KP on legs refers to keratosis pilaris appearing on the legs. Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, harmless skin condition causing dry, rough patches and small bumps. These bumps are typically found on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, but can also appear on other areas of the body, including the legs. The bumps result from an excess of keratin, a protein that forms part of skin, hair, and nails, plugging hair follicles.
The bumps associated with KP on the legs are usually small, rough, and might feel like sandpaper. They are generally not painful or itchy, though some individuals may experience mild discomfort. While KP is not curable, several treatments can help improve the appearance and texture of the skin. These treatments often focus on moisturizing and exfoliating the skin to help remove the excess keratin.
Several sources confirm the presence of KP on the legs:
- Mayo Clinic: States that KP causes bumpy, rough skin on the upper arms, thighs, or buttocks. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/keratosis-pilaris/symptoms-causes/syc-20351149
- Cleveland Clinic: Indicates that KP bumps develop on the skin, especially the arms, legs, or butt. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17758-keratosis-pilaris
- Healthline: Highlights that KP commonly occurs on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks, with the bumps being dead skin cells plugging hair follicles. https://www.healthline.com/health/keratosis-pilaris
- NHS: Describes KP as a common, harmless condition with small bumps appearing on the skin, often lasting a long time. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/
- Cedars-Sinai: Notes that the bumps are extra keratin and can appear on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/articles.html (Note: This link requires navigating to the specific Keratosis Pilaris article within their site.)
- Healthdirect: Specifies that the bumps can be found on areas of dry skin, including the upper arms, thighs, chest, face, and back. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/keratosis-pilaris
- WebMD: Mentions that KP can cause small, hard bumps on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and face. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/keratosis-pilaris
- First Aid Beauty: Refers to KP as causing dry, rough bumps, including "booty bumps," indicating it can affect the buttocks and legs. https://www.firstaidbeauty.com/products/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub-aha
- CeraVe: Specifically addresses rough and bumpy skin on the upper arms or thighs. https://www.cerave.com/skin-smarts/skin-concerns/rough-bumpy-skin/rough-bumpy-skin-and-keratosis-pilaris-explained
