What Does Keratosis Pilaris Look Like?
Keratosis Pilaris, or "KP," is a dermatological condition that affects around 40 to 50 percent of the population. Especially prevalent among teenagers, it is a follicular disorder that causes rough bumps on various parts of the body, especially the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Babies can also have this condition, with the bumps appearing on the cheeks. Though there is no cure for KP, various treatments are available that can alleviate the symptoms and cause the skin to look less bumpy and irritated.
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Types
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There are several types of keratosis pilaris. According to the website, Help for KP, variants include follicular disorders, such as keratosis pilaris rubra, which include patches of bumpy and irritated skin, and keratosis pilaris rubra facii, which includes a red rash type patch on the cheeks. None of these conditions are life-threatening but for those who have this condition with its unattractive bumps, it can be detrimental to their personal lives.
Features
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Often mistaken for acne, keratosis pilaris is very different. KP is the build up of keratin, a protein, on the skin. It clogs the hair follicles, causing a "horny" bump to appear. If the bump is pulled out of the skin, a hair can usually be found because its growth has been blocked by the built up keratin. Some bumps can appear red and inflamed, much like acne, but unlike acne, the build up is not caused by bacteria. It is found in patches, usually on the upper and backs of the arms, the upper thigh area, and the buttock area. The bumps are small and cause the skin to appear rough, like goose bumps, which is why the condition is sometimes referred to as "chicken skin."
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Causes
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KP is thought to be a genetic condition. If parents have it, there is a 50 percent chance that their children will inherit it, too. Usually the families that claim to have KP have drier skin. It is not a contagious condition--touching a person with obvious KP will not cause another to break out into bumps.
Treatment
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There is no cure for keratosis pilaris at this time. However, some treatments have been found to reduce symptoms, such as heavy exfoliation with certain acids like urea and alpha-hydroxy acid. It is important to remember that the root cause of KP is dry skin and clogged pores, so it is important to use an intensive moisturizing lotion as well as exfoliate. Some sufferers of KP use other methods, such as oil pulling and even changing their diets to try and alleviate symptoms.
Considerations
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KP seems to disappear as sufferers get older and often the condition is completely gone by age 30. The symptoms also appear to dissipate during the summer months and worsen over the winter. With treatment, it is important to be consistent and not stop exfoliating and hydrating the skin or the keratin does not stop building up to clog the hair follicles.
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