SKIN CONDITIONS
Keratosis pilaris
A common skin condition causing small, rough bumps on arms, legs, buttocks, and cheeks.
- Small lumps are caused by keratin plugging hair follicles
- Can by managed by using topical products that break down keratin and laser treatments
- Frequently resolves without treatment
Keratosis pilaris, also known as KP, is a skin condition caused by an accumulation of keratin in hair follicles. It’s most common in children and young adults.
What does keratosis pilaris look like?
Affected skin feels rough with multiple small firm lumps about 1mm in diameter. Lumps are normally the same colour as the surrounding skin but can be red or brown. The skin tends to feel dry and rough.
The condition most commonly affects the back of the upper arms and the top of the upper thighs. Dry and cold air may worsen the symptoms.
Treatment of keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition, and treatment is not medically required.
It’s often possible to self-treat keratosis pilaris with exfoliating creams such as salicylic acid or lactic acid, available over the counter from pharmacies.
If treatment is desired for cosmetic reasons, topical products, laser and intense pulsed lights may help improve the symptoms.
Progression
Treatments for keratosis pilaris don’t cure the condition but they can relieve symptoms. However, even without treatment, keratosis pilaris frequently resolves by itself, especially in milder cases. This normally happens by the mid to late 30s.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Keratosis pilaris: back view of a man's upper arm
Close-up view of keratosis pilaris papules (bumps)
Keratosis pilaris affecting the upper arm
Keratosis pilaris with red papules
Treatments for keratosis pilaris
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