Keratosis pilaris

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keratosis pilaris ( KP ) (also keratotic follicles , lichen pilaris , or colloquial "chicken skin" ) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic condition of a skin hair follicle characterized by the appearance of a lump that is likely pruritic, small, like a goose bone, with varying degrees of redness or inflammation. It most often appears on the outer side of the upper arm, (the forearm can also be affected), thighs, face, back, and buttocks; KP may also occur in the hands, and peaks of any legs, sides, or body parts except for bare (not hairy) skin (such as the palms or soles of the feet). Often lesions may appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.

Video Keratosis pilaris

Signs and symptoms

Pilate keratosis produces small, crude bulges on the surface of the skin. They are skin-colored bumps the size of a grain of sand, many of which are surrounded by pink in light-skinned people and dark spots on dark-skinned people. Most people with pilaris keratosis have no symptoms but the bumps on the skin can sometimes be itchy. Irritation due to scratching the KP bulge may cause redness and inflammation.

Although people with pilaris keratosis experience year-round conditions, the problem can become more severe and the lumps tend to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture during the cold months when humidity levels in the air are lower. The symptoms can also worsen during pregnancy or after childbirth. It is estimated that increased sun exposure can reduce the symptoms of KP.

Maps Keratosis pilaris

Pathophysiology

Pilate keratosis occurs when the human body produces a number of excess skin protein keratin, resulting in the formation of a small protruding bulge in the skin often accompanied by redness around it. Excess keratin, which is the color of a person's natural skin color, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pores. This causes the formation of a hard plug (a process known as hyperkeratinization). Many of the KP bulges contain hair growing inside that has been rolled up. This is the result of skin keratinization "capping off" hair follicles, preventing hair out. Hair grows inside the follicle. KP is more common in patients affected by atopic diseases such as allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis.

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Diagnosis

Doctors can often diagnose keratosis pilaris by simply examining the skin; tests are usually not required. However, dermatologists may use dermoscopy to confirm the diagnosis and assess whether someone with KP responds to treatment. Doctors will often consider family history and symptoms when making a diagnosis. Those with this condition are generally encouraged to contact a doctor if the lump is disruptive and does not improve with over the counter lotion.

Classification

There are several types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (inflamed red bumps that can be in the arms, head, legs), keratosis pilaris alba (rough, irreverscent skin without irritation), keratosis pilaris rubra faceii (rash on the cheeks), and related disorders. Pilate keratosis is generally described in relation to other dry skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis and atopic dermatitis, including those with asthma and allergies.

Pilate keratosis does not have long-term health implications known, nor is associated with increased mortality or morbidity. It is not associated with goose bumps, resulting from muscle contractions, except that both occur in areas where the hair shaft comes out of the skin.

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Treatment

Pilate keratosis is medically harmless, but many individuals may seek treatment because this condition can cause emotional distress. Topical creams and lotions are currently the most commonly used treatment for pilaris keratoses, particularly those consisting of moisturizing or keratolytic treatments, including urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, vitamin D, or topical retinoids such as tretinoin. Corticosteroid cream can also be used as a treatment for KP. Skin repair often takes months and the lump will return. Limiting the time in the bathroom and using gentle exfoliation to remove the pores may help. Many products are available that apply peel and hydroxy alpha or beta acids.

Some cases of keratosis pilaris have been successfully treated with laser therapy, which involves passing intense bursts of light onto targeted skin areas. Depending on the body's response to treatment, several sessions over several months may be required.

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Epidemiology

Worldwide, KP affects about 30-50% of adult population and about 50-80% of all adolescents. This is more common in women than in men, and is often present in healthy individuals. Skin conditions are prevalent in people of all ethnicities. No particular ethnic group is at higher risk for developing keratosis pilaris. Although keratosis pilaris can manifest in people of all ages, it usually appears in the first decade of life and is more common in young children. In many cases, this condition gradually improves before the age of 30, but can last longer.

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See also

• Ichthyosis linearis circumflexa

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References

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External links

• American Dermatology Academy
• American Dermatology University of Osteopathy - Articles on keratosis pilaris

Source of the article : Wikipedia