Keratosis Pilaris Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Keratosis pilaris is a skin disorder where there are lumps that feel rough and look like chicken skin.
These bumps are actually dead skin cells that clog hair follicles. However, the lump usually does not cause discomfort or itching.
This condition can be aggravating in winter as the skin tends to be dry and may worsen during pregnancy.
This disease often begins in late childhood through adolescence. Usually, it goes away by the middle age of 20 with most cases going away completely by the age of 30.
Keratosis Pilaris is most often found on the upper arms, upper legs, cheeks or buttocks.
Keratosis Pilaris
| Medical specialist | Skin and genital specialist |
| Symptoms | Lumps on the surface of hair follicles (looks like chicken skin) |
| risk factor | Excess production of dead skin cells |
| Diagnosis | History, physical examination |
| Treatment | Microdermabrasion, chemical peels |
| Drug | Retinol |
| Complications | cosmetic disorder |
| When to See a Doctor? | If the complaint does not improve and you feel uncomfortable from a cosmetic point of view |
Symptoms
The most easily recognizable symptom of keratosis pilaris is the appearance of the skin surface.
The lumps that appear on the skin look like skin when it’s goosebumps or the skin of a chicken that has had its feathers plucked.
Keratosis Pilaris bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles are present.
Keratosis Pilaris is most often found on the upper arms and upper legs. If excessive, the area can extend to the forearms and lower legs.
Other associated symptoms can include:
- Pink or reddish color around the bulge
- Itchy and irritated skin
- Dry skin
- The bumps feel like sandpaper
- The bumps can appear in different colors, depending on skin color (flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black)
Reason
Keratosis Pilaris is the result of a buildup of keratin which is a hair protein in the pores.
Keratin clogged in these pores inhibits the opening of growing hair follicles. As a result, small lumps form where hair should grow.
If you prick the lump, small hairs may appear.
The exact cause of this keratin buildup is unknown. However, experts suspect this may be related to other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases.
Hormonal changes can also cause keratosis pilaris to appear during pregnancy or during puberty in adolescents.
This disease is mostly in people with light skin.
Risk Factors
Here are some factors that can trigger the risk of keratosis pilaris:
- Women, children or teenagers
- Family with a history of keratosis pilaris
- The skin tends to be dry, for example, people with atopic eczema
- Flower pollen allergy
- Obesity
- Melanoma
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris from the results of a detailed medical interview and physical examination of the skin.
For this reason, the doctor needs to examine the patient’s skin directly. Usually, it is rarely necessary to carry out additional examinations.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for keratosis pilaris. In fact, usually, keratosis pilaris tends to be resistant to treatment.
However, there are several therapies to improve the surface appearance of the skin. This effort can take months.
Your doctor may recommend moisturizers to relieve dry, itchy skin, as well as treat the skin’s appearance of a red rash.
Prescription topical creams can also remove dead skin cells or prevent hair follicles from clogging.
Common ingredients used with moisturizers are urea and lactic acid.
These two ingredients are used together to help loosen and remove dead skin cells, and also soften dry skin.
Other treatment methods that a dermatologist may recommend include:
- Microdermabrasion
- Chemical peeling
- Retinol cream
Prevention
There is no specific way that is intended to prevent keratosis pilaris.
You can prevent this condition from worsening by keeping your skin moisturised and clean.
Complications
In general, keratosis pilaris does not cause serious complications.
However, sufferers can be bothered for cosmetic reasons.
When to See a Doctor?
If you have taken the steps above but the complaint does not improve or you feel disturbed for cosmetic reasons, consult further with a skin and genital specialist.