Keratosis Pilaris

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Keratosis Pilaris presents with blocked pores which look much like whiteheads of acne. 


Three parts of the body are most frequently involved:

   

  1. •    Cheeks

  2. •    Outer upper arms

  3. •    Anterior thighs


However, more extensive involvement may include the back, buttocks and even abdomen.


KP is a genetic condition and one or both parents often have the same features, although often in a milder form.  KP is most noticeable in childhood and usually becomes less obvious  in adulthood.  It is uncommon in the elderly.


When keratosis pilaris occurs on the cheeks, very often the affected areas are red as well as rough. A variant on the face, called "keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei", causes a worm-eaten appearance of skin. When the outer eyebrows are affected the condition is known as "ulerythema oophryogenes".


A subtype associated with obesity is also recognised.  


Keratosis pilaris tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out.


There are numerous tiny rough spots in the affected area. Each one is a horny plug, sometimes rather red but only rarely itchy and never sore.

Keratosis pilaris is completely harmless but sometimes unsightly. It occurs as a result of excessive accumulation of skin cells in the opening of the hair follicles, forming a scaly plug.

         
Examples of Keratosis pilaris on the upper arms




Treatment


The following treatments are useful:


  1. •Moisturising cream applied twice daily; try those containing urea, lactic  or alphahydroxy acids.  Hydralac, a cream available from the Dermasure range is particularly useful.


  1. •Microdermabrasion is a highly recommended technique which can be combined with the above creams


  1. •A scrub cleanser such as Vitasure Scrub in the shower or bath about 3 times a week


  1. •Tretinoin ('Retin-A'), a prescription gel or cream. For the first few weeks of treatment, redness and peeling of the treated areas can be expected. Tretinoin is not suitable for young children and must not be used in pregnancy.


  1. •Zorac Gel (usually used in Psoriasis), has been shown to be effective in the treatment of KP.  Apply at night for 5 minutes then wash off.  Each night, increase the duration of application by 5 minutes, until the gel is left on for 1/2 hour.


Blood tests for Keratosis Pilaris


In general, no tests are required for keratosis pilaris.

However, when keratosis pilaris is associated with obesity, the following blood tests are requested:

Fasting Insulin

blood sugar

Cortisol

Thyroid function

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