Keratosis pilaris - Skin Condition

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition in which a protein in the skin called keratin forms hard plugs within hair follicles.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Keratosis pilaris is harmless (benign), does not get worse over time, and often disappears with age. It is more common in patients who have very dry skin, or who have atopic dermatitis (eczema). It seems to run in families.

In mild cases, small bumps, similar in appearance to "goose bumps," are found on the backs of the upper arms. The texture is that of very coarse sandpaper.

Bumps may also appear on the buttocks and thighs. Less commonly, bumps appear on the face and may be mistaken for acne.

Individual bumps are small, skin-colored papules that form within hair openings (follicles). The condition is generally worse in winter and often clears in the summer.

Symptoms

Fine, bumpy texture to skin over the outer upper arm and thigh or elsewhere

Skin-colored bumps the size of a grain of sand

Slight pinkness may be seen around some bumps

Signs and tests

Physical examination is usually all that is needed for your health care provider to make this diagnosis. Testing is usually not necessary.

Treatment

Moisturizing lotions are often soothing and may help the appearance of the skin. Skin creams with medications containing urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D may be recommended by your physician. However, improvement often takes months and the bumps are likely to come back.

Expectations (prognosis)

Keratosis pilaris may fade slowly with age.

Calling your health care provider

Call for an appointment with your health care provider (or discuss the condition during a routine visit) if you suspect that you have keratosis pilaris and the condition does not respond to use of over-the-counter moisturizing lotions.

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumpiness (follicular spines) which may begin at birth or during childhood or adolescence.

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii

Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumps (follicular spines) which may begin at birth, or during childhood or adolescence.

Keratosis pilaris on the cheek

Keratosis pilaris occurs most commonly during childhood and produces small, rough spots (papules) that are typically skin-colored. They usually appear over the outer surface of the upper arms and thighs, but may also occur elsewhere on the body. Dry skin (especially during winter months) makes the condition worse. Keratosis pilaris tends to be inherited and may be associated with atopic dermatitis.

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ilham 24 Aug, 2011

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