Warning Signs Of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a relatively harmless skin condition. It leads to rough patches of dry skin, along with small bumps. Typically, it is the result of a buildup of keratin. Keratin, a protein that protects the skin, will plug the hair follicles. It is not clear why keratin will sometimes build up, though it may be connected to other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, or genetic diseases.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris, though patients can employ several keratosis pilaris treatments. Typically, this means using the best skincare for keratosis pilaris, including medicated creams. Topical exfoliants are available over-the-counter and with a prescription. Patients may also want to try retinol cream for keratosis pilaris. KP laser treatment is also an option. Natural remedies for keratosis pilaris are out there for those who want them.
Bumps On The Skin
The bumps on the skin are among the most characteristic symptoms of keratosis pilaris. It is very rare for keratosis pilaris to present with dry skin but no bumps. The most common age group for the bumps to appear is young children, although the condition can continue into adulthood. It is rare for the bumps and dry patches to persist after individuals pass thirty years old. The bumps tend to be tiny, painless, and may appear in clusters or spread out across the skin. The buttocks, cheeks, thighs, and upper arms are the most common places for them to occur.
Keratosis pilaris patients may also develop other bumps that have the texture of sandpaper. These tend to occur in the patches of dry skin. They may be clustered so tightly that they look like goosebumps, which occur when an individual is cold. If the bumps are painful, they might be a rash caused by something else, rather than an indicator of keratosis pilaris. Bumps that are not causing symptoms or colored strangely do not generally need medical treatment. However, individuals can see a dermatologist if they are distressed about their appearance.
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Rough And Dry Skin
Rough and dry skin typically appears in conjunction with the bumps. The bumps may appear on patches of dry skin, or the body may be surrounded by a combination of dry skin patches and bumps. Bumps that occur on dry patches tend to feel quite similar to sandpaper. Moisturizer can be used to help with the appearance and feeling of dry skin. Normal skin feels fairly moist to the touch, but dry skin may feel abrasive and somewhat scaly. By moisturizing, individuals restore some of the moisture to the skin so that it is not as dry.
The patches of dryness occur because of the way that keratin builds on the skin. Doctors have not yet discovered why keratin builds up like this in some individuals, though they have determined that it is harmless. The best moisturizers for dry skin are ones that include petroleum jelly, glycerin, or lanolin. These particular ingredients help trap moisture in the skin so that it does not evaporate into the air. Most dermatologists recommend moisturizing several times a day for dry skin caused by keratosis pilaris.
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