Discover effective ways to manage and improve keratosis pilaris. Meri Sehat offers expert guidance for achieving smoother, healthier skin.

Keratosis Pilaris

A. JABBAR DENTAL CLINIC KARACHI

Sadia Khan

Overview

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless, and non-infectious skin condition that causes small, rough bumps on the skin. 
&nbsp;

The term &lsquo;keratosis pilaris&rsquo; is derived from the Latin words &lsquo;keratosis&rsquo; (scaly skin) and &lsquo;pilaris&rsquo; (hair). The bumps caused by keratosis pilaris are basically extra keratin, a type of protein found in hair, skin, and nails.

The condition affects a significant portion of the global population. It usually begins in childhood but becomes more apparent around puberty or adulthood, with data suggesting that nearly 50-70% of adolescents experience it compared to 40% of adults.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> 
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Sign and Symptoms

The condition may present differently in different people. Generally, it causes painless, tiny bumps on the thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. Sometimes, it may appear on the cheeks, too.

The bumps may look red, brown, white, or discolored. It is also called &lsquo;chicken skin&rsquo; because it looks like goosebumps. Some may have a strand of hair from the follicle twisted inside them, while others exhibit a dry or rough skin patch in the affected area.

Additionally, symptoms may worsen in cold weather or during pregnancy, causing irritation or itchiness on the affected skin.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a> 
&nbsp;

Causes

The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is not fully understood, but it is often linked to mutations in filaggrin.

Given that the keratin blocks the pores usually in winter, the reduced moisture in the environment can also be a causative factor. 
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Diagnosis

A dermatologist examines the affected skin to confirm the diagnosis. They may also ask for the patient&rsquo;s medical history, including age and whether anyone else in the family has the condition.

There is no formal test for it. 
&nbsp;

Treatment

For many people, the bumps go away as they get older.

In cases where the condition is severe or the individual is worried about the cosmetic appearance, doctors may prescribe medicated creams and recommend other self-care measures to help treat it. These include:<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Over-the-counter moisturizing lotions with alpha-hydroxy acid or ammonium lactate to minimize bumps</li>
	<li>Medicated creams (topical exfoliants) containing alpha-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea to soften dry skin or remove dead skin cells</li>
	<li>Medicated creams (topical retinoids) derived from vitamin A to prevent plugged hair follicles and promote cell turnover</li>
	<li>Laser treatments to improve discoloration</li>
	<li>Gentle skin care, like using a loofah to scrub the affected areas 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Important!

<ul>
	<li>Topical exfoliants are not recommended for young children as they may trigger inflammation.</li>
	<li>Topical retinoids are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women as they can cause skin dryness.</li>
	<li>Keratosis pilaris is often a chronic condition and may recur even with treatment.<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Keratosis pilaris itself is harmless and doesn&rsquo;t cause any long-term damage to the skin. However, it can lead to emotional distress and self-esteem issues due to its visible nature, especially in more severe cases, and the need to continue treatment to alleviate symptoms. 
&nbsp;

These include:

<ul>
	<li>Family history of keratosis pilaris</li>
	<li>Age, with children commonly affected</li>
	<li>Sex, with females affected more frequently than males<a href="#accordion">[5]</a></li>
	<li>Underlying skin conditions, like ichthyosis vulgaris or eczema</li>
	<li>Underlying health issues, like hypothyroidism, asthma, <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">diabetes</a>, obesity, and Down&rsquo;s syndrome 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Keratosis pilaris cannot be prevented. But it can be managed through a combination of proper skincare and lifestyle adjustments:

<ul>
	<li>Moisturize regularly to prevent skin dryness</li>
	<li>Exfoliate gently to remove excess keratin</li>
	<li>Avoid harsh soaps that may worsen symptoms</li>
	<li>Use a humidifier to hydrate the skin</li>
	<li>Avoid tight clothes that cause friction 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition.</li>
	<li>It is characterized by small, rough bumps on the skin.</li>
	<li>It affects a significant population globally.</li>
	<li>Causes and risk factors of keratosis pilaris include genetic predisposition and dry skin.</li>
	<li>Topical exfoliants, topical retinoids, and lifestyle changes help manage the condition.</li>
	<li>While the condition itself is harmless, it can lead to emotional distress and self-esteem issues due to its visible nature, especially in more severe cases.</li>
</ul>

[1] Keratosis pilaris. DermNet. Accessed January 9, 2024.

[2] Keratosis Pilaris (KP). Cedars. Accessed January 9, 2024

[3] Keratosis pilaris. Mayo Clinic. December 23, 2022. Accessed January 9, 2024.

[4] Keratosis pilaris: What it is, causes, symptoms & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed January 9, 2024.

[5] Ally N Alai M. Keratosis pilaris: Practice essentials, pathophysiology, etiology of keratosis pilaris. Practice Essentials, Pathophysiology, Etiology of. May 12, 2022.