Individuals
with keratosis pilaris experience outbreaks of small,
hard bumps and rough patches on their skin. These bumps are often
light-colored, but they may become red in severe cases or in response to
inflammation.
Affected
areas of skin generally appear across the face, arms, thighs, and buttocks.
This condition is common and primarily harmless, but it can be persistent and
lead to prolonged itching or redness in some cases.
Keratosis pilaris is caused by the buildup of
keratin, a protective protein found in your skin. The keratin buildup forms a
scaly blockage in the opening of your hair follicles. This blockage involves
tiny keratin plugs, which widen the pores and give skin a spotty appearance.
Once
enough of these bumps accumulate, they can create the larger trademark patches
of rough, pale, bumpy skin that are associated with keratosis pilaris. The reason why keratin forms
this buildup is currently unknown, but it seems to be correlated with the
presence of a genetic disease or with chronically dry skin.
Winter usually worsens the effects of keratosis
pilaris, but symptoms of this illness can often improve in warmer seasons
because of the higher levels of humidiy. This skin disorder appears to have
some genetic contribution, as it can be inherited from your parents.
It is also associated with other dry-skin conditions such as
eczema and ichthyosis. In some cases, keratosis pilaris may become inflamed and
lead to scarring, especially when it occurs on the face. Despite its unpleasant
appearance, keratosis pilaris is not contagious.
There are currently no known cures for keratosis
pilaris, but moisturizing lotions can often improve the look and feel of
affected skin. Your doctor can prescribe a stronger moisturizer if you find
that over-the-counter options are not working sufficiently. He or she can also
suggest other at-home remedies such as bathing in warm water, using soap with
added oils or fats, and moisturizing the air in your home with a humidifier.
If your skin does not respond well to these treatments, your
doctor may also suggest prescription creams as well. Additionally, you might
consider seeing a dermatologist for further assistance in treating your skin
disorder and relieving any discomfort.
Causes
Of Keratosis Pilaris - Gender And Keratosis Pilaris
People who are affected by keratosis pilaris experience rough, acne-like bumps
on the surface of their skin. These bumpy areas are usually white or red and
may become inflamed or irritated, which gives this condition its descriptive
label of "chicken skin."
Keratosis
pilaris affects people from all populations, regardless of age, gender, or
ethnicity: approximately one out of two people are affected at some point in
their childhood or young-adulthood by this condition. However, some studies
have noted that women are slightly more prone to developing keratosis pilaris
than men are.
Although females are affected by keratosis pilaris more frequently than males
are, researchers have not yet determined why this is the case. In both male and
female patients, however, the symptoms of keratosis pilaris are similar in
their location, extent, and severity. Most individuals with keratosis pilaris
begin to display symptoms within the first 10 years of their life; symptoms
often worsen during puberty in both males and females as well.
The rough bumpy patches that are commonly associated with keratosis pilaris are
generally located on the outer side and back of the upper arms, on the thighs,
and on the buttocks. Other affected areas can include the cheeks, and even in
rare cases the scalp and eyebrows. These symptoms are due to the buildup of
keratin, a protective skin protein that guards your skin from harmful
substances and potential infections. Because of this keratin buildup, plugs
form at the opening of hair follicles, creating patches of bumpy, scratchy
skin.
Although keratosis pilaris can be frustrating because of its unpleasant appearance
or resistance to treatment, the condition is not usually serious and often
resolves on its own. Many patients report a disappearance of their symptoms by
age 30.
If you
are suffering from keratosis pilaris, see your doctor or a dermatologist. He or
she will be able to suggest home remedies such as moisturizing regularly and
exfoliating with a gentle, soap-free cleanser. Alternatively, he or she may
also suggest prescription creams such as a topical corticosteroid or may
recommend other procedures like laser therapy to reduce the effects of
keratosis pilaris.
Causes
Of Keratosis Pilaris - Genetics And Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis pilaris is a widespread skin condition that involves raised, rough
patches along the surface of the skin. These bumpy patches are caused by the
buildup of keratin, a protective skin protein. As keratin buildup progresses,
it creates tiny plugs that block hair follicles and forms small, discolored
bumps on the skin. Although keratosis pilaris is cosmetologically displeasing,
the condition is harmless and does not usually involve medical complications.
This skin disorder seems to be inherited: that is, your parents' genetics
strongly influence your chance of exhibiting the symptoms of keratosis pilaris
at some point in your life. The majority of patients have other family members
who also are experiencing or have experienced keratosis pilaris before. If one
individual in a set of parents has keratosis pilaris, researchers estimate that
there is a one in two chance (50%) that any children they have will inherit the
condition and demonstrate symptoms during their lifetime.
This
conclusion is based on recent studies which suggest that keratosis pilaris is
inherited as an autosomal-dominant gene, which means that a single gene from
either parent can create the condition in a child. Keratosis pilaris is
commonly seen in twins, which supports the genetic association of the
condition.
Despite its genetic influences, keratosis pilaris does not affect certain
racial groups more than others. In fact, researchers maintain that the
condition "has no widely described racial predilection or
predominance," and it is "commonly noted worldwide in persons of all
races." Interestingly, studies also note that although both genders are
affected by keratosis pilaris, females are usually affected more often than
males.
Keratosis pilaris may also occur in association with certain genetic illnesses,
studies suggest. For example, chromosomal 18p deletion appears to correlate
with the presence of keratosis pilaris in some patients. Additionally,
keratosis pilaris may also be present alongside other skin conditions like
atopic dermatitis (eczema) that involve similarly dry skin.
Partially
because of its genetic influences, there is no way to fully prevent keratosis
pilaris, although the condition may improve over time if treated appropriately.
Treatment usually involves ongoing maintenance through daily moisturizing,
exfoliating, and applying glycolic or lactic acids at the recommendation of a
doctor or dermatologist.
For
more ideas on the causes of keratosis pilaris, watch this video - Keratosis Pilaris and Gluten - What
you need to know!
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