Keratosis

🌿 Overview

Keratosis (often called 'sharkskin' or keratosis pilaris) is a very common skin condition where keratin and sebaceous material plug the hair follicle openings, creating a rough, bumpy texture that looks and feels like permanent goose bumps or sandpaper. Most commonly found on the backs of the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and elbows. Many physicians consider it normal variation, but it is strongly associated with vitamin A and zinc deficiency. It tends to run in families, worsens in cold dry weather, and often improves with age. It is harmless — but annoying — and typically responds well to nutritional support.

Common signs

• Rough, bumpy 'goose bump' texture on the backs of the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or elbows
• Skin that feels like sandpaper
• Small, hard bumps that may be skin-colored, reddish, or whitish
• Dryness in the affected areas
• Symptoms typically worse in cold, dry weather and winter months

🔎 Why it happens

Common causes and triggers — spotting yours is often the first step to relief.

• **Vitamin A deficiency** — vitamin A is essential for normal skin cell turnover
• **Zinc deficiency** — zinc supports skin repair and follicle health
• A buildup of **keratin** plugging hair follicles (the body's protein that forms skin, hair, and nails)
• Genetic tendency (it runs in families)
• Essential fatty acid deficiency may also contribute

✅ What to do

Gentle, practical steps you can take at home — start at the top.

1. Add zinc — 15 mg three times daily supports skin and follicle health.
2. Supplement with essential fatty acids — 5 grams three times daily (flaxseed oil, fish oil, or evening primrose oil are good sources).
3. Eat foods naturally rich in vitaminA natural substance your body needs in small amounts to stay healthy, like vitamin C or D. More → A: dark orange and yellow vegetables (sweet potato, carrot, squash), dark leafy greens, and eggs.
4. Moisturize regularly with gentle, fragrance-free lotions to reduce the rough texture.
5. Use a gentle loofah or dry brush on affected areas to exfoliate softly — don't scrub harshly.
6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support skin hydrationGiving your body enough water to work well. More →.

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🍽️ Eating to help

Food is one of the gentlest medicines — small, steady changes help most.

Favor these

• Sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, and pumpkin (beta-carotene for vitamin A)
• Dark leafy greens: kale, spinach, Swiss chard
• Pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (zinc)
• Ground flaxseed, walnuts, and chia seeds (essential fatty acids)
• Eggs and legumes

Go easy on

• Refined and processed foods that deplete nutrients
• Excessive alcohol, which depletes zinc and B vitamins

A whole-food diet rich in vitamin A, zinc, and essential fatty acids addresses the root nutritional causes of keratosis pilaris.

📜 A note from history

The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia identifies vitamin A and zinc deficiency as the primary causes of keratosis, prescribing targeted supplementation with these nutrients alongside essential fatty acids for the rough, plugged-follicle skin texture.

📚 Learn more

Trusted, independent sources for further reading. These open in a new tab.

• Keratosis Pilaris — American Academy of Dermatology ↗

💬 Ask Remy about Keratosis