylic acid ointment, 10%~20% cod liver oil ointment, which can soften or dissolve the keratin and improve the symptom; use moisturizers to alleviate the dryness of the skin. Heavier lesions can be combined with topical medium-acting glucocorticoids, such as mometasone furoate cream.
2. Systemic treatment: Vitamin A, vitamin E or small doses of retinoic acid can improve symptoms, but should be used under the guidance of a doctor.
Patients with keratosis pilaris who need treatment should actively seek medical advice and follow the doctor’s instructions for standardized treatment. Medications should be used under medical supervision.