Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition, which is characterized by the bumpy texture of the skin. Scroll down to find out useful info about the common symptoms of keratosis pilaris along with the treatment options.
There are a variety of skin conditions that can shatter one’s dream of having a smooth, clear and radiant skin. Keratosis pilaris is one such condition that can alter the skin’s appearance as well as its texture. Development of small bumps on the skin is the characteristic sign of keratosis pilaris. These bumps mostly appear on the upper arms, legs and the buttocks. At times, this condition may impart a bumpy texture to the facial skin as well. Though these bumps are skin colored, these could sometimes turn red as a result of inflammation. More often than not, such bumps on the face are misdiagnosed as acne. However, there is a great difference between acne and keratosis pilaris. Scroll down to get an idea about the risk factors and the common symptoms of keratosis pilaris along with the treatment options that are usually suggested for alleviating the symptoms.
Keratosis Pilaris: Symptoms
Keratosis pilaris alba, keratosis pilaris rubra and keratosis pilaris rubra faceii are some of the variants of keratosis pilaris that may affect children and adults. In all the aforementioned types of keratosis pilaris, the development of small papules, impart a coarse feeling to the skin. Unlike various other skin lesions that may itch or hurt, skin bumps that are caused by keratosis pilaris alba are not itchy or painful. One can say that keratosis pilaris alba is a benign skin disorder that may just be a cause of cosmetic concern for the sufferers. It is believed that one may be genetically predisposed to this condition. The formation of rough skin colored bumps is basically attributed to the process of hyperkeratinization. The skin bumps appear when keratin, which is a fibrous structural protein that is found in the epidermis, is produced in excessive amounts. The rough skin bumps are formed as a result of the hair follicle getting trapped under keratin and dead skin cells. These coarse skin colored papules are small, almost of the size of a sand grain.
The entrapment of the hair follicle within the keratinized skin, mostly occurs on the back of upper arms, legs and buttocks. Several bumps that may be scattered around the affected skin, give the skin a sandpaper like texture. Keratosis pilaris rubra is one of the types of keratosis pilaris, that gives a flushed appearance to the skin. The flushed appearance is attributed to the formation of red colored, inflamed skin bumps. Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii, as the name suggests, refers to keratosis pilaris on face. This condition is characterized by the formation on several reddish grain-sized bumps that may be scattered over the cheeks. It is believed that people with dry skin are more susceptible to developing such skin bumps. This is the reason why, keratosis pilaris symptoms usually worsen during winter. Medical conditions such as atopic dermatitis, eczema, ichthyosis vulgaris, asthma and seasonal allergies may also make one susceptible to keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis Pilaris: Treatment
Keratosis pilaris symptoms may sometimes resolve on its own, but if the skin bumps seem to have become inflamed, one must consult a dermatologist immediately. Under such circumstances, dermatologists usually recommend the topical application of steroid creams. Some of the medicated creams or lotions that are usually prescribed for the treatment of acne may help in the treatment of keratosis pilaris as well. Skin creams that contain lactic acid, urea, propylene glycol, salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, vitamin A or retinoid, may prove beneficial in the treatment of this skin condition. One may also benefit by following certain self care measures. Since dry skin makes one susceptible to this skin condition, keeping the skin moisturized would certainly help. One must refrain from using harsh cosmetic products that may cause dryness of the skin. While exfoliating the skin should help in getting rid of the dead skin cells, one must exfoliate the skin gently.
Though keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition, the rough texture of the skin may become a cause of cosmetic concern for the affected individuals. In rare cases, the color of the affected skin may lighten or darken, or the skin may get scarred due to use of certain aggressive dermatological treatments. It is therefore, essential to take all possible precautionary measures. One of the best preventive measures is to keep the skin properly moisturized, especially during winters.
