What is Keratosis Pilaris?

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

What are the bumpy spots under your upper arms, hands or highs? It is most likely Keratosis Pilaris (KP), or chicken skin. Keratosis Pilaris is a common condition that affects a large cross section of people of all ages with a higher percentage of children and adolescents suffering from this condition than adults. The exact cause of Keratosis is unknown.

Having it has not been linked to ill health of an individual and is most likely linked to genetic factors (hereditary) and other skin related conditions such as allergies, eczema and dry skin.

It is not a serious or contagious condition and does not even cause those who have it any pain or discomfort, though some have reported some itching. The biggest problem suffers have with Keratosis Pilaris is its appearance.

What does Keratosis Pilaris look like?

It is most commonly seen on the back of the upper arm but is also often seen in other areas of the body. It presents itself as a group of many small bumps the size of goose bumps that may be either red or brown and sometimes some white, usually perceived as a rash or acne. When squeezed they may produce a white substance.

Below are some Keratosis Pilaris pictures:

The bumps formed by skin build up around hair follicles and sometimes hair may even become trapped inside the bump. Keratosis Pilaris has been blamed for pigmentation changes in the skin, leaving behind brown spots.

Diagnosis of the condition is made purely by their appearance on the skin.

How to Cure Keratosis Pilaris

There are many unanswered questions surrounding Keratosis Pilaris including the most important, “How do you cure it?” "How to get rid of it?" Unfortunately there is no cure as such; instead there are many treatment options to help control Keratosis. The reaction to such things vary a great deal depending on the individual and given the large percentage of the population that at one point or another suffers from the condition, there is a large market out there willing to take advantage of this.

The older a person becomes the less likely they are to have Keratosis Pilaris and it is hoped that a person (particularly children and adolescents) will simply grow out of it.

Creams and Lotions

Since Keratosis Pilaris seems to be strongly linked to dry skin, keeping the skin moist and lubricated seems to be one of the most effective treatments. If successful, it needs to be applied continually to discourage the condition.

Lotions and cleaners for sensitive skin are recommended and gentle scrubbing with a soft loofah.

Some of the creams/lotions used for Keratosis Pilaris include

• Cocoa Butter
• Vaseline
• Coconut oil
• Urea containing creams
• Creams containing Retin-A (prescription)
• Lotions and cleansers from brands such as
  • Neutrogena
  • Dove
  • Cetaphil
  • Lubriderm

There are also many creams on the market that are specifically pitched towards Keratosis Pilaris.

Dry Air

Keratosis Pilaris is more likely to flare up in winter because of the dry air. Another measure that may be taken in addition to lubricating the skin is humidifying the air in your bedroom or office with a humidifier.

Intensive treatment

Microdermabrasion and chemical peels are some of the more extreme treatments that some may take for Keratosis Pilaris. Consult a medical practitioner to discuss these and other more extreme options.

Covering the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris

Because the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris is the main complaint, simply covering it up is an option many may opt for. The use of makeup can be used to conceal the appearance, but care should be taken to remove the make up each night before sleep to minimize irritating Keratosis Pilaris further. Advice from a beautician may be sought for suitable makeup techniques.