I've got these giltis all over my body like on my stomach, hand, back, and thighs. They're not painful, but they look pretty weird. Should I be concerned about these? What could be causing them?

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

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Giltis, also known as keratosis pilaris (KP), are small, rough, sandpapery bumps on the skin. They can appear on various body parts, such as the stomach, hands, back, thighs, and arms.

Possible Causes:

1. Genetics: KP can run in families.
2. Dry skin: Dry skin can exacerbate KP.
3. Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like zinc, can contribute to KP.
4. Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause can lead to KP.

Symptoms:

1. Small, rough bumps on the skin
2. Sandpapery texture
3. May appear red or brown
4. Typically doesn't cause pain or itching

Treatment Options:

1. Moisturize: Keeping the skin hydrated can help reduce the appearance of KP.
2. Exfoliate: Gently exfoliating the skin with a loofah or gentle scrub can help remove dead skin cells.
3. Topical creams: Creams containing urea, hyaluronic acid, or salicylic acid can help soften and remove dead skin cells.
4. Microdermabrasion: A non-invasive exfoliating treatment that can help improve skin texture.

Home Remedies:

1. Sugar or salt scrub: Mix sugar or salt with a gentle cleanser and massage onto the skin before rinsing.
2. Coconut oil: Apply coconut oil to the affected areas to help moisturize and soften the skin.
3. Oatmeal baths: Oatmeal can help soothe and soften the skin.

Answered 04/07/2025