KP

Abbreviation with 2 meanings

KP
Stands forKeratosis pilaris
Meanings2
CategoriesMedical, Geography & Places

KP has two meanings. It stands for Keratosis pilaris (dermatology) or North Korea (country code).

Meanings of KP at a glance

#KP stands forContext
1Keratosis pilarisMedical › Dermatology
2North KoreaGeography & Places › Country Code

1. Keratosis pilaris

Medical · Dermatology Abbreviations

Very common harmless condition producing small rough bumps, sometimes red, around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks, often described as "chicken skin". It is most noticeable in childhood and adolescence and often improves with age.

Example: KP on posterior arms; urea 10 percent cream daily, avoid harsh scrubbing.

KP is associated with atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris. Moisturizers containing urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid smooth the skin but do not cure it. Bumps often worsen in dry winter months. Pronounced as letters.

2. North Korea

Geography & Places · Country Code Abbreviations

North Korea's ISO entry is Korea, Democratic People's Republic of, coded KP and PRK, with Pyongyang as its capital. The .kp domain is barely used: a 2016 configuration leak showed only 28 registered websites.

Example: Sanctions screening software flags any transaction linked to KP.

News and diplomatic writing use DPRK. South Korea is KR. The country runs its own intranet, Kwangmyong, for most citizens, with very limited internet access.

More dermatology abbreviations

  • HS – Hidradenitis suppurativa
  • ICD – Irritant contact dermatitis
  • IPL – Intense pulsed light
  • KOH – Potassium hydroxide (preparation)
  • LP – Lichen planus
  • LS – Lichen sclerosus
  • MCC – Merkel cell carcinoma
  • MIS – Melanoma in situ

See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →

More country code abbreviations

  • KH – Cambodia
  • KI – Kiribati
  • KM – Comoros
  • KN – Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • KR – South Korea
  • KW – Kuwait
  • KY – Cayman Islands
  • KZ – Kazakhstan

See all 270 country code abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.