Keratosis Pilaris: What is it and treatment

Aug 31 , 2022

Keratosis Pilaris: What is it and treatment

Have you ever experienced rough bumps like "chicken skin" on your arms or legs? If so, you’re not alone. Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition, affecting nearly 50–80 percent of adolescents and 40 percent of adults and most common in families with a history of eczema, allergies and asthma.

Keratosis Pilaris looks like tiny, rough-feeling bumps on the skin that may be mistaken for small pimples. It is caused by a buildup of keratin, the protein that protects skin from infections and other harmful things. The buildup forms a plug of dead skin cells that clog your pores or hair follicles instead of flaking off. The plugs appear most often on the outer side of the upper arms and thighs. Children may also have these bumps on their cheeks.

If you have dry skin, you're more likely to have keratosis pilaris. It often affects people with certain skin conditions, including eczema (also called atopic dermatitis).

 

WHAT CAN I DO TO GET RID OF KERATOSIS PILARIS?

Keratosis pilaris is harmless and usually clears up on its own. In the meantime, if the itch, dryness, or the appearance of these bumps bothers you, there are products that can help improve the appearance of affected skin.

Applying a moisturizer keeps skin hydrated, minimizing and softening the bumps. Apply several times each day, especially after showering while the skin is still damp. Look for skin smoothing moisturizers with alpha hydroxy acid and glycolic acid—proven to gently exfoliate, improving the texture and appearance of the skin.

NeoStrata Resurface Collection

Glycolic Acid is known to exfoliate the skin, enhance turnover and regenerate the skin’s surface appearance. Click here to view products for keratosis pilaris.

 

OTHER WAYS TO PREVENT KERATOSIS PILARIS

Self-help measures won't prevent keratosis pilaris or make it go away, but they may improve the appearance of the affected skin.

  • Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin. Limit bath or shower time to 15 minutes or less and use warm, not hot, water.
  • Be gentle to the skin. Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Gently remove dead skin (exfoliate) with a washcloth or loofah. Scrubbing can irritate the skin further. Gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel.
  • Use a humidifier. Low humidity dries out the skin. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace will add moisture back into the air inside your home.

REFERENCES

Keratosis Pilaris , Neostrata
whatsapp-logo