Keratosis Pilaris

Definition

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, which are actually dead skin cells that build up around the hair follicle. It often occurs in people who have rough dry skin. Keratosis pilaris contains keratin, a protein in the skin, forms hard plugs within hair follicles. It is manifested by the overgrowth of the upper layer of skin. In keratosis pilaris, the buildup of keratin is limited to the hair follicles. It is a very common genetic follicular skin disease that is characterized by the appearance of small size bumps on the outside of the upper arms, thighs, bottom on the face. Hard conical elevations in the openings of sebaceous glands are also very commonly seen.

Causes of Keratosis Pilaris

• A disorder of keratinisation in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug and curled hair can be identified under the skin, which may lead to the condition of keratosis pilaris.
• It tends to be better in the summer than in the winter. Keratosis pilaris is harmless, and is not infectious. It is not a contagious disease.
• It usually occur in childhood, and most obvious during adolescence, often it clears in adulthood.
• Keratosis pilaris appears when extra keratin accumulates in the hair follicles.
• The main cause of keratosis pilaris is a genetic disorder. The family history of keratosis pilaris follows the 'autosomal dominant' pattern - which means that there will be a 1 in 2 chance that each child of an affected parent will inherit the condition.
• A person, who is suffering from atopic dermatitis, is more prone to get affected by keratosis pilaris.
• The deficiency of vitamin A, is also the main cause of keratosis pilaris.
• Ichthtosis: A dry skin is called as ichthyosis, which increases the chances to get affected by keratosis pilaris.

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris are as:-

• Symptoms of keratosis pilaris also include raised bumps.
• Some people find their keratosis pilaris ugly. The skin feels rough or spiky as though it has permanent goose bumps. Occasionally keratosis pilaris is itchy.
• 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.
• They feel a little like coarse sandpaper, but they are not painful and there usually is no itching associated with them.
• The small pimples can be seen on the affected area of the skin, which is the area often affected in children.
• They mostly occur during cold weather, and make the skin look rough and dry.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris

• Medicated lotions with urea, 15% alphahydroxy acids, or Retin A can also be applied one to two times daily.
• If you are get affected by keratosis pilaris, then avoid the use of soap, it may bring the dryness.
• 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.
• Try a cream such as Acid mantle, Vaseline or Complex 15 after bathing, and re-apply the cream for fast recovery.
• Topical retinoids , which are gels or creams are very effective in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. Topical retinoids are not suitable for young children.
• Pulse dye laser treatment, are very suitable in the reduction of redness, but not the roughness.
• Using petroleum jelly with water, cold cream, or salicylic acid to flatten the pimples.