Patients often complain of rough texture, gooseflesh, and overall cosmetic appearance of their skin. Eruption is usually asymptomatic except for occasional pruritus. Small 1-2 mm folliculocentric keratotic papules are noted. Often there is a small, coiled hair beneath the papule. Commonly involved areas include posterolateral upper arms, anterior thighs, and facial cheeks.
Symptoms generally tend to worsen in winter and improve in summer.
Common associations include family history of KP, ichthyosis, or atopic dermatitis. There are no specific laboratory tests that aid in diagnosis. Skin biopsy with histopathological examination may be useful in atypical cases. Imaging studies are not indicated. Papules are thought to arise from excessive accumulation of keratin at the follicular orifice.