Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a condition
that is usually found on the outer areas of the upper arms, thighs and
cheeks. It is characterized by
flesh-colored to slightly red, rough, distinct bumps. Keratosis pilaris is occasionally itchy,
but otherwise it is only significant cosmetically. It is caused by a plug of dead skin
cells that forms around a hair follicle.
These "plugs" give the skin a sandpapery or "goose-flesh" feeling. Keratosis pilaris is usually worse
during the winter months and is most commonly seen in children and young
adults. Often the surrounding skin
is dry.
What to expect
Keratosis pilaris is
a benign condition, and treatment is only necessary for cosmetic
reasons. The treatments do not work
in all patients. For most children,
treatment is unnecessary.
Treatment
Lubricants may help with the dryness but do not tend to
clear the bumps. Mild peeling agents are most effective in opening the plugged
hair follicles by removing the excess skin. Each person may respond differently
to therapies, but urea preparations (such as Carmol), lactic acid creams (such
as Lac Hydrin or Am-Lactin
) and topical retinoids (such as
Differin, Retin-A, Avita or Tazorac) are the most commonly used therapies.
Effective therapy must
be continued on a regular basis or the keratosis pilaris recurs.