KERATOSIS PILARIS

General Information

DEFINITION--A common skin disorder in which the openings of the hair follicles become filled with hard plugs. These are not contagious.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin on the backs of upper arms, fronts of thighs or buttocks.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Children and young adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Papules (small, raised bumps) with the following characteristics:

• Papules are small, firm and white, with a dry "sandpaper" feeling.
• Papules are clustered. Each one is about 1mm in size.
• Papules are at the openings of hair follicles. They can be scooped out with the fingernails.
• When scooped out, a papule usually contains a coiled hair inside of white, semisolid material.
• Papules don't itch or hurt.

CAUSES--Unknown, but it may be hereditary. These commonly occur in association with allergic dermatitis and several types of ichthyosis, both of which have strong hereditary links. Lesions that are similar--possibly identical--to those of keratosis pilaris appear in persons with vitamin-A deficiency.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• History of skin allergies.
• Family history of keratosis pilaris.
• Poor nutrition, especially vitamin-A deficiency.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Biopsy (See Glossary).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE--Self-care. Treatment is usually unnecessary and if done, often unsatisfactory.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Secondary infection of papules.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Keratosis pilaris is a chronic, harmless skin problem with no permanent cure. Individual papules may come and go over a matter of weeks. All gradually disappear by age 30.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Take long soaking tub baths.
• Use mild, unscented soap.
• Scrub gently with a stiff brush to remove the plugs in the follicles temporarily.
• Apply lubricating ointments or creams to the affected areas 6 or 7 times a day. The most useful time is immediately after bathing when lubrication helps the skin retain moisture.

MEDICATION--Apply lubricating ointments or creams to the affected areas 6 or 7 times a day. The most useful time is immediately after bathing when lubrication helps the skin retain moisture.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

Signs of infection develop around the keratoses pilaris. Signs include pain or tenderness, redness, swelling and fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher.