In case you battle with tough “hen pores and skin” in your arms or thighs, or anyplace else in your physique, you’re not alone. Characterised by small pink or white bumps that seem in patches, keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very benign, however in the end unpleasant continual pores and skin situation. It’s additionally extraordinarily widespread, with almost 40% of adults experiencing KP in some unspecified time in the future.
In response to New York dermatologist, Michelle Henry, MD, keratosis pilaris is attributable to a build-up of a protein known as keratin. “keratosis pilaris (KP) is a pores and skin situation that results in the event of tough, small bumps on the pores and skin,” Dr. Henry explains. “It’s attributable to an accumulation of keratin round hair follicles, a protein that safeguards the pores and skin towards infections and different dangerous components.”
Often, KP reveals up as a tough patch of bumps on the again of the arms.
“KP typically seems on the again of the arms, however it could possibly additionally manifest in different physique elements, together with, hardly ever, beneath the breast,” Dr. Henry notes. “The precise reason for KP stays unknown, however people with dry pores and skin or eczema are extra inclined to it.”
The place Does KP Comes From?
Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD explains that keratosis pilaris tends to run within the household, and will get worse when our our bodies are experiencing a whole lot of adjustments. “It’s attributable to ineffective removing of lifeless pores and skin and cells round hair follicles, however does have a genetic relationship and runs pretty robust in households,” Dr. Schlessinger says. “Moreover, it tends to be worse after being pregnant and through progress spurts.”
Davie, FL dermatologist Marianna Blyumin-Karasik, MD provides that KP does are inclined to flare when the pores and skin barrier is just not totally protected, which is why it could possibly simply seem in these with eczema and different continual pores and skin situations. “When the pores and skin barrier is extra weak and dry, the pores and skin pores within the space usually tend to clog up with pores and skin flakes and create plugs and irritations,” Dr. Blyumin-Karasik explains. “For some people, it could possibly progress to fluctuating breakouts, blemishes and eczema.”
It’s essential to know that you probably have KP, you’re not doing something incorrect.
Charlotte, NC dermatologist Gilly Munavalli, MD, explains that whereas the precise reason for KP isn’t recognized, we do know that it isn’t a hygiene concern. “Keratosis pilaris is normally hereditary in etiology and never associated to any points with hygiene or general pores and skin,” Dr. Munavalli explains. “The opening or ostia of the hair follicle has an irregular piling of pores and skin cells, what dermatologists name hyperkeratotic.”
Simply because it’s benign and never a fault of hygiene, doesn’t imply it’s totally with out irritation, although.
“This ends in seen bumps on the pores and skin floor, together with areas just like the again of the arms and shoulders as properly a variation showing on the cheeks,” says Dr. Munavalli. “These bumps will be felt and seen. In some circumstances, they will even be infected, itchy, or very pink.”
Therapy Choices
“Whereas keratosis pilaris, or KP, poses no actual well being threat, it may be troublesome and worsening to my sufferers and plenty of need to do away with these bumps that sometimes present up on the cheeks, higher arms or thighs,” Dr. Schlessinger says.
The excellent news is that there are a whole lot of choices to deal with KP, and a few of them are even in-office.
“In case you’re trying to cut back the looks of KP, there are numerous therapies accessible at a dermatologist’s workplace,” Dr. Henry explains. “These therapies embrace chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser remedy. Chemical peels use an answer to exfoliate the pores and skin, whereas microdermabrasion removes the outer layer of lifeless pores and skin cells utilizing a tool. Laser remedy, however, might cut back among the related redness.”
Plus, a dermatologist can assess your pores and skin and provide you with their individualized suggestions. “It’s essential to hunt the recommendation of a dermatologist to pick out probably the most acceptable remedy that fits your particular person wants,” Dr. Henry says.
If you will deal with KP by yourself, it’s essential to prioritize gentleness, explains New York dermatologist Elaine Kung, MD. “I’m not a proponent of bodily exfoliation for keratosis pilaris,” Dr. Kung says. “Bodily exfoliation might end in a pores and skin situation known as lichen amyloidosis, which is a hardening and discoloration of the perifollicular space.”
If you’re on the lookout for a mild exfoliator, you’ll need to search for merchandise that include salicylic acid or APAs.
“It’s also possible to deal with KP successfully at house utilizing varied strategies,” Dr. Henry explains. “Light exfoliation might help to take away lifeless pores and skin cells and reduce the looks of bumps. You should utilize merchandise containing salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids, which may soften and easy the pores and skin.”
You’ll want to recollect to prioritize hydration and moisture, although.
“Moisturizing can also be important since dry pores and skin can worsen the looks of KP,” says Dr. Henry. “Select merchandise with moisturizing elements like urea, lactic acid, or others, and keep away from harsh soaps and sizzling water that may dry out the pores and skin additional.”
Dermatologist-Advisable KP Merchandise
