Keratosis Pilaris: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis and Treatment

Keratosis pilaris is a benign (harmless) skin condition characterized by little bumps on the skin. If you have this condition, the area around your hair follicles may develop small, painless bumps on your skin. Keratin, a protein that also helps to build your hair, nails, and skin's epidermis, is what gives the bumps their shape. 

White, brown, red, or the same color as your skin, keratosis pilaris lumps can take on any of these colors. Keratosis pilaris is frequently referred to as "chicken skin" because of the look of goosebumps.

Although keratosis pilaris can develop anywhere on your body where there are hair follicles, it most frequently affects the upper arms.

What Is The Cause Of Keratosis Pilaris?

The underlying cause of keratosis pilaris is an accumulation of keratin, a strong protein that protects skin against impurities and infection. The keratin blocks the hair follicles from opening, resulting in a patch of rough, bumpy skin.

Patients with keratosis pilaris may develop keratin buildup for unclear reasons. The onset of a hereditary illness or skin condition like atopic dermatitis may take place simultaneously. When skin is dry, keratosis pilaris commonly gets worse.

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Symptoms Of Keratosis Pilaris

The appearance of keratosis pilaris is its most noticeable sign. The skin's visible bumps mimic goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken.

The soles of your feet and the palms of your hands will never develop any pimples because hair follicles can grow anywhere on the skin except for these regions. The upper arms and thighs frequently develop keratosis pilaris. It can extend to the lower legs and forearms.

Additional signs and symptoms include:

• Itching
• Inflamed skin 
• Faint redness around the bumps
• Sandpaper-like pimples on the skin that might be flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black depending on the skin tone.

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Risk Factors For Keratosis Pilaris

Women, kids, and teenagers frequently have chicken skin, as do people with:

• Dry skin
• Eczema
• Obesity
• Ichthyosis
• Hay fever

Although anyone can get this skin disease, children and teenagers are the ones who do so most frequently. Late infancy or adolescence are common starting points for keratosis pilaris. It usually goes away in your mid-20s, and the majority of cases are gone by the age of 30.

Flare-ups can be brought on by hormonal changes during adolescence and pregnancy. 

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Diagnosis Of Keratosis Pilaris

Based on a physical examination and medical history, keratosis pilaris is identified. A dermatologist, who specializes in treating skin conditions, may often confirm the diagnosis by examining the injured region. The following elements affect the diagnosis:

• Your age
• The condition of your skin
• The areas that are impacted

The diagnosis is not formally confirmed through testing.

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Treatment Of Keratosis Pilaris

Usually, over time, keratosis pilaris goes away on its own. If you want to help your skin seem better in the meantime, you might utilize one of the various solutions on the market. Your healthcare professional might advise medicated creams if moisturizing and other self-care techniques are ineffective.

• Skin-cell Removal Creams. The removal of dead skin cells is aided by creams with alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acids, salicylic acids, or urea. Aside from that, they soften and moisturize dry skin. Topical exfoliants is the name given to these creams. They come in prescription and nonprescription forms, depending on their strengths. The optimum solution and the frequency of application are something your healthcare professional can help you decide.
• These lotions shouldn't be used on young children since the acids in them can irritate the skin or sting.
• Creams that prevent blocked follicles. The term "topical retinoids" refers to creams made from vitamin A. In order to prevent clogged hair follicles, they act by encouraging cell turnover. The topical retinoids tazarotene (Arazlo, Avage, Tazorac, etc.) and tretinoin (Altreno, Avita, Renova, Retin-A, etc.) are two examples of. The skin may become dry and irritated by these products. A topical retinoid therapy delay or alternative course of treatment may be advised by your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.

The appearance of the skin may be enhanced by routine use of a medicated cream. However, the problem reappears if you stop. And even with therapy, keratosis pilaris may persist for years.

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