Keratosis pilaris: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Keratosis pilaris | |||
| image = [[File:Keratosis_pilaris_(moderate).jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Keratosis pilaris on the upper arm | |||
| synonyms = Follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = Small, rough bumps on the skin, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks | |||
| complications = [[Dry skin]], [[itching]] | |||
| onset = Childhood | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[Keratin]] buildup in hair follicles | |||
| risks = [[Atopic dermatitis]], [[ichthyosis vulgaris]], [[obesity]], [[asthma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]] | |||
| differential = [[Acne]], [[folliculitis]], [[milia]] | |||
| treatment = [[Moisturizers]], [[exfoliation]], [[topical retinoids]] | |||
| medication = [[Urea]], [[lactic acid]], [[salicylic acid]] | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Keratosis pilaris''' is a common, benign skin condition characterized by the presence of hard, conical elevations or ''papules'' at the openings of sebaceous glands, primarily on the upper arms and thighs. These rough-feeling bumps, often described as chicken skin, occur as a result of an excess buildup of the skin protein keratin<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis Pilaris: A Common Follicular Hyperkeratosis|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | '''Keratosis pilaris''' is a common, benign skin condition characterized by the presence of hard, conical elevations or ''papules'' at the openings of sebaceous glands, primarily on the upper arms and thighs. These rough-feeling bumps, often described as chicken skin, occur as a result of an excess buildup of the skin protein keratin<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis Pilaris: A Common Follicular Hyperkeratosis|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | ||
[[File:Keratosis Pilaris on Lower Extremity.jpg|thumb|Keratosis Pilaris on Lower Extremity]] | [[File:Keratosis Pilaris on Lower Extremity.jpg|left|thumb|Keratosis Pilaris on Lower Extremity]] | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
[[File:Keratosis pilaris arm.jpg|thumb|Keratosis pilaris arm | [[File:Keratosis pilaris arm.jpg|left|thumb|Keratosis pilaris arm]] | ||
Patients with keratosis pilaris typically present with numerous tiny, rough, flesh-colored or reddish bumps, often with surrounding erythema. While the condition can occur at any age, it most commonly begins in childhood and improves with age, often disappearing entirely in adulthood. The areas most often affected are the extensor aspects of the upper arms and thighs, although the buttocks and face (particularly the cheeks) may also be involved<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis pilaris revisited: is it more than just a follicular keratosis?|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | Patients with keratosis pilaris typically present with numerous tiny, rough, flesh-colored or reddish bumps, often with surrounding erythema. While the condition can occur at any age, it most commonly begins in childhood and improves with age, often disappearing entirely in adulthood. The areas most often affected are the extensor aspects of the upper arms and thighs, although the buttocks and face (particularly the cheeks) may also be involved<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis pilaris revisited: is it more than just a follicular keratosis?|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
The primary event in keratosis pilaris is hyperkeratosis, an increase in the skin's keratin—a structural protein—around the hair follicles. This buildup leads to the characteristic rough patches and skin-colored bumps associated with the condition. Although the exact reason why keratin buildup occurs isn't known, it may be associated with other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | |||
The primary event in keratosis pilaris is hyperkeratosis, an increase in the skin's | |||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not medically necessary; however, individuals may desire treatment due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort. Management primarily involves regular application of moisturizers, especially those containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate and soften the skin. More severe cases may warrant treatment with retinoid creams, which are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover and prevent the plugging of hair follicles<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not medically necessary; however, individuals may desire treatment due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort. Management primarily involves regular application of moisturizers, especially those containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate and soften the skin. More severe cases may warrant treatment with retinoid creams, which are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover and prevent the plugging of hair follicles<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=|first1=|title=Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options|journal=|volume=|issue=|pages=|year=|doi=|pmid=}}</ref>. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Dermatology]] | * [[Dermatology]] | ||
* [[Atopic dermatitis]] | * [[Atopic dermatitis]] | ||
| Line 21: | Line 33: | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Noninfectious diseases]] | [[Category:Noninfectious diseases]] | ||
{{Stub}} | {{Stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 00:42, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Keratosis pilaris | |
|---|---|
.jpg)
| |
| Synonyms | Follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Small, rough bumps on the skin, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks |
| Complications | Dry skin, itching |
| Onset | Childhood |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Keratin buildup in hair follicles |
| Risks | Atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, obesity, asthma |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis |
| Differential diagnosis | Acne, folliculitis, milia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Moisturizers, exfoliation, topical retinoids |
| Medication | Urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Keratosis pilaris is a common, benign skin condition characterized by the presence of hard, conical elevations or papules at the openings of sebaceous glands, primarily on the upper arms and thighs. These rough-feeling bumps, often described as chicken skin, occur as a result of an excess buildup of the skin protein keratin<ref>,
Keratosis Pilaris: A Common Follicular Hyperkeratosis, ,</ref>.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with keratosis pilaris typically present with numerous tiny, rough, flesh-colored or reddish bumps, often with surrounding erythema. While the condition can occur at any age, it most commonly begins in childhood and improves with age, often disappearing entirely in adulthood. The areas most often affected are the extensor aspects of the upper arms and thighs, although the buttocks and face (particularly the cheeks) may also be involved<ref>,
Keratosis pilaris revisited: is it more than just a follicular keratosis?, ,</ref>.
Pathophysiology[edit]
The primary event in keratosis pilaris is hyperkeratosis, an increase in the skin's keratin—a structural protein—around the hair follicles. This buildup leads to the characteristic rough patches and skin-colored bumps associated with the condition. Although the exact reason why keratin buildup occurs isn't known, it may be associated with other skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases<ref>,
Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study, ,</ref>.
Treatment[edit]
Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not medically necessary; however, individuals may desire treatment due to cosmetic concerns or discomfort. Management primarily involves regular application of moisturizers, especially those containing urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, which can help to exfoliate and soften the skin. More severe cases may warrant treatment with retinoid creams, which are derivatives of vitamin A that promote cell turnover and prevent the plugging of hair follicles<ref>,
Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options, ,</ref>.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
