Articles - Snippits

Keratosis pilaris is a highly common genetic follicular condition characterized by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin and hence popularly referred to as "chicken skin" or "goose bumps".

Originally, they appear on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also appear on thighs and buttocks or any body area except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Worldwide, keratosis pilaris afflicts an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. Varying in degree, keratosis pilaris can range from slight to severe.

Keratosis pilaris tends to appear as excess keratin, a natural fibrous protein in the skin found normally in human hair, nails and callus, gathers around hair follicles (process known as hyperkeratinization).

Keratosis pilaris is unattractive, and it most often shows as a group of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though patients with keratosis pilaris suffer this condition year round, it's in the colder periods when moisture levels in the air are lower that the problem can become worse and the 'goose bumps' will look and feel more marked in color and texture.

There are various different kinds of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (asperous, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks) and related conditions.

Keratosis pilaris alba is the more usual type and is characterized by tiny gray-white papules with a negligible inflammatory component.

Keratosis pilaris rubra has a significant inflammatory component, and thus sufferers present tiny red papules. This variation is most perceptible during the cold months.

Cells that contain keratin are constantly being shed and replaced by new ones. The condition known as dandruff results when the scalp sheds such cells. Hormonal influence can appear because a high frequency and intensity of keratosis pilaris is noted during adolescence and in women with hyperandrogenism. In severe cases, the pores can become clogged and cause acne. The clogged pores appear like comedones of keratinized plugs surrounding the hair follicle.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris

Many sufferers find keratosis pilaris lesions visually unappealing and therefore seek treatment. Occasionally, they can become secondarily infected because of harsh tight-fitting clothing or aggressive self-therapy, in which case treatment of the infection is necessary. An important inflammatory component may be present and can be relieved with topical steroid therapy. Treatment of the noninflamed papules can be hard because they have proven resistant to most types of therapy.

Treatment alternatives for keratosis pilaris concentrate on exfoliating or softening the dermis to reduce clogged pores. Treatment initially starts with adherence to nonpharmacologic actions and compliance with daily living functions that won't worsen the condition. An important first step is to use a mild cleansing agent with abrasive characteristics, often named scrub, but one that is not drying (for sensitive skin). The objective is to cleanse and open the pores of the skin. Other measures to prevent excessive dryness include taking tepid, quick showers and applying a humidifier, especially during the cold periods when low humidity dries out the skin.