KERATOSIS PILARIS

 Basic information

description

Keratosis pilaris is a common disorder that involves rough bumps on the skin. It usually involves the skin on the backs of upper arms, fronts of thighs, or buttocks. Less often, it may affect the face and be mistaken for acne. The disorder may start in childhood and affects many teenagers and young adults.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Skin bumps that are small and firm. They may be skin-colored, white, or sometimes red. They have a dry "sandpaper" or "goosebumps" texture.
• They are located at the openings of hair follicles.
• The condition is usually worse in winter months when a person's skin is dryer.
• Bumps usually don't itch or cause pain.

causes

The openings of the hair follicles become filled with hard plugs (made up of keratin). Why it occurs is unknown. It does run in families. It often occurs along with other skin disorders such as ichthyosis (an inherited dry skin condition). The condition cannot be spread from one person to another.

risk increases with

• Family history of keratosis pilaris.
• Ichthyosis (dry and scaly skin disorder).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cannot be prevented at present.

expected outcomes

Keratosis pilaris is a chronic, harmless skin problem with no permanent cure. The bumps may come and go over a period of time. Many cases clear up on their own as a person gets older. Cosmetic appearance and rough skin texture are often bothersome to patients.

possible complications

Complications are unlikely. A skin infection may occur if the affected area is scratched or overly treated with abrasive methods.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• If you are concerned about the skin symptoms, see your health care provider. The condition can be diagnosed by an exam of the affected area.
• Treatment usually involves self-care, but topical drugs may be prescribed. There is no cure.
• Maintain a daily skin care program. Avoiding dry skin is the main goal.
  • Use a mild non-soap cleanser when bathing. Regular soap may increase dryness. Pat skin dry.
  • Apply lubricating ointments or creams to the affected areas 2 or 3 times a day. The most useful time is immediately after bathing to help skin retain moisture.
  • Nonprescription medicated creams containing urea, salicylic acid, or alpha-hydroxy acid may be used twice a day. These can be irritating to the skin, so use with caution.
  • Exfoliation may help. After a soaking bath or shower, go over the affected skin area with a course washcloth, loofah sponge, pumice stone, or brush to gently loosen the plugs.
• Medical-office treatment procedures such as peels or dermabrasion or laser treatments have mixed results. Ask your health care provider about these options.

medications

Your health care provider may prescribe a topical retinoid or steroid drug or other drugs to be applied to the skin. Treatment may take months and bumps are likely to return once treatment is stopped.

activity

No limits.

diet

No special diet.

 notify our office if

• You or a family member has signs of keratosis pilaris and are concerned about them.
• Appearance of the affected area changes. There may be a skin infection.

Special Notes: