Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
The exact cause of KP is unknown. There seems to be a problem
with overproduction of the keratin part of the skin called hyperkeratinization.
KP is thought to be partly inherited (genetic) in origin. About 50%-70% of
patients with KP have a known genetic predisposition and a high rate of affected
family members. Many individuals have a strong family history of KP or "chicken
skin." The underlying cause may partly be related to hypersensitivity reactions
and overall dryness of the skin. KP is also closely related to ichthyosis
vulgaris, dry skin, allergies, seasonal allergies, rhinitis, asthma, eczema, and
atopic dermatitis.
The bumps in KP seem to arise from the
excessive accumulation of keratin (very small, dry skin particles) at the
opening of individual hair follicles. The skin as examined under the microscope
demonstrates mild thickening, hyperkeratosis, and plugging of the hair follicle.
The upper skin layers may have some dilation of the small superficial blood
vessels, thereby giving the skin a red or flushed appearance.
How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?
The diagnosis of KP is very
straightforward and based on a typical skin appearance in areas like the upper
arms. A family history of KP is also very helpful since there is a strong
genetic component to the condition. The diagnosis is confirmed by the
physician's clinical exam.
What else could it be?
Other medical conditions can mimic KP. KP may resemble
acne, milia, folliculitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, facial rosacea, or dry
skin (xerosis). KP may also resemble uncommon skin conditions like lichen
spinulosus, pityriasis rubra pilaris, phrynoderma (vitamin A deficiency),
ulerythema ophryogenes, ichthyosis vulgaris, eruptive vellus hair cysts,
keratosis follicularis (Darier disease), Kyrle disease, lichen nitidus, lichen
spinulosus, perforating folliculitis, and trichostasis spinulosa.
In India and other countries, a specific condition called erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli occurs. This unusual condition has a possible
genetic relationship to KP. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli is
characterized by the triad of hyperpigmentation (darker skin color), follicular
plugging (blocked hair follicles), and redness of the face and neck.
Are there any lab tests to help diagnose keratosis pilaris?
No specific
laboratory tests aid in the diagnosis of KP. Imaging studies like X-rays and CT
scans are not useful. Skin biopsy (surgically taking a small piece of skin using
local numbing medicine) may be useful in atypical or widespread cases.
What does keratosis pilaris look like under the microscope?
Microscopic
examination of the body tissue by a pathologist or dermatopathologist under high
magnification is called histopathology or pathology. Histopathology of KP shows
mild hyperkeratosis of the epidermis (thickening of the outer layer of skin),
hypergranulosis (increase in the special granular cells of the epidermis), and
plugging of individual hair follicles. The upper dermis (layer of the skin below
the epidermis) may have some microscopic inflammation called mild superficial
perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory changes.
Is keratosis pilaris curable?
There is no available cure, miracle pill, or
universally effective treatment for KP. It sometimes clears completely by itself
without treatment.
Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
KP is not contagious. It is not an infection
and is not caused by a fungus, bacterium, or virus. People do not give it to
someone else through skin contact and do not catch it from anyone else. Some
people are simply more prone to developing KP because of genetics and skin type.
What are possible complications of keratosis pilaris?
Complications are infrequent since it's primarily a cosmetic skin condition.
However, temporary skin discoloration called postinflammatory hypopigmentation
(lighter than the regular skin color) or hyperpigmentation
may occur after the inflamed, red bumps have improved or after a temporary
flare. Permanent scarring may rarely occur from deep picking, overly aggressive
treatments, or other inflammation.
Does diet have anything to do with keratosis pilaris?
Overall, diet does not
seem to affect KP. Vitamin A deficiency may cause symptoms similar to KP, but it's not a known cause of KP.
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a general term for many types of skin inflammation. The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis. The other forms of eczema include: contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, Nummular eczema, Neurodermatitis, stasis dermatitis, and dyshidrotic eczema. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of eczema may vary from person to person and may depend on the type of eczema.
Allergic rhinitis symptoms include an itchy, runny nose, sneezing, itchy ears, eyes, and throat. Seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) is usually caused by pollen in the air. Perennial allergic rhinitis is a type of chronic rhinitis and is a year–round problem, often caused by indoor allergens, such as dust, animal dander, and pollens that may exist at the time. Treatment of chronic rhinitis and post nasal drip are dependant upon the type of rhinitis condition.
Acne is a localized skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of oil glands at the
base of hair follicles. This inflammation, depending on its location, can take the form
of a superficial pustule (contains pus), a pimple, a deeper cyst, congested pores, whiteheads, or blackheads. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the acne.
Rosacea is a skin disease that causes redness of the forehead, chin, and lower half of the nose. In addition to inflammation of the facial skin, symptoms include dilation of the blood vessels and pimples (acne rosacea) in the middle third of the face. Oral and topical antibiotics are treatments for rosacea. If left untreated, rhinophyma (a disfiguring nose condition) may result.
Eczema is a general term for many types dermatitis (skin inflammation). Atopic dermatitis is the most common of the many types of eczema. Other types of eczema include: contact eczema, allergic contact eczema, seborrheic eczema, nummular eczema, stasis dermatitis, and. dyshidrotic eczema.
An allergy refers to a misguided reaction by our immune system in response to bodily contact with certain foreign substances. When these allergens come in contact with the body, it causes the immune system to develop an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to it. It is estimated that 50 million North Americans are affected by allergic conditions. The parts of the body that are prone to react to allergies include the eyes, nose, lungs, skin, and stomach. Common allergic disorders include hay fever, asthma, allergic eyes, allergic eczema, hives, and allergic shock.
Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. The depth and size of the wound incision and the location of the injury impact the scar's characteristics, but your age, heredity and even sex or ethnicity will affect how your skin reacts.
Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV rays also increases the risk for scarring, freckles, wrinkles, and dry skin. Symptoms of sunburn include painful, red, tender, and hot skin. The skin may blister, swell, and peel. Sun poisoning (severe sunburn) include nausea, fever, chills, rapid pulse, dizziness and more. Treatment for sunburn depends upon the severity. Sun protection and sunscreen for an individual's skin type is recommended to decrease the chance of sunburn.
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the