KeratosisPilaris Treatment Made Easy

Affecting the hair follicles, keratosis pilaris is a very common condition. Usually it is referred to as 'chicken skin' and 'goose bump skin' because of the rough bumps that appear on the skin as a result of the condition.

The bumps can be noticed first on the upper arms, but they can spread to the thighs and buttocks. Actually the bumps can appear on any body part, except areas where there is no hair, such as the palms of the hands. Stageringly, an estimated 40 percent of the adult population is afflicted by the skin condition, while 50 to 80 percent of all adolescents are afflicted with it. The skin condition can vary in its intensity, ranging from slight body cover to severe body cover.

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris tends to appear when excess keratin, a natural fibrous protein in the skin found in human hair and nails, gathers around hair follicles and clogs the pores. Hyperkeratinization is the proper term used to describe this process.

Unattractive, keratosis pilaris most often appears as a group of small, hard bumps which are rarely itchy or sore. This condition stays with the patient year round, but it is during the colder, dryer seasons that the bumps become more pronounced, redder and more widespread on the body.

KeratosisPilaris: Types

There are various different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilarisrubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (asperous, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubrafaceii (red rash on the cheeks) and related disorders.

Characterized by small white papules is the common keratosis pilaris alba, which has a slight inflammatory component.

Keratosis pilarisrubra has an important inflammatory component, and thus patients present small red papules. This type is most conspicuous during the cold months.

Keratin cells are constantly being shed and replaced by new cells. When the scalp sheds keratin-laden cells, you have dandruff.

Hormonal influence may play a part in keratosis pilaris because a high prevalence and intensity of the condition is noted during adolescence and in women with hyperandrogenism. Acne can be a result in severe cases where pores are clogged. Keratinized plugs surrounding the hair follicle resemble comedones.

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Many people find keratosis pilaris lesions cosmetically unsightly and therefore seek treatment. Occasionally, the bumps may become secondarily infected because of scratchy, tight-fitting clothing or aggressive self-therapy, in which case treatment of the infection is needed. Significant inflammation may be treated with topical steroid creams. Treatment for papules which are not inflamed has proven difficult as they are resistant to most types of therapy.

KeratosisPilaris: Alternative Treatments

Treatment alternatives for keratosis pilaris concentrate on softening the dermis to reduce blocked pores. Complying with daily habits that will not worsen the papules and avoiding chemically based creams is a major part of alternative treatments for keratosis pilaris. Applying a mild cleansing scrub to the affected area is a typical step in the treatment process. The pores need to be cleaned and coerced into opening up.

Avoiding over drying of the skin is very important during treatment, and therefore short showers, healthy skin cream and a humidifier are wise components of any keratosis pilaris treatment plan. Visit this site to find out more about KeratosisPilarisTreatment. You can go to This article to read about KeratosisPilaris Treatment Cream