Minor bumps (similar to acne) on the skin. Are these the main signs of keratosis pilaris or follicular keratosis? It is a benign condition, but it can certainly cause some discomfort from the aesthetic point of view and therefore require appropriate treatment. It is still a chronic problem, meaning it can last for years or a lifetime.
Cíntia Guedes Mendonça, specialist in dermatology from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD), postgraduate in dermatology from the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Minas Gerais, explains that keratosis pilaris is a genetic disease related to the production of keratin in the hair follicles. "It is not a serious condition, having only aesthetic implications", highlights.
Daniela Gueriot, dermatologist at All Clinik (RJ), points out that keratosis pilaris is a common skin manifestation that occurs due to a change in keratinization. "There is an overproduction of keratin in the skin that obstructs the opening of the hair follicles," he says.
Below you better understand the symptoms of keratosis pilaris, its causes and risk factors, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of this condition.
Causes and risk factors
Cíntia explains that keratosis pilaris is caused by a genetic change in keratin production in the hair follicles. "It can appear on any type of skin, but is more common in people who have atopic dermatitis," he says.
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Daniela reinforces that there is a genetic predisposition to keratosis pilaris and that the condition is more common in people under 30 years. • It tends to appear more in winter as the skin becomes more dry. Other predisposing factors are atopic dermatitis, more dry skin, rhinitis, asthma and bronchitis ?, explains.
Keratosis pilaris symptoms
Daniela highlights as the main symptoms:
- Papules (a type of skin lesion / red marrow), especially on the outside of the arms and thighs;
- Roughness;
- Skin dryness.
They are small red balls on the arms, thighs, buttocks and face that do not itch. They usually appear in childhood and persist into puberty and adulthood. Does the skin look rough and dry ?, says Cintia.
Besides not scratching, these small lumps (or small balls) do not cause any kind of pain, thus being symptoms only of aesthetic character.
How is the diagnosis made?
When noticing signs, which are easily identifiable, one should look for a dermatologist or general practitioner. "The diagnosis is clinical, made through the dermatological examination in the office," explains Cíntia.
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In some cases, keratosis pilaris does not even require medical treatment because it is not a serious condition and can "disappear on its own". However, it is advisable to seek medical advice to evaluate treatment possibilities, especially for people concerned with the appearance of the skin.
At the doctor's appointment, to make the diagnosis easier, you may already arrive with some important information in mind or noted, such as: description of all symptoms and how long ago they appeared; as well as medical history, including medications taken regularly.
Keratosis pilaris Treatments
Cíntia explains that the treatment is made with keratolytic agents such as salicylic acid, retinoids, moisturizers and even laser. "But it has limited results because it is a genetic condition," he says.
That is, treatment options focus on reducing skin keratin deposits, but none of them can promise to definitely end the problem.
It is worth stressing that keratosis pilaris is not a serious condition and can often? Disappear on its own? around 30 years old. However, medical follow-up allows symptom control.
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What Are These Bumps On My Skin? | Keratosis Pilaris | with Dr. Sandra Lee (April 2024)
- Prevention and Treatment
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