Understanding and Managing Keratosis Pilaris: A Comprehensive Guide to Smoother Skin
Doctor explains how to manage keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition causing small, rough bumps. Discover effective treatments and home remedies to improve your skin's appearance and feel more confident.
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Topic Breakdown
Keratosis pilaris is a common, albeit harmless, skin condition characterized by small bumps that appear on your skin. While it can persist for an extended period, there are treatments that can improve your skin's appearance. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the essential aspects of keratosis pilaris (KP), providing you with a comprehensive understanding of the condition and how to manage it effectively.
So, what exactly is keratosis pilaris? Also known as KP, it is a prevalent skin condition typically seen in children and young adults. It affects more than half of teenagers and up to 40% of adults. To break it down, the term "keratosis" indicates an excess of keratin, a protein that shields the skin from infections and other harmful elements. "Pilaris" is derived from the Latin word for hair, "pilus." In KP, numerous small, one to two-millimeter plugs block the hair follicles or hair roots on the upper and outer parts of the arms and thighs. This can resemble goosebumps but feels rough to the touch.
You might observe that KP worsens in winter rather than summer. This is due to various factors, including the skin becoming drier during the colder months and increased friction from thick clothing. KP is also often associated with other skin conditions, such as atopic eczema. If you have eczema, you may find yourself more prone to developing KP.
What does keratosis pilaris look like? To help you recognize it better, let's review some clinical photographs of KP across different skin types. Often, images of KP are predominantly shown on white skin, but it’s crucial to understand how it appears on black skin as well. Typically, the skin feels rough, dry, and appears as if it has permanent goosebumps. It can occasionally be itchy. The groups of small bumps are most commonly found on the backs of the upper arms and the fronts of the thighs. However, KP can also affect the buttocks, lower back, chest, and, in less common cases, the face and eyebrows. You may also notice some redness around the small bumps, which varies depending on your skin type.
Now, let’s discuss the treatments and home remedies that can help improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris. Generally, KP will improve on its own over time. It’s important to note that treatments won’t completely clear KP, but they can temporarily improve the condition.
The first recommendation is to use moisturizers, which can help alleviate the roughness. When selecting a moisturizer, consult with a pharmacist to determine what’s most suitable for you. Avoid scented moisturizers; products like Aveeno might be a better alternative. Creams containing salicylic acid, lactic acid, or urea can soften and flatten the bumps on the skin. These creams are available over the counter or can be prescribed by a doctor. Topical retinoids, which are medications related to vitamin A, may also be prescribed to reduce redness and rough texture. However, these medications aren’t suitable for everyone, particularly if you’re pregnant or planning to conceive.
In the UK, other treatments such as topical corticosteroids, photodynamic therapy, various lasers, chemical peels, and dermabrasion are not available on the NHS. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, these treatments haven’t been shown to be very effective.
For at-home care, here are five recommendations to help improve the appearance of KP:
1. Use mild, unperfumed soaps and bathing products.
2. Gently scrub your skin with a washcloth or exfoliating mitten.
3. Take cool or lukewarm showers and baths.
4. Pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it after washing.
5. Moisturize your skin with non-scented, natural moisturizers.
If you’ve tried these methods and still aren’t seeing improvement, consult with your pharmacist. They can recommend over-the-counter products and guide you on whether further treatment is necessary. If your skin becomes itchy or inflamed, or if you’re unsure whether you need to see a doctor, your pharmacist should be your first point of contact.
For more detailed information, check out the references in the description box of the video for reputable sources.
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