Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris ~ what you need to know ⬇️

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small, hard bumps that may make your skin feel like sandpaper. You may have heard it called “chicken skin.”

The bumps are often light-coloured. They usually appear on your upper arms, thighs, and buttocks, sometimes with redness or swelling. They can also show up on your face, but that's less common.
Many children and teens get it, and it often disappears as they get older.

Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris⬇️
Signs of keratosis pilaris include:
▪️Very rough, dry skin
▪️Goosebumps that match your skin tone (these might look like pimples or a rash)
▪️More noticeable during winter or in dry conditions

Except for occasional minor itching, keratosis pilaris doesn't hurt and doesn't get worse. Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, the protein that protects skin from infections and other harmful things. The buildup forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle, but doctors don't know what triggers the buildup.

Below are a number of things you can do to help reduce your symptoms:

▪️Try not to scratch the bumps.
▪️Treat the skin gently and avoid using harsh chemicals, which can dry out the skin.
▪️Wash using a mild soap and warm, rather than hot, water.
▪️Gently pat or blot the skin dry and follow up by applying a soothing moisturising cream that contains lanolin, petroleum jelly or glycerine.
▪️Avoid friction from tight clothes.

A variety of medicated creams, some of which are available over the counter, may also help to relieve symptoms. The creams contain ingredients, such as retinoids (vitamin A), urea, alpha-hydroxy acid, lactic acid or salicylic acid, that help to break down the excess keratin and remove dead skin. However, these chemicals can be harsh and cause dry skin and irritation, so they may not be suitable for children.

Laser therapy can be used to successfully to reduce the redness of keratosis pilaris that has become very red and inflamed.