Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris
Classification and external resources
Condition on an arm
ICD-9	757.39
OMIM	604093
DiseasesDB	32387
MedlinePlus	001462
eMedicine	ped/1246 derm/211

Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris or chicken skin) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough, slightly red, bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the arm (though the forearm can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, sides, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Often the lesions will appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.

Classification

Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 40%-50% of the adult population and approximately 50%-80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than in men.

There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps which can be on arms, head, legs), keratosis pilaris alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), keratosis pilaris rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks), and related disorders. KP is not related to goose bumps, which results from a muscle contractions, except that both occur in the area where the hair follicle exits the skin.

Symptoms and signs

Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and the bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.^{[citation needed]}

Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle.

Treatments

Treatments for Keratosis pilaris may consist of moisturizing or keratolytic treatments including: urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or topical retinoids. However, the effectiveness of these treatments is limited and research to discover more effective treatments is needed.

See also

• Ichthyosis linearis circumflexa
• List of cutaneous conditions

External links

• The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology - Article on keratosis pilaris
• Keratosis Pilaris Help by Karen Smith