Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a very common genetic follicular disease evinced by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It a skin condition frequently seen on the upper arms, buttocks and thighs. The skin cells which normally overlay off as a fine dust from the skin form plugs in the hair follicles. Less commonly, lesions develop on the face and may be mistaken for acne. Keratosis pilaris occurs as excessive keratin, a natural protein in the skin, deposites within the hair follicles forming hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization ). It is a hyperkeratotic complication of the skin and a very common benign condition which manifests as discrete 1-mm folliculocentric papules.

Many patients have lifelong KP with periods of acquittals and exacerbations. More comprehensive atypical cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing. Most patients notice lesions cosmetically unappealing and thence seek treatment. Sometimes, they may become secondarily infected due to scratchy tight-fitting clothing or abrasive self-therapy, in which case treatment of the infection is important.

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary problem. The definite causes of this disorder are unknown. Keratosis pilaris is specifically prevalent in those who are overweight, or have celtic backgrounds, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. Bumps may also appear on the buttocks and thighs. Less commonly, lesions arise on the face and may be mistaken for acne. There are various different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks) and associated disorders.

It may develop in babies where it tends to be most evident on the cheeks. It may last for years but generally gradually vanishes usually before age 30. Many people are distracted by the goose flesh appearance of keratosis pilaris, but it doesn't have long-term health implications and occurs in otherwise healthy people. There is no known cure for Keratosis pilaris, although it may improve with age and even disappear entirely in adulthood; yet, some will show hallmarks of keratosis pilaris for life.

Causes of Keratosis Pilaris

The common causes and risk factor's of Keratosis Pilaris include the following:

• The specific reasons of this disorder are unknown.
• Keratosis pilaris results from the buildup of keratin - a hard protein which guards your skin from harmful substances and infection.
• A disorder of corneocyte adhesion which forstail normal desquamation in the area around the follicle.
• A family history of keratosis Pilaris.
• It is more frequent in patients with atopic dermatitis (eczema) and seems to run in families.

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris

Some sign and symptoms related to Keratosis Pilaris are as follows:

• Fine, bumpy texture to skin over the outer upper arm and thigh or elsewhere.
• Slight pinkness may be onberved around some bumps.
• Plugs are more possibly to develop in cold weather and to clear up in the summer.
• Keratosis pilaris can also appear on the face, where it closely look like acne.
• Small gray-white papules with a negligible inflammatory component.
• Bumps the size of a grain of sand and skin colored.
• Less commonly, lesions on the face are found, often mistaken for acne.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris

Here is list of the methods for treating Keratosis Pilaris:

• There is no known cure for Keratosis pilaris, though it can improve with age and even disappear fully in adulthood; though, some will show signs of keratosis pilaris for life.
• Applying petroleum jelly with water, cold cream, or salicylic acid (that removes the top layer of skin) to flatten the pimples.
• Moisturizing lotions are usually soothing and may help the appearance of the skin
• Rubbing with a pumice stone or a 'Buf-Puf' in the shower or bath.
• Using a tretinoin cream (a drug which is chemically related to vitamin A).
• Laser assisted hair removal may also be of benefit in some cases.

Submit Your Comments Here