ENRICH Clinic has moved to 8- 10 Howitt Street, South Yarra as of Jan 2025. Email: enrichclinic@div.net.au – Read More Here
Keratosis pilaris (often called “chicken skin” or pillar keratosis) is a common skin condition that occurs when keratin—a protein that helps protect the skin—builds up and blocks hair follicles. This leads to tiny bumps, often accompanied by redness, dryness, or rough texture.
While keratosis pilaris symptoms usually appear on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, they can occur anywhere on the body. It’s not contagious, not dangerous, and often improves with age, but many people seek out treatment for cosmetic reasons or to alleviate discomfort.
People often confuse keratosis pilaris with red spots on skin or early signs of atopic dermatitis. Our team can help differentiate these conditions and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin—a protein that protects the skin—builds up and blocks hair follicles. The exact cause is unknown, but it’s commonly associated with:
For some, keratosis pilaris can cause mild itching or irritation, especially in colder months. However, it’s generally not painful or harmful—just a cosmetic concern for many.
There’s no permanent cure, but with the right approach, keratosis pilaris can be significantly improved. At ENRICH Clinic in Melbourne, we offer a range of medical-grade options tailored to your skin.
Chemical peels that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic acid or lactic acid can help exfoliate dead skin and reduce keratin build-up, improving the texture and tone of your skin over time.
A non-invasive laser treatment that gently heats the skin to stimulate collagen production and even out texture. Ideal for reducing redness and inflammation associated with keratosis pilaris.
The Excel V laser targets redness and visible capillaries, often found in keratosis pilaris. It’s particularly useful if your condition includes red dots or red spots on the skin.
Take-home skincare is essential for managing keratosis pilaris. Our dermatology team can recommend products containing:
These products are available in-clinic as part of your customised treatment plan.
A consistent keratosis pilaris self-care routine is key to managing symptoms. Here’s what you can do at home:
Look for creams that specifically list urea (10–20%) or lactic acid, and avoid physical scrubs, which can aggravate the skin further.
Keratosis pilaris tends to worsen in cold, dry weather due to reduced skin hydration. Winter is the perfect time to start a skin-refreshing routine that can show visible results by summer.
Consistency is key when it comes to how to treat keratosis pilaris long-term. Here’s a recap of what works best:
At ENRICH Clinic, we’ll work with you to find a treatment that suits your skin and lifestyle.
If you’re bothered by rough skin, redness, or persistent bumps, our team is here to help. Book your consultation today to explore your personalised keratosis pilaris treatment plan.
You can reduce its appearance with chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid, laser treatments, and regular moisturising with urea-based creams.
A build-up of keratin blocks the hair follicles. It’s more common in people with dry skin or a family history of skin conditions.
It can be mildly itchy or dry, especially in winter, but it’s generally painless.
There’s no cure, but many patients see long-term improvement with consistent care and targeted treatments.
*All procedures carry risks, potential side effects, and possible complications, and may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation with a registered health practitioner is required to determine if this treatment is appropriate, and further information will be provided before you decide to proceed. Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and results vary between individuals.
This content is intended for persons aged 18 years and over. Patients under 18 are subject to a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period before proceeding with any non-surgical cosmetic procedures. In some cases, this is a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period, applies to individuals over 18. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal. Please seek personalised guidance from a registered health practitioner regarding your individual circumstances.
Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before-and-after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results that other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries.
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ENRICH Clinic is relocating to 8-10 Howitt St, South Yarra in January next year. We will continue to operate as ENRICH Dermatology with our existing team and services, but we will now share facilities with the Dermatology Institute of Victoria.
