The photographs and 15-year history are most consistent with keratosis pilaris (KP), commonly called “chicken skin.”

KP is benign, non-contagious, and often familial. It results from keratin plugging hair follicles. This presentation is not typical of bacterial folliculitis, which is usually more inflamed, itchy/tender, and may form pustules.

A standard text describes KP as tiny keratotic follicular papules on extensor arms and thighs, producing a rough texture; it may have perifollicular redness. Textbook of Family Medicine 9e, p. 923. The AAD overview similarly describes rough plugs on the upper arms.

Improvement is usually gradual over 6-8 weeks and requires maintenance; it can recur after treatment is stopped. A 2025 systematic review on management is indexed as PMID 41277649, but no finding from it changes this first-line approach.

Seek in-person dermatology review if lesions become painful, pus-filled, rapidly spread, ulcerate, or if the diagnosis remains uncertain.