What is Keratosis Pilaris? Here’s Everything You Need to Know About “Strawberry Legs”

posted in Body Care on Apr 18, 2023

Ever wondered about that weird, bumpy skin on your upper arms and thighs? Or maybe you’ve recently heard of the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris (otherwise known as “KP”, “chicken skin” or “strawberry skin”)? Those pesky bumps have recently been gaining a ton of exposure from skincare influencers on Instagram and TikTok. On TikTok alone, the hashtag #keratosispilaris has over 295 Million views! Once you understand just how common this hard-to-treat condition really is, the search volume makes a whole lot more sense. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 50% and 80% of teenagers are affected by Keratosis Pilaris, while 40% of adults develop it over time. Here, you can learn all you need to know - from how to treat KP to what causes it in the first place! 

What is Keratosis Pilaris?


Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic genetic skin condition characterized by small, scaly bumps on the skin that sometimes resemble goosebumps or itchy, dry skin. The bumps most commonly appear on the back of the upper arms, upper legs and buttocks. While one of the most common dermatologic conditions, KP has no cure. The good news is, it can be managed with proper treatment, and its rash-like appearance can be significantly improved. 

What Causes KP?


Keratosis Pilaris can happen when there is a build-up of keratin, the same protein found in your hair and nails. When there is a build-up of keratin, your pores and hair follicles become clogged and grow in size, and you are more likely to experience patches of rough, bumpy skin. When these enlarged pores or hair follicles trap keratin and dead skin cells, it may look like small clusters of black spots across your skin - resembling strawberry seeds and coining the term “strawberry skin”. While researchers aren’t sure what exactly causes keratin build-up, we do know that it is not contagious and is largely influenced by genetics. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, there is a 50% chance that you will inherit the condition if one of your parents has it. People who struggle with dry skin are also often more susceptible to “chicken skin”, and some may even find that their KP improves during the summer months and worsens in cold, dry winter months. 

How Can I Treat Strawberry Legs?


While harmless, Keratosis Pilaris can be *annoying* especially if you’ve tried everything and NOTHING is working. It can be tempting to try and “scrub” away those rough patches, but don’t! Experts agree - the gentler you are on your KP, the better the outcome. 


So what CAN finally get rid of those pesky bumps - once and for all? 

Introducing The Body Cream: KP Formula


A prescription body cream featuring the Musely Micro Base, The Body Cream was designed with small molecules that effectively penetrate the thick body skin. 


The KP formula of The Body Cream is specially formulated to treat keratosis pilaris, which appears as tiny, rough bumps with a white or red appearance. It is commonly referred to as "chicken skin".


A 60-Day clinical trial* was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of The Body Cream for use on the body in conjunction with the Musely Micro Base, designed to penetrate the body skin more effectively. Participants reported the treatment was effective on their treatment area and were satisfied with their results.


What's in it?


• Diclofenac 1%
• Tazarotene 0.01%
• Tacrolimus 0.05%
• Musely Micro Base


About Musely


Musely provides prescription skin care treatments through technology. Musely enables talented dermatologists and pharmacists to deliver and administer medical treatments for skin conditions and skincare, online. With its revolutionary approach, Musely enables the science of youth quickly and inexpensively from the convenience of your home. Founded by successful Silicon Valley serial entrepreneurs, Musely is on a mission to deliver health and healthy living to every person in the world.

How Musely Works


We have a simple, 4-step process for you to follow below!

1. After selecting The Body Cream, simply complete the online questionnaire and upload 3 photos of your skin concerns.
2. Place your order and your assigned dermatologist will review your medical questionnaire and write your custom prescription within 24 hours.
3. Your medication is then freshly compounded by our pharmacy and shipped straight to your door!
4. Track your progress using the eNurse feature on the Musely app for the first 60 days of your treatment (or your money back).

With licensed dermatologists in all 50 states of the U.S., getting prescription skincare has never been easier. Whether you’re new to Musely or already have a prescription with us, there are always more treatment options to explore!