Very small white nodules on skin

My girlfriend has very small while nodules on her skin, she says this is the way way her skin is and she finds them normal. her skin looks and feels like the skin of a chicken. what is the cause of this, and can it be treated?
Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
What your girlfriend is having is called keratosis pilaris. It is a common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin like goose bumps and hence colloquially referred to as "chicken skin".

Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris, however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent. Treatment includes tretinoin or Triamcinolone cream or Adapalene, a retinoid medication. Exfoliation, intensive moisturizing creams, creams and lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids and urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your girlfriend is doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.