Keratosis Pilaris

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Patient Education Center.

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin disorder which may affect the sides of the upper arms, the anterior thighs, and the cheeks on the face. This condition usually appears between the ages of 2 and 3, but may only become noticeable later. Most people with keratoses pilaris experience improvement in the summer and worsening in the winter (although activities like swimming may dry the skin out and prevent summertime improvement).

Generally, the typical changes of keratosis pilaris are rough-surfaced, sometimes red bumps each of which is at the opening of a hair follicle. This is probably an inherited trait just as some people inherit curly hair or blue eyes. Keratosis pilaris is a harmless condition, but it may be somewhat unsightly and may occasionally itch slightly.

Fortunately, keratosis pilaris which occurs on the face usually disappears after the onset of puberty. Other affected areas may remain a problem for many years. Treatment is never rapidly effective but, with patience and persistent use, improvement occurs. Sometimes more than one medication may need to be tried before the one that works best for you is found. Also, it is recommended that you avoid frequent bathing (no more than once per day) and long, hot showers. Besides prescription medicines, you should regularly apply a good moisturizing cream or lotion after bathing. Moisturizing the affected areas at least twice a day is best.

Since keratosis pilaris is a natural trait for most people who have it, it is important to understand that no medicine or treatment will produce a permanent cure. While keratosis pilaris may disappear on some body sites, other locations are likely to need long-term care to keep the condition under control.