| Keratosis Pilaris (aka "chicken skin") is a condition in | | | | but is believed to be related to the overproduction of |
| which the skin takes on a sandpaper like appearance | | | | keratin (a hard protein in skin, nails, and hair). The |
| with small, acne-like bumps and rough patches | | | | bumps on the skin are the result of excess |
| appearing most commonly on the back, upper arms, | | | | accumulation of keratin at the opening of hair follicles. |
| buttocks, and thighs. While less common, bumps may | | | | This condition is believed to have a partial genetic |
| also appear on the face causing the disease to be | | | | basis as well. It is related to other conditions like |
| confused with acne. Keratosis Pilaris is a common | | | | ichtyosis vulgaris, dry skin, xerosis, eczema, asthma, |
| condition and estimates indicate that as many as | | | | allergies, and atopic dermatitis. |
| 40-50% of adults and 50-80% of adolescents | | | | Treatment |
| worldwide are impacted by this disorder with varying | | | | There is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris but various |
| severity. While anyone can get this disease, it | | | | treatment options exist. While results may be |
| appears to be more common in children and | | | | discouraging at first, persistence is the key to seeing |
| adolescents. Fortunately, KP is not a serious condition | | | | improvement. The most effective form of treatment |
| and is not contagious. Nevertheless, the skin is | | | | is intense moisturizing and lubrication of the skin. |
| unpleasant to look at and the condition is difficult to | | | | Application of creams such as Acid mantle, Vaseline, |
| treat. | | | | or Complex 15 following baths followed by re-applying |
| KP tends to be worse during the winter and periods | | | | them several times a day has been proven to be |
| of low humidity when the skin dries out. The | | | | effective. If symptoms persist, medicated creams |
| condition may appear or worsen during pregnancy or | | | | containing urea (e.g Carmol, Vanomide, and U-Kera) |
| after child birth. Medications and self care measures | | | | can be applied twice a day. In more serious cases |
| can, however, improve the appearance of the skin. | | | | where the pimples are very red, prescription |
| Additionally, studies have shown that KP usually | | | | medications including antibiotics (e.g. Erythromycin, |
| improves with age. | | | | Bactrim) and Tazorac cream can also be used. |
| The exact causes of Keratosis Pilaris are unknown | | | | |