What is Keratosis Pilaris?
By Susha Cheriyedath, MSc
Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition in which keratin forms hard plugs in the hair follicles.
It is an inherited disorder running in families with a 1 in 2 chance of each child inheriting it from an affected parent. Keratosis pilaris is not infectious.
Keratin is a natural protein present in the outer portion of the skin. There are many different types of keratin such as A-keratin and B-keratin. These keratins help build different types of skin such as hair and nails. In some people, the body produces abnormally higher amounts of keratin, which forms plugs that clog the pores in the skin. Hair follicles are trapped inside the keratin plugs and tiny, hard bumps start appearing
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Rough patches and bumps from this condition usually affect the skin in cheeks, upper arms, thighs, or buttocks. The bumps are usually not itchy or painful.
There is no permanent cure for keratosis pilaris and it is often regarded as a variant of normal skin. There are treatment options available that aim at moisturizing and removing dead cells from the affected skin. Prescription as well as over the counter moisturizing creams can aid in improving the appearance of the affected skin.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris can affect people of any age, though it is more common in young children. The condition usually gets better on its own around the age of 30. Signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris include the following:
• Small, grainy bumps that look like goose bumps, usually on sides of cheeks, upper arms, buttocks, or thighs. Such bumps on the face are usually mistaken for acne.
• Rough and dry skin in the areas in which the bumps are present
• Bumps give the texture of sandpaper to the skin, which looks like chicken
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This condition can affect the face (called keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei), neck (called erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli), eyebrows (called Ulerythema ophryogenes), scalp (called keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans), and cheeks (called atrophoderma vermiculata / folliculitis ulerythematosa reticulata or pitted scarring of cheeks).
Diagnosis of Keratosis Pilaris
Diagnosis of keratosis pilaris is usually simple. A dermatologist can diagnose this condition by just examining the bumps and spots in the affected areas of the skin. Tests or exams are usually not needed for diagnosis of keratosis pilaris. In rare cases, biopsy is needed and reveals hypergranulosis, epidermal hyperkeratosis, superficial perivascular lymphocytic inflammation, and plugged hair follicles.
Keratosis pilaris is usually harmless and does not require treatment. It normally clears by itself with increase in age. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of the affected skin or if the symptoms are bothering you despite application of over the counter moisturizing creams and lotions, consult a skin specialist or
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Barone, Eugene J., Judson C. Jones, and Joann E. Schaefer. "Hidradenitis Suppurativa." Skin Disorders. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2000. 21-25. Print.
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