Keratosis Pilaris Symptoms, Causes, Treatment - Keratosis pilaris "do's" on MedicineNet

MedicineNet.com

About Us | Privacy Policy | Site Map
February 10, 2012

Keratosis Pilaris (cont.)

Medical Author:
Medical Editor:

Keratosis pilaris "do's"

    1. Do take measures to prevent excessive skin dryness, especially in colder winter months.
    2. Do use mild soaps like Dove soapless cleanser or Cetaphil cleanser.
    3. Do lubricate skin with special lotions containing lactic acid like AmLactin or Lac-Hydrin lotion.
    4. Do talk with your physician about using tretinoin (Retin-A), alpha-hydroxy-acid lotions (glycolic acid), urea cream (Urix 40), and salicylic acid (Salex).
    5. Do gently massage the lotions into the affected area twice a day.
    6. Do use a mild loofah or Buf-Puf to gently scrub the area weekly.


Keratosis pilaris "don'ts"

    1. Don't use harsh soaps or cleansers.
    2. Don't scrub harshly and try to scrape off the skin.
    3. Don't expect immediate results with topical creams.
    4. Don't give up hope.
Keratosis Pilaris At A Glance
  • Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder.
  • Keratosis pilaris affects 50%-80% of adolescents and 40% of adults.
  • Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks.
  • Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or chicken skin.
  • Keratosis pilaris is seen in patients with other dry skin conditions and atopic dermatitis.
  • Keratosis pilaris is not curable, but it may become less noticeable with time.
  • Keratosis pilaris tends to run in families (genetic association).
  • Keratosis pilaris may spontaneously clear without treatment.
  • Keratosis pilaris generally requires ongoing maintenance therapy.
  • Treat keratosis pilaris with daily lubrication, gentle exfoliation, and glycolic or lactic acids.
  • Consider helpful options for keratosis pilaris like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and facials.

Last Editorial Review: 8/6/2008


Patient Discussions

Viewers share their comments

Keratosis Pilaris - Cause Question: What was the cause of your keratosis pilaris?

MedicineNet Doctors

Suggested Reading on Keratosis Pilaris by Our Doctors

  • Related Diseases & Conditions

    • Rash
      • 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
      • 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.
    • Chronic Rhinitis and Post-Nasal Drip
      • 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 (Pimples)
      • 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
      • 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.
    • Atopic Dermatitis
      • 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.
    • Allergy
      • 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.
    • Scars
      • 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 (Sun Poisoning)
      • 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.
  • Medications

  • Procedures & Tests

  • Pictures, Images & Illustrations

  • Doctor's & Expert's Views

  • Health News

  • Health Features

Women's Health

Find out what women really need.



Symptom Checker: Your Guide to Symptoms & Signs: Pinpoint Your Pain









Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick,
    easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including
    24 hour
    pharmacies