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Keratosis Pilaris-The Bumps That Won't Go Away

How to Reduce the Appearance of the Unsightly Bumps

Jul 19, 2009 Leigh A. Wenning

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition that many people suffer from. It's a genetic condition that causes bumps to form on the skin that won't go away.

People are susceptible to all kinds of skin conditions and rashes. If the rash doesn't go away, it could be something else. Keratosis Pilaris is a benign skin condition that affects many children and adults. It's not curable, but there are some ways that can lessen its appearance.

Bumps on the Skin That Won't Go Away

Keratosis Pilaris is a complicated name for a skin condition that causes small bumps and sometimes redness usually on the outside of the upper arms, upper thighs and face. It can also be found on other parts of the body in some cases. It resembles chicken skin because of all the small raised areas on the skin. Dry patches can also be associated with the disorder. It's actually a genetic disorder so if you have the condition, it's possible your children will as well.

This condition can occur at any stage of life including during infancy. During puberty, it is often misdiagnosed as acne. It's caused by an excess in the protein keratin. Keratin builds up under the skin in hair follicles which cause small bumps to form on the outside of the skin. Sometimes there is redness around the area as well.

Treatments to Reduce the Appearance of the Bumps

This is not a serious medical condition and sometimes the symptoms resolve on their own. Although there is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris, there are some treatments available to reduce the appearance of the bumps and decrease the redness. It's wise to consult a dermatologist before using any over-the counter products to make sure that what you're dealing with is in fact, Keratosis Pilaris.

Pharmaceutical Treatments

A general practitioner or dermatologist may prescribe certain medications to assist with the condition. These may include: topical corticosteroids, topical retinoids or prescription strength ammonium lactate. As with any prescription, there are side effects and it's up the physician and patient to determine if the side effects outweigh the benefits.

Home Remedies

People with Keratosis Pilaris should keep their skin well-moisturized. It's best to put on a moisturizer or lotion right after bathing or showering to attempt to keep that moisture in the skin. Some dermatologists recommend using a lotion that contains glycolic acid or alpha hydroxyl moisturizers.

It may also help to keep a humidifier in your home during the dry winter months. Many people with KP report that symptoms are worse in the winter months from low humidity.

Don't over-exfoliate. Roughly scrubbing of the skin may irritate and cause additional redness. Some exfoliation may be helpful to remove the excess keratin that is being produced, but you should be careful not to overdo it.

Some Keratosis Pilaris sufferers report that tanning reduces their symptoms. Moderate sun tanning might be helpful in camouflaging the symptoms, but it is not a cure. People who tan should ensure that they use sunscreen to prevent against skin damage.

Although Keratosis Pilaris can be an unsightly condition, it is harmless. There are treatments available to help with the appearance of the skin. There are also several helpful websites available with forums so that fellow KP sufferers can talk about what works and what doesn't.

The copyright of the article Keratosis Pilaris-The Bumps That Won't Go Away in General Medicine is owned by Leigh A. Wenning. Permission to republish Keratosis Pilaris-The Bumps That Won't Go Away in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

KP on a toddler's cheek