Keratosis pilaris

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Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition characterised by dry, rough patches and little bumps on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. Normally, the bumps are harmless and itchless. Keratosis pilaris is often misdiagnosed as normal skin. It cannot be cured or prevented. Moisturizers and prescription creams, on the other hand, can help to improve the appearance of the skin.

Symptoms

Keratosis pilaris affects people of all ages, however it is more common in children under the age of ten.

Some of the signs and symptoms are as follows:

Painless Pimples on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks are fairly prevalent.
The skin feels dry and rough in lumpy areas.
When seasonal changes induce low humidity and dry skin, it gets even worse.
Bumpy sandpaper-like lumps that look like goose flesh

When should you see a doctor?

Keratosis pilaris normally does not require treatment. Consult your family doctor or a skin specialist if you have concerns about your or your child's skin (dermatologist). Consult Online Dermatologist to get an instant answers about your query.

Causes

Keratin accumulation, a hard protein that protects skin from toxic substances and infection, causes keratosis pilaris. Keratin obstructs the opening of hair follicles, resulting in rough, bumpy skin areas. It's unclear why keratin grows up in keratosis pilaris patients. It might happen as a result of a hereditary disorder or a skin condition like atopic dermatitis. Keratosis pilaris is exacerbated by dry skin.

Diagnosis

By simply glancing at the damaged skin, your doctor will most likely be able to diagnose keratosis pilaris. There is no requirement for testing.

Treatment

Keratosis pilaris usually goes away on its own after a while. In the meanwhile, any of the various cosmetics available can help you improve the appearance of your skin. If moisturising and other self-care treatments don't work, your doctor may prescribe medicated creams.

Creams are used to remove dead skin cells. Creams containing alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, salicylic acid, and urea assist loosen and eradicate dead skin cells. They also moisturise and soften dry skin. Depending on their strength, these creams (topical exfoliants) are available over-the-counter or with a prescription. Your doctor can advise you on the best option for you and how often you should use it. These lotions aren't suggested for young children since the acids in them can cause redness, stinging, or skin irritation.
Creams help keep follicles from becoming clogged.
Topical retinoids (vitamin A-derived creams) stimulate cell turnover and prevent hair follicle clogging. Tretinoin is a kind of retinoid (Altreno, Avita, Renova, Retin-A).These substances have the potential to irritate and dehydrate the skin. Your doctor may advise delaying topical retinoid therapy or switching to a different medicine if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
The application of a medicated cream on a daily basis may assist to improve the skin's appearance. However, if you stop, the problem will resurface. Even with treatment, keratosis pilaris might last for years.

Home remedies and a healthy lifestyle

Self-help approaches will neither prevent nor cure keratosis pilaris. They may, however, help to improve the appearance of the damaged skin. When using a new product, test it on a small patch of the affected skin, such as an arm, to determine if it works for you and doesn't trigger an allergic reaction.

Bathing should be done in warm water and for as little time as possible. Hot water, long showers, and baths deplete the skin's natural oils. Limit your bath or shower time to 10 minutes or less. Water that is warm, not hot, should be used.
Maintain your skin's health. Harsh and drying soaps should be avoided. Gently exfoliate dead skin with a washcloth or a loofah. The skin might be irritated and aggravated by vigorously scrubbing or removing hair follicle plugs. To eliminate extra moisture after washing or bathing, gently pat or blot the skin with a towel.
Medicated creams are an excellent choice. Use an over-the-counter lotion that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid. They also soften and hydrate parched skin. This product should be applied before the moisturizer.
Moisturize. Apply a moisturizer containing lanolin, petroleum jelly, or glycerin while the skin is still moist from washing. These chemicals assist to hydrate and relieving dry skin. Eucerin and Cetaphil, for example, are thicker moisturizers that perform well. Several times a day, reapply the product to the affected skin.
Make use of a humidifier. Low relative humidity dries out of the skin. Moisture can be added to the air inside your home with a portable humidifier or one attached to your furnace.
Wear loose clothing to avoid friction. Wearing tight garments can produce friction on the affected skin.

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