| Keratosis Pilaris : Causes, symptoms and Treatments
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Keratosis Pilaris : Causes, symptoms and Treatments
Keratosis Pilaris is a very common skin disorder, which affects about 50 % of world population and most of them do not know that they suffer from a skin disorder. Colloquially, it is referred as “Chicken Skin”. Its effect can be mild to severe. It is genetic follicular condition. It is characterized by presence of rough bumps over the skin. These bumps are also called as the “meat bump”. It can occur on any part of the body including thighs, buttocks, and tops of legs, flanks. Mostly these bumps appear on outer side of upper arms and back. But they never affect skin of palms or soles of the feet. Face is also spared from its appearance.
It is a condition of natural protein in skin, Keratin. Keratosis means excess of protein, Keratin. Accumulation of this keratin makes a hard, thorny layer called pilaris. Pilaris is derived from the pilus, latin word for hair. When keratosis Pilaris occurs, you can see blocking of hair follicles by many horny plugs.
Causes of Keratosis pilaris
Keratosis pilaris has heredity as one of the major cause; it runs into families. It is generally comes with dry skin condition called, ichthyosis. Usually it starts in childhood and becomes more evident in adolescence and in adulthood, it clears up. Keratosis pilaris is neither infectious nor harmful. It is itchy and irritating. Winters tend to aggravate this condition.
Classification of Keratosis Pilaris:
There are many forms of keratosis pilaris, which are classified according to their symptoms.
1 Keratosis pilaris rubra: There are reddening and inflamed bumps on the skin
2 Keratosis Pilaris Alba: Though there is no irritation, skin is rough, dry and bumpy
3 Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii: Cheeks have red rashes
4 Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei: Face has tine scar type of depressions
5 Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans: This is a rare form of disease in which scalp and eyebrows get bald patches.
When keratosis pilaris look like goose bumps, small rough bumps appear on the skin.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris:
The formation of hard plugs on the hair follicles due to accummulation of natural protein keratin is known as hyperkeratinization. These smalll horny hard bumps keep increasing but are very rarely itchy and sore. The whole condition creates a cosmetic problem. People suffering with this condition, have these symptoms whole year but it is more pronounced in winter months. In winters, moisture level is low and air is dry. Color and texture of goose bumps become more evident. Somewtimes, hair from its follicle is not able to come out because keratinized skin covers the follicles. Hair grows inside instead of coming out.
Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris has got no cure till date but this condition can be well managed. There many effective treatment tips which can make symptoms less apperant. Many children, whom grow with this condition, get it completely cleared in adulthood. Most of the treatments work when symptoms apear and that need to be repeated everytime symptoms appear. To improve the texture of skin temporarily, suffering person can use intensive moisturizing creams, Retin-A, lac-hydrin, and medicated lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea. Lotions containing beta-hydroxy acids are also beneficial in this condition. Milk contains alpha hydroxy acid in natural form so milk baths can be used to improve the condition. Apply virgin coconut oil just after bath; it keeps the skin moist and soft.
A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to Keratosis pilaris; take vitamin A doses in prescribed amount. But taking excess of vitamin A can lead to liver damage, so have vitamin A as prescibed by the doctor.
Avoid scratching the skin and squeezing of the bumps created by keratosis pilaris as it cuases reddening and eventual bleeding of the skin. Scars often appear, if you do excessive picking. Wear loose cloth around the affected area as continous rubbing of cloth like tight jeans causes rubbing of skin and hence scratching of bumps.
There are some food alergies which aggravate the keratosis pilaris condition like gluten and dairy products commomly create allergy.
Keratosis pilaris may also improved by exposure to sunlight. But there is risk of cancer associated with sun tanning. The best preventory tip is to exfoliate to brek the thickness of skin and moisturise it.
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