Description

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. The bumps generally don't hurt or itch.

Keratosis pilaris is often considered as a common variant of the skin. That can't be cured or prevented. But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. The condition usually disappears by the age of 30 years.

Symptoms

Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, but is most common in young children. The symptoms include:

  • Without pain small bumps on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.
  • Dry, rough skin on areas with potholes
  • It gets worse when the seasonal changes cause low humidity and dry skin
  • Sandpaper-like bumps similar meat of goose

When to see a doctor

Treatment for keratosis pilaris is usually not required. But if you are concerned about your or your child's skin, consult your health care provider or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).

Causes

Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, a hard protein that protects the skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin blocks the opening of the hair follicles, causing patches of rough, uneven skin.

It is not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris. May occur together with a genetic disease or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to make the keratosis pilaris worse.

Risk factors

Keratosis pilaris is very common. It tends to run in families.

Diagnosis

Your health care provider will likely be able to diagnose keratosis pilaris just by looking at the affected skin. The test is Not necessary.

Treatment

Keratosis pilaris usually goes away by itself with time. In the meantime, you can use one of the many products available to help improve the appearance of the skin. If moisturizer, and other self-care measures do not help, your health care provider may prescribe medicated creams.

  • Creams to remove dead skin cells from the skin. Creams that contain alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea to help loosen and remove dead skin cells from the skin. Also to hydrate and soften dry skin. These creams are called topical exfoliants. Depending on their strengths, are available with a prescription or as an over the counter products. Your doctor can advise you on the best option and how often to apply. The acids in these creams can cause inflammation of the skin or itching, so it is not recommended for small children.
  • Creams to prevent plugged follicles. Creams derived from vitamin a, are called retinoids. They work by promoting cell turnover and preventing the plugged hair follicles. Tretinoin (Altreno, Avita, Renova, Retin-a, others), and tazarotene (Arazlo, Avage, Tazorac, others) are examples of topical retinoids. These products can irritate and dry out the skin. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest that you delay retinoid topical therapy or choose another treatment.

The use of medicated cream regularly can improve the appearance of the skin. But if it stops, the condition returns. And even with treatment, keratosis pilaris could last for years.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Self-help measures shall not prevent keratosis pilaris or make it go away. But they can improve the way your skin looks. When using a new product for you, make sure to test on an affected area of the skin, in the first place, such as an arm. If it seems to work and does not cause a reaction, to use for keratosis pilaris.

  • Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin. Limit bath or shower-time of approximately 10 minutes or less. Use lukewarm water, not hot, water.
  • Be soft for the skin. Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Gently remove the dead skin with a cloth or a sponge. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of the hair follicle plugs can irritate the skin and worsen the condition. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot-dry the skin with a towel so that some moisture.
  • Try medicated creams. Apply a prescription cream containing urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help to loosen and remove dead skin cells from the skin. Also to hydrate and soften dry skin. Put on this product before the moisturizer.
  • Hydrate. While the skin is still damp from the bath, apply a moisturizing cream that contains lanolin, petroleum jelly or glycerine. These ingredients soften the dryness of the skin and helps to lock in moisture. Thicker moisturizers work best. Examples of Eucerin and Cetaphil. Re-apply the product on the affected skin several times a day.
  • The use of a humidifier. Low humidity dries out the skin. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace will increase the moisture in the air inside your home.
  • Avoid the friction of tight clothing. Protect the skin affected by the friction caused by the tight clothing.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your health care provider. Or you may be referred to a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist). Also you can prepare a list of questions to ask your health care provider.

For keratosis pilaris, some basic questions include:

  • What is probably the cause of the symptoms?
  • What are other possible causes of the symptoms?
  • It is this condition likely to be of short duration, or are going to last a long time?
  • What is the best course of action?
  • What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
  • Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?

What to expect from your doctor

Your health care provider is likely to ask several questions. Be ready to answer them may reserve time to go through all the points you want to discuss more. Your health care provider may ask:

  • When did the symptoms begin?
  • The symptoms been steady or irregular?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
  • What other family members have similar changes in the skin?
  • Do you or your child has a history of asthma or hay fever or other allergies?
  • Do you or your child have a history of eczema?
Symptoms and treatment of Keratosis pilaris