Keratosis Pilaris

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WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS? Keratosis pilaris also called chicken skin is a condition in which small bumps which could be red, white, your skin tone or darker than your skin tone appears on the skin especially your cheeks, upper arms, thighs, or buttocks, causing your skin sometimes too rough patches which worsen during the winter […] Read More

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Keratosis Pilaris

WHAT IS KERATOSIS PILARIS? Keratosis pilaris also called chicken skin is a condition in which small bumps which could be red, white, your skin tone or darker than your skin tone appears on the skin especially your cheeks, upper arms, thighs, or buttocks, causing your skin sometimes too rough patches which worsen during the winter or pregnancy. They can also appear in another part of the skin. It is not a communicable condition and is quite common with people with fair skin. Keratosis pilaris affects all ages but more prevalent in children and teenagers but clears on their own during the mid-20s. RISK FACTORS  Keratosis pilaris is quite common with people with:
  • Dry skin,
  • Eczema
  • Ichthyosis
  • Hay fever
  • Obesity
  • Women
  • Celtic ancestry
  • Hormonal imbalances during pregnancy for expecting mothers and during puberty for teenagers 
  • Family history of keratosis pilaris
COMPLICATIONS OF KERATOSIS PILARIS The complications of keratosis pilaris include DIAGNOSIS OF KERATOSIS PILARIS The diagnosis of keratosis pilaris is simply done by examining the skin. No lab test is required. TREATMENT OF KERATOSIS PILARIS Keratosis pilaris usually goes on its own after a while and there is no cure for keratosis pilaris.  However, certain measures could be employed to help the appearance of the skin and help you feel better. They include:
  • Topical Exfoliants
This process seeks to remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. They also act as moisturizers and soften dry skin. They are not recommended for children as they may cause redness of the skin and a burning sensation in them. Examples of topical exfoliate include alpha hydroxyl acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, urea.
  • Topical Retinoids 
They are usually derived from vitamin A and aids to prevent the pores from getting blocked. examples include tretinoin such as a train, Avita, Renova, etc tazarotene such as Average, Tazorac, etc. the disadvantages involve with using topical retinoids is that it may irritate and inflame your skin. Nursing and expecting mothers are advised to avoid topical retinoids.
  • Laser Treatment
This is used in severe cases. This procedure employs the use of a laser on the skin to treat inflammation. It is used where creams and lotions have proven not effective.
  • Other treatment includes the use of microdermabrasion, chemical peels, photo pneumatic therapy, etc
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS Some home remedies may be used to treat keratosis pilaris and they include:
  • Avoid scratching the rough patches, be gentle on your skin
  • Avoid using hot water for bathing
  • Use soaps that contain oil or fat
  • Avoid prolonging the time in the bathroom showering
  • Always moisturize your skin generously
  • Use a humidifier in your home to increase the humidity level in your home especially during winter
  • Avoid tight clothes to reduce friction between your skin and your clothes
  •  Try using a mild and unperfumed soap
  • Try using cold or lukewarm water to bath
  • Pat your skin when drying it
  • Avoid using hard scrubs on your skin
  • Try using hydrating lotions that contain glycerin as it can help soften the bumps
  • Use rosewater as it helps reduce the inflammation
DIET Your dieting does not affect the occurrence of keratosis pilaris, as the main trigger for this condition could be genetic and hereditary. However, food rich in fatty acids such as sardines, mackerels,  salmon, and walnuts may help. Also, the use of spicule and curcumin may have a positive effect on the improvement of keratosis pilaris.

Symptoms

SYMPTOMS OF KERATOSIS PILARIS

They are easily found in children and people with fair skin. signs and symptoms include

  • Painless tiny bumps found on the cheek, arms, and buttocks
  • Rough patches on the skin
  • Bumps looking like goose flesh
  • Increase in patches especially during winter
  • Possible itching 
  • Patches could appear in different shades.

Causes

CAUSES OF KERATOSIS PILARIS

Although the exact cause of Keratosis pilaris is not known, it is suspected to be caused by hair follicles or pores that are blocked by built-up keratin. 

Keratin is a proteinous substance found in hair, skin, and nails that aids in preventing infection. It is mostly an inherited disease.

They can also be caused by dead skin cells blocking hair follicles. It is also associated with conditions such as atopic dermatitis and genetic disease.

FAQ

What vitamins help with keratosis pilaris?

Vitamin D, lactic acid, urea, helps in removing the plugs in the pores, however, if treatment is stopped, keratosis pilaris may return. Using a supplement containing vitamin A can also help.

Can you pop keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris can be quite uncomfortable and tends to depreciate appearance especially if they occur on the face. However, it is important to note that picking keratosis pilaris might only worsen the situation and cause more irritation. Keratosis pilaris isn’t acne  and only gets worse when picked

Is Vaseline good for keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that does not necessarily require treatment as it tends to go on its own with time. You may use petroleum jelly with water to treat the bumps. Also, cold creams, urea cream, salicylic acid, vitamin D can be used to improve these skin conditions.

What are the best soaps for keratosis pilaris?

They include body wash such as Aveeno positively nourishing hydrating body wash, organic African black soap, Mederma AG body cleanser, tone keratosis pilaris exfoliating body cleanser, etc

Does sunlight help keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris may worsen after exposure to prolong sunlight due to the dryness and heat produced by the sun on their skin. This can worsen the bumps or red patches. Also, unprotected exposure to the sun can cause keratosis pilaris to become darken and more visible on the skin.

What is the difference between keratosis pilaris and psoriasis?

Keratosis pilaris sometimes called chicken skin is a skin disease characterized by the presence of small bumps or rough patches on the surface of the skin. While psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that usually tends to affects more than the surface of the skin.