Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a very common genetic follicular skin disease, which are actually dead skin cells that build up around the hair follicle. It typically occurs in people who have rough dry skin. It is chracterized by the impression of small size bumps on the outside of the upper arms, thighs, bottom on the face. Keratosis pilaris have keratin, a protein in the skin, develops hard plugs within hair follicles.

Keratosis Pilaris is a innocuous condition and is inherited. The happening is mainly on the upper back, arms, thighs, cheeks and other places. You can observe coarse small bumps around the hair. These appear ugly and hence are a concern for those who suffer from keratosis pilaris. In keratosis pilaris, excessive keratin forms around the hair follicles. Even if you remove them, they may return.

Females may be influenced more frequently than males. This disease is an inherited disease and most of the infectors are children or adolescents and adults. It is generally not seen in old people. Over weight is a trigger for keratosis pilaris.

Food allergies may also infuriate the condition, causing hyper-keratosis pilaris, gluten being a common culprit. Although quite common with young children, keratosis pilaris can occur at any age. It may improve, specially while the summer months, only to later worsen. Eventually, keratosis pilaris resolves on its own. Keratosis Pilaris is hereditary, inherited as an autosomal dominant gene. This is alike to the brown vs. blue eye color phenomenon. All it takes is a single gene from either parent to find oneself with less than perfectly smooth skin.

The papules arises around a hair follicle and are firm and white. They experience a little like coarse sandpaper, but they are not harmful and there usually is no itching associated with them. They are easily removed and the material inside the papule generally contains a small, coiled hair. Keratosis pilaris usually determines without treatment. But if you're concerned about the impression of your skin, your doctor can help you determine the perfect course of treatment, that includes self-care measures and medicated creams.

Causes of Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is benign, self-limiting, and gradually disappears with age. It is more common in patients with atopic dermatitis and appears to run in families. Over weight is a trigger for keratosis pilaris. Those who suffer from keratosis pilaris may also be suffering from atopic dermatitis or itchtyiosis. Keratosis Pilaris may improve in summer and may worsen during the winter months when skin is drier.

Common causes and risk factors of Keratosis pilaris:

Genetic disorder.
Atopic dermatitis.
Deficiency of vitamin A.
Dry skin.

Signs and Symptoms of Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris resembles like small goose bumps. The skin feels dry, rough and may itch betimes. Sometimes a little redness develops around the bumps. Keratosis pilaris can also appear on the face, where it closely similars acne. The tiny size of the bumps and its relation with dry, chapped skin distinguish keratosis pilaris from pustular acne. Unlike elsewhere on the body, keratosis pilaris on the face may leave small scars.

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

A slight pink color may appear on the bumps.
The small white papules may develop on the upper arms, thighs, and occasionally on the buttocks and face.
Raised bumps.
Fine, bumpy texture to skin over the outer upper arm and thigh or elsewhere.

Treatment for Keratosis pilaris

There are effective treatments present that make its symptoms less apparent. Using a medication regularly may improve the appearance of your skin. But if you stop, the condition returns. And even with medical treatment, keratosis pilaris tends to continues for years. Treatments are largely hallmarked and must be repeated. Unless, exfoliation, intensive moisturizing cremes, lac-hydrin, Retin A and medicated lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin. Systemic medications are not prescribed for keratosis pilaris. However if papules are opened and become infected, antibiotics may be important to treat the infection.

Treatment may include:

Apply moisturizing cream twice daily; try those containing urea , salicylic acid or alphahydroxy acids .
Laser assisted hair removal may also be of benefit in some cases.
Topical retinoids, which are gels or creams are very effective in the treatment of keratosis pilaris.
Using petroleum jelly with water, cold cream, or salicylic acid to flatten the pimples.
Pulse dye laser treatment, are very suitable in the reduction of redness, but not the roughness.

If you like this page, please post it on:

What's New in our Beauty BLog