It is a very common benign condition, which presents as folliculocentric keratotic papules. Although there is no defined etiology, it is often described in association with ichthyosis vulgaris and less commonly with atopic dermatitis. Autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance has been described.
Seasonal variation is described with improvement of symptoms in summer months.
Overall, KP is self-limited and tends to improve with age in many patients. More widespread atypical cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing. Often there is a small, coiled hair beneath the papule. Papules are thought to arise from excessive accumulation of keratin at the follicular orifice. No increased mortality or morbidity is associated with this condition.