Medical Dermatology
• Overview
• Acne
• Dermatitis
  • Overview
  • Contact Dermatitis
  • Skin Allergies
• Melasma
  • Overview
  • Pregnancy Mask
  • Sun Damage
  • Cosmelan
  • IPL
  • Fraxel Laser
• Skin Cancer & Precancer
  • Overview
  • About Skin Cancer
  • Mohs Surgery
  • Actinic Keratosis
• Rosacea
  • Overview
  • Acne Rosacea
  • Facial Flushing
• Birthmarks & Vascular Lesions
  • Overview
  • Congenital Birthmarks
  • Vascular Lesions
• Skin Conditions
  • Overview
  • Alopecia
  • Keratosis Pilaris
  • Seborrhea
  • Sebaceous Cysts
  • Information Links

• View the Natural Image OC Patient Photo Gallery

• 

"Looking this much better has been a huge boost to every single aspect of my life."

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a very common condition in which there are numerous rough follicular spots, which may be skin colored, red or brown. Most often they arise on the outer aspect of the upper arms. They may also occur on the thighs and cheeks, and less often on the forearms and upper back. The bumps are often described as chicken bumps, chicken skin, or goose bumps.

Keratosis pilaris is most obvious during the teenage years. It may also be present in babies and persist into adult life. However, it is uncommon in elderly people. Keratosis pilaris is particularly prevalent in those who are overweight, or have celtic backgrounds, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. Keratosis pilaris tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out. Although unsightly at times, it is completely harmless.

© 2001-2009, Dermatlas

What causes keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is genetic in origin but the precise cause has not yet been determined.

It is thought to be a disorder of keratinization in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug instead of exfoliating. This widens the pores making them appear more obvious than elsewhere. Often a curled hair can be identified under the skin.

KP affects nearly 50-80% of all adolescents and approximately 40% of adults. It is frequently noted in otherwise asymptomatic patients visiting dermatologists for other conditions. Most people with KP are unaware the condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In general, KP is frequently cosmetically displeasing but medically harmless.

Treatment for KP

Because it is a genetic disorder, no cure is available. Some people find the following useful:

• Non-soap cleansers (soap may exacerbate the dryness)
• Moisturizing cream applied twice daily; try those containing urea, salicylic acid or alphahydroxy acids.
• Rubbing with a pumice stone or a ‘Buf-Puf’ in the shower or bath
• Prescription Topical retinoids. For the first few weeks of treatment, redness and peeling of the treated areas can be expected. Topical retinoids are not suitable for young children and must not be used in pregnancy.
• Pulse dye laser treatment or intense pulsed light (IPL): this may reduce the redness (at least temporarily), but not the roughness.
• Laser assisted hair removal may also be of benefit in some cases.