Keratosis pilaris is a common, innocuous skin disorder characterized by dry, rough patches and small bumps on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. The pimples seldom pain or itch.
Keratosis pilaris is frequently mistaken for normal skin. It cannot be treated or avoided. However, moisturizers and prescription creams can be used to assist enhance the look of the skin. By the age of 30, the problem is frequently gone.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF KERATOSIS PILARIS?
The most noticeable symptom of keratosis pilaris is areas of small, scratchy, discolored bumps on your skin that resemble the speckled skin of a strawberry. You may detect the pimples but not have any additional symptoms. If you do have symptoms, they might include:
- Skin that is itchy or dry, particularly on the backs of your upper arms, legs, or buttocks (butt).
- Bump irritation, which leads them to grow more discolored and visible. This is referred to as frictional lichenoid dermatitis.
- Where the pimples emerge, the skin is rough and sandpaper-like.
- When the air is drier, such as in the winter, the bumps become worse.
Other disorders, such as itchy, dry skin, might occasionally induce identical symptoms. Eczema, psoriasis, allergies, and fungal infections can have symptoms that are identical. If you are worried about your symptoms, or if they persist, you should consult your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF KERATOSIS PILARIS?
Keratosis pilaris causes pimples that are really clumps of the protein keratin. These lumps are sometimes misidentified as clusters of little pimples. Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin clogs (blocks) your pores rather than flaking off. Pores are holes in your skin where hairs pass through (hair follicles).
Healthcare specialists are baffled as to why some people develop keratosis pilaris while others do not. There may be a hereditary aspect, which means that your genes may influence your chances of acquiring this ailment.
Keratosis pilaris is more prevalent if you have a skin disorder such as eczema. Eczema is a common chronic skin ailment characterized by darkened, itchy patches that appear and go over time.
HOW IS KERATOSIS PILARIS DIAGNOSED?
A basic physical examination of your skin where you have bumps will usually suffice to diagnose keratosis pilaris. Because keratosis pilaris is easily identified, medical testing is rarely required. You may tell whether you have keratosis pilaris by the position and features of the bumps. If your doctor is unsure, he or she may do an allergy test or a biopsy.
Location
Keratosis pilaris lumps most commonly appear on your arms, particularly your upper arms. They can, however, occur everywhere there are hair follicles on your body, including your:
- Face (cheeks, neck or under your eyes).
- Legs (thighs).
- Back.
- Chest.
- Butt.
- Forearms.
Characteristics
The appearance and feel of your skin pimples might indicate a lot about their source. Keratosis pilaris pimples are caused by:
- Painless: If pushing on a skin lump causes discomfort or agony, it is most likely not keratosis pilaris.
- Itchy or dry: The pimples and the surrounding skin may be itchy or dry.
- Rough: Running your fingers across these lumps may feel scratchy, like sandpaper.
- Discolored: Your lumps may seem flesh-colored, red, white, brown, dark brown, or black, depending on the natural hue of your skin.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS?
Keratosis pilaris normally resolves on its own over time. In the interim, you may try any of the several skin-improvement creams on the market. If moisturizing and other self-care practices fail to provide relief, your doctor may prescribe medicated creams.
- Dead skin cell removal creams: Creams with alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea aid in the removal of dead skin cells. They also soften and hydrate dry skin. These creams (topical exfoliants) are available over-the-counter or with a prescription, depending on their intensity. Your doctor can advise you on the best selection and how frequently you should use it. Because the acids in these creams might produce redness, stinging, or skin irritation, they are not suitable for young children.
- Creams that avoid plugged follicles: Topical retinoids (vitamin A creams) function by stimulating cell turnover and avoiding clogged hair follicles. Topical retinoids include tretinoin (Altreno, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, and others) and tazarotene (Arazlo, Avage, Tazorac, and others). These items have the potential to irritate and dry up the skin. In addition, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor may advise you to postpone topical retinoid therapy or choose alternative medication.
Using a medicated cream on a daily basis may help to enhance the look of the skin. However, if you quit, the problem will recur. Even with therapy, keratosis pilaris can persist for years.
HOME REMEDIES FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS
Self-help approaches will neither prevent or cure keratosis pilaris. They may, however, enhance the look of the damaged skin. When using a new product, try it on one region of afflicted skin, such as an arm, to check if it works for you and does not trigger a response.
- Use warm water and keep your bath time to a minimum: Long showers or baths with hot water remove oils from the skin. Limit your bath or shower time to 10 minutes or less. Warm, not hot, water should be used.
- Be careful with your skin: Avoid using strong or drying soaps. Exfoliate dead skin gently with a washcloth or loofah. Scrubbing vigorously or removing hair follicle plugs may irritate the skin and worsen the issue. After washing or bathing, pat or wipe the skin lightly with a cloth to retain some moisture.
- Moisturize: Apply a moisturizer containing lanolin, petroleum jelly, or glycerin when the skin is still damp after washing. These compounds hydrate and relieve dry skin. Thicker moisturizers, such as Eucerin and Cetaphil, perform well. Several times a day, reapply the product to the afflicted skin.
- Make use of a humidifier: Low humidity dries the skin out. A portable humidifier or one that is connected to your furnace will provide moisture to the air within your house.
- Avoid clothing that is too tight: Wearing tight garments might produce friction on the afflicted skin.
- Consider medicated creams: Apply a topical cream containing urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. These lotions aid in the removal of dead skin cells. They also soften and hydrate dry skin. Apply this product before your moisturizer.
CONCLUSION
Keratosis pilaris is frequently a transient skin disorder that resolves on its own. It normally produces no symptoms. However, if you are experiencing any pain, such as itchy or dry skin, or if it is affecting your mental health (self-esteem), contact your healthcare professional. There are treatments available for keratosis pilaris. Consult your doctor about the best ways to care for your skin.