Keratosis Pilaris - Health Tips

This disorder causes the formation of small rough spiny elevations of the skin similar to gooseflesh over large areas such as the upper arms and thighs.  It is most prominent in cold weather and less prominent in warm summer weather.  It also varies with the humidity. 

Keratosis pilaris often begins around age two and persists for years extending into adulthood, but many people do outgrow the disease.  Other conditions that give a somewhat similar appearance are vitamin A deficiency, an extremely rare problem, and eruptions due to iodine, kelp, irritating clothing, etc. Although it may be familial, keratosis pilaris is not “catching” or contagious.

Treatment does not cure the problem but it does not help it.  Different forms of lubrication such as mild glycolic acid lotions or creams, mild corticosteroids, and mild tar preparations can be helpful, particularly when there is itching.  Another lotion available without a prescription is Lacticare and one that does require a prescription is LacHydrin Lotion. When the skin is wet following a bath or shower, it is helpful to apply bath oil or other lubricants.  An irritant that helps at times is Retin A, a prescription cream, gel or lotion.  Frequency of use with this product must be spaced so as not to produce significant distress, but just enough benefit.  Constant irritation prolongs and aggravates the problem.

 

©2011 Park City Dermatology. Last updated March 24, 2011

KERATOSIS PILARIS  is a common skin condition that looks like dry goose bumps and tends to affect the backs of arms, thighs and sometimes the cheeks.  Children and teenagers are often the ones affected, and it can be a marker for those who have more sensitive skin.  

Dry keratin from skin cells builds up around the hair follicle, making a little cap which can then be bumpy or cause the fine, peach-fuzz type hair to be kinked up.  While they don't usually itch, these bumps can be irritated, and they often look worse if they get picked.

Any sort of moisturizer that loosens and softens keratin helps;  scrubs that contain salicylic and glycolic acid are also helpful.  One of my favorites is Vivité Daily Cleanser, available at Dr. Berger's office

While this is something that is helped by treatment,  it often does not go away until after puberty.