These tiny bumps or pimples are actually dead skin cells plugging hair follicles. They sometimes appear red or brown in color. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks.
This condition is known to worsen in the winter months when the skin tends to dry out, and may also worsen during pregnancy.
Keratosis pilaris will usually clear up naturally by the time you reach 30 years old. Keep reading to learn more. The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. The visible bumps appearing on the skin resemble that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken.
The bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist, and therefore will never appear on the soles of your feet or palms of your hands. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms and thighs.
In excess, it can extend to the forearms and lower legs. Not sure if you have keratosis or psoriasis? We break down the differences here. If you have keratosis pilaris, the keratin of your body hair gets clogged in the pores, blocking the opening of growing hair follicles.
As a result, a small bump forms over where a hair should be. If you were to pick at the bump, you may notice a small body hair emerge.
The exact cause of keratin buildup is unknown, but doctors think it may be associated with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis and genetic diseases. Keratosis pilaris often begins in late infancy or during adolescence. Hormonal changes can cause flare-ups during pregnancy for women and during puberty for teenagers. It also tends to come and go.
It usually gets worse in winter. Keratosis pilaris is genetic. So if you have it, chances are a family member has it too or had it when they were younger. It's not an infection, though, and it's not contagious. Keratosis pilaris is not a health problem. You probably notice it more than other people do. If your skin doesn't get better after following a simple cleansing and moisturizing regimen, talk to your doctor. Some people with keratosis pilaris only get a few flesh-colored bumps. Others have noticeable bumps that can look like a rash.
The area of your skin that is affected by keratosis pilaris may become darker hyperpigmentation or lighter hypopigmentation than the surrounding skin. This can happen if you scratch or pick at the bumps. Keratosis pilaris occurs when dead skin cells clog the hair follicles also called pores in your skin. It occurs more often during the winter months when the air is dry.
It tends to improve in warmer months when humidity is higher. Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age and affect anyone. It usually appears before age 2 or during the teenage years. It can worsen during pregnancy and after childbirth. It generally affects women more often than men. Keratosis pilaris may disappear or improve with age. Your doctor will be able to tell if you have keratosis pilaris by looking at your skin and talking with you about your symptoms.
In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a skin biopsy to ensure a correct diagnosis. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. He or she may suggest you:. It may be weeks or months before you see results of treatment, so be patient.
Keep your treatment plan going, even if the bumps go away. Keratosis pilaris often returns when treatment is stopped. This article was contributed by: familydoctor. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.
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