KERATOSIS PILARIS: Causes and Solutions

KERATOSIS PILARIS

Small, pimple-like bumps are usually the result of a benign skin condition known as keratosis pilaris. According to Medline Plus, keratosis pilaris causes small bumps that almost resemble goosebumps. Although keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, it usually begins in childhood or adolescence and typically disappears as you get older.Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is 

manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin, hence ref

erred to as chicken 

skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower 

arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs and tops of legs, flanks, 

buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Less 

commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.

According to Medline Plus, the main feature of keratosis pilaris is the appearance of small,

 hard bumps that form within the openings of your hair follicles. These bumps are the 

result of a buildup of keratin, a hard protein manufactured by your skin. The bumps most 

commonly occur on your arms, buttocks and thighs and in some cases, the bumps can 

appear on your face. The bumps are usually white and no larger than a sugar granule. 

Sometimes, the bumps can appear pinkish or red on the outer edges.

Treatments

Treatments that are used for keratosis pilaris focus on improving the texture of your skin. According to Medline Plus, treatments include the use of creams and gels containing ingredients such as urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D to help moisturize and soften your skin. You can also use petroleum jelly or cold cream, according to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. The condition will most likely return once you stop using the treatment. There's no cure for keratosis pilaris, although it usually goes away on its own as you get older.

There is no cure for Keratosis pilaris, but treatment is available. One option is to use a 

loofa to remove the dead, dry skin. Another option is to use a dermotologist-prescribed cream or lotion that should be applied daily. The best lotions for this condition would have urea, 15% alphahydroxy acids, or Retin A in them. Over-the-counter lotions work as well 

and should be applied after showering, as well as several times a day. The lotions are often soothing and can help improve the appearance of the skin. Dermotologists also recommend mild peeling agents, or alpha hydroxy acids, that may open up the plugged follicles. Antibiotics may also help in some cases where the bumps are red and badly inflamed. To temporarily reduce redness but not roughness, pulse dye laser treatment or intense pulsed light (IPL) can be done.

Although it may clear up with treatment, reccurance of KP is very likely. Therefore, treatment should be continued regularly. It may take several months to years for the condition to completely clear up.

A dermotologist or physician can usually diagnose a patient for Keratosis pilaris by visually inspecting the patient's skin.

Source:Yahoo Answers and other sites.