[1]) is a common, autosomal-dominant, genetic condition of the skin's hair follicles characterized by the appearance of possibly itchy, small, gooseflesh-like bumps, with varying degrees of reddening or inflammation.

[2] It most often appears on the outer sides of the upper arms (the forearms can also be affected), thighs, face, back, and buttocks;[2] KP can also occur on the hands, and tops of legs, sides, or any body part except glabrous (hairless) skin (like the palms or soles of feet).

[6] No single approach has been found to completely cure KP, but treatments can improve the cosmetic appearance of the condition.

Though people with KP experience the condition year-round, the problem can become exacerbated, with the bumps likely to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture, during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower.

[7] The excess keratin, which is the same color as the person's natural skin tone, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore.

[10] Those with this condition are generally encouraged to contact a physician if the bumps are bothersome and do not improve with over-the-counter lotions.

[1][7] KP is commonly described in association with other dry-skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris, dry skin, and atopic dermatitis, including those of asthma and allergies.

[11] It is not related to goose bumps, which result from muscle contractions, except that both occur in the area where the hair shaft exits the skin.

Some cases of KP have been successfully treated with laser therapy, which involves passing intense bursts of light into targeted areas of the skin.

Although KP may manifest in people of any age, it usually appears within the first decade of life and is more common in young children.