Keratosis pilaris - Medtick

Keratosis pilaris

What is it?

A common small spotty condition where one has many tiny spots.

  • It is when an hair follicle gets blocked from keratin (keratin is a protein that helps to protect the skin).
  • It can be worst during cold  and/or dry climates than warm and/or humid climates.

Common areas include:

  • Cheeks
  • Chest
  • Backs of the upper arms
  • Fronts and sides of the thighs
  • Buttocks

Cause

  • Unknown

Symptoms

  • Tiny (1–2 mm) white to grey bumps centred in the hair follicle?
  • Thin, red ring may surround the white bump?
  • Bumps all look very similar to one another, and they are evenly spaced on the skin surface?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition has been associated with:


General tips

  • Keep the skin moist (hydrated), moisturising creams and ointments are better moisturisers than lotions, and they work best when applied just after bathing.
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers, with daily applications of moisturizer.
  • Do not try to scrub the bumps away with a pumice stone or similar harsh material; these approaches may irritate the skin and worsen the condition.
  • Try not to scratch or picking at the bumps, as these actions can lead to bacterial infections or scarring.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Keratosis pilaris in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).