What makes keratosis pilaris better

Keratosis pilaris is a common, harmless skin condition that causes small bumps to appear on the skin. Some people have so many bumps that they extend onto the forearms or lower legs.

They may also look white, red, pinkish-purple on fair skin, or brownish-black on dark skin. They can feel rough and dry like sandpaper. If you have keratosis pilaris on your face, it may look like acne, and you may look flushed. The skin on your face may be dry and chapped. Some people with keratosis pilaris only get a few flesh-colored bumps.

Others have noticeable bumps that can look like a rash. The area of your skin that is affected by keratosis pilaris may become darker hyperpigmentation or lighter hypopigmentation than the surrounding skin. This can happen if you scratch or pick at the bumps. Keratosis pilaris occurs when dead skin cells clog the hair follicles also called pores in your skin.

It occurs more often during the winter months when the air is dry. It tends to improve in warmer months when humidity is higher.

Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age and affect anyone. It usually appears before age 2 or during the teenage years. It can worsen during pregnancy and after childbirth. It generally affects women more often than men. Keratosis pilaris may disappear or improve with age.

Your doctor will be able to tell if you have keratosis pilaris by looking at your skin and talking with you about your symptoms. In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a skin biopsy to ensure a correct diagnosis. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. He or she may suggest you:. It may be weeks or months before you see results of treatment, so be patient.

Keep your treatment plan going, even if the bumps go away. Keratosis pilaris often returns when treatment is stopped. This article was contributed by: familydoctor.

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. The doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on the typical appearance. There are other conditions that can sometimes look similar to keratosis pilaris and a skin biopsy might help the diagnosis. Emollients moisturisers can help soften the texture of the skin. These creams can be purchased over the counter or obtained on prescription from the doctor.

The doctor may also sometimes prescribe topical retinoids a group of medications related to vitamin A which may reduce the redness and rough texture. Other treatments can also be used.

These include topical corticosteroids, photodynamic therapy, various lasers, chemical peels and dermabrasion. In many cases, it may be best to wait for the problem to improve on its own. Emollients, creams, lotions and ointments contain oils which can make it easier for dressings, clothing, bed linen or hair to catch fire. To reduce the fire risk, patients using these moisturising products are advised to be very careful near naked flames to reduce the risk of clothing, hair or bedding catching fire.

In particular, smoking cigarettes should be avoided and being near people who are smoking or using naked flames, especially in bed. Candles may also be a fire risk. Daily washing is advisable for clothing which is in regular contact with emollients and wash bed linen frequently.

This information is provided by the British Association of Dermatologists. Enter your details below to get updates about this condition that may help you or read more on our website if you need further information right now. Keratosis pilaris Keratosis pilaris What is keratosis pilaris?

It's not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris. It may occur in association with a genetic disease or with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to make keratosis pilaris worse. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Keratosis pilaris Open pop-up dialog box Close. Keratosis pilaris Keratosis pilaris causes small bumps to appear on the upper arms, legs or buttocks. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Keratin plug Open pop-up dialog box Close. Keratin plug Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle.

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