What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is an annoying, but generally not serious condition that can affect the skin of anyone, resulting in the skin appearing bumpy, and occasionally red. The condition is quite common in children, often resolving as kids age, but some people continue to be affected by keratosis pilaris for most of their lives. Though there’s no treatment that will take away the condition, and there’s normally no need to treat the condition, there are some medicines and some self-care tips that can help reduce the look of bumpy skin. You’ll find that keratosis pilaris occurs on the arms, legs, buttocks and face. It often occurs in patches, so that a whole area of skin will look like it has constant goosebumps. The skin may also feel rough or sandpapery. Unless irritated by other things, these bumps don’t tend to itch, but the appearance may be annoying to some, especially when bumps appear on the face where they actually can scar the skin. What causes keratosis pilaris is a build up of the
This condition is a disorder of the skin that is hereditary, and commonly found in people with very dry skin and/or a vitamin A deficiency. Some people can have this disorder and not know it. Not everyone that has it knows it because some people are just carriers if you will. The signs of the disorder are not evident in every carrier. Some people get lucky I guess! Keratosis Pilaris is characterized by small red bumps (sometimes with white in them) that are raised on the skin like goose bumps. They are very similar looking to pimples, but they are not pimples. This is a common mistake among sufferers. Sometimes they will itch, but not usually. Heres the main thing, the placement of the bumps. These bumps only appear in certain places. Most commonly they appear on the back of the upper arms, and the side and front of the upper thighs. It can also appear on the hips, buttocks and facial cheeks, but this is not common. These bumps are very tiny, but annoying as ever. Not to be gross, but
Keratosis pilaris is a very common condition in which there are numerous rough follicular spots, which may be skin coloured, red or brown. Most often they arise on the outer aspect of the upper arms. They may also occur on the thighs and cheeks, and less often on the forearms and upper back. Keratosis pilaris is most obvious during the teenage years. It may also be present in babies and persist into adult life. However, it is uncommon in elderly people. Keratosis pilaris is particularly prevalent in those who are overweight, or have celtic backgrounds, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. Keratosis pilaris tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out. Although unsightly at times, it is completely harmless.
