Keratosis Pilaris, Keratosis Pilaris treatment, Keratosis Pilaris symptoms, Causes of Keratosis Pilaris.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless and common skin disorder that causes small, acne-like bumps. Although not serious, it can be frustrating because it is difficult to treat.

In this condition, the hair follicles get blocked with keratin, a protein from the outermost layer of skin. The follicles redden and inflame causing patches of rough bumpy skin to develop. The lesions of keratosis pilaris usually occur on the upper arms and thighs, but may also appear on the face, back and buttocks.

Causes:-

Why keratin builds up is unknown.

Some people are genetically programmed to this disease.
People with dry skin and atopic dermatitis are prone to this condition.
Vitamin A deficiency.

Keratosis Pilaris is more prevalent among children and adolescents and less common in adults.

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:

Small, raised bumps which are firm and white. They look like goose flesh and occur in clusters.

Patches are skin colored, but at times, can be red and inflamed.

At the openings of the infected hair follicles, debris in the form of white semi-solid material can be dug out with the fingernail. They are not painful and do not usually itch.

Treatment:-

No single treatment universally improves keratosis pilaris. But most options, including self-care measures and medicated creams, focus on softening the keratin deposits in the skin.
Gently rubbing off the top layer of skin with a loofah sponge flattens the bumps.
Fruit acid creams (e.g., salicylic acid) are sometimes effective in unplugging the follicles.
Certain prescription medication, such as those used for blackheads and acne, may be helpful as well. Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids for short-term treatment or for temporary relief of symptoms. They aren't used as long-term treatments because of potential side effects.
Moisturizing lotions often give a soothing effect and may help improve the appearance of the skin.
Topical treatment with medications containing urea, lactic acid, Vitamin A, or vitamin D may be recommended by physician. However, improvement often takes months and recurrence is quite possible.

Prevention and self-care at home:-

Keratosis pilaris is generally not curable; it fades, as you grow old. Self- care measures will not cure keratosis pilaris, it will only help improve the appearance of your skin. Certain tips include:

Be gentle when washing your skin. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of the plugs may only irritate your skin and aggravate the condition.
After washing or bathing, gently pat skin dry so that some moisture remains on the skin.
Apply moisturizing lotions or fruit acid creams while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or Vitamin A, D that soften dry, rough skin.
Apply an over-the-counter product that contains lactic acid as it helps remove extra keratin from the surface of the skin.

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin disorder. But, if treatment not carried out on a regular basis, the condition returns and can cause physical and psychological discomfort.

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