Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris

overview

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris causes small bumps on the upper arms, legs, or buttocks. They usually don't hurt or itch.

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and small bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. The bumps usually don't hurt or itch.

Keratosis pilaris is often considered a variant of normal skin. It cannot be cured or prevented. But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to improve the appearance of the skin. The condition usually disappears by age 30.

Symptoms

Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age but is more common in young children. Signs and symptoms include:

• Schmerzlose winzige Beulen, typischerweise an Oberarmen, Oberschenkeln, Wangen oder Gesäß
• Trockene, raue Haut in den Bereichen mit Unebenheiten
• Verschlimmerung, wenn jahreszeitliche Veränderungen zu niedriger Luftfeuchtigkeit und trockener Haut führen
• Sandpapierartige Unebenheiten, die Gänsehaut ähneln

When to go to the doctor?

Treatment for keratosis pilaris is usually not necessary. However, if you are concerned about your or your child's skin, contact your family doctor or a skin disease specialist (dermatologist).

Causes

Keratin plugs

Keratin plugs

Keratosis pilaris develops when keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Normally, plugs form in many hair follicles, causing patches of rough, uneven skin.

Keratosis pilaris is caused by the buildup of keratin – a tough protein that protects the skin from harmful substances and infections. The keratin blocks the opening of the hair follicles and causes patches of rough, uneven skin.

It is not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris. It can occur in association with a genetic disorder or with skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to worsen keratosis pilaris.

Sources:

1. Fragen Sie MayoExpert. Keratosis pilaris. Mayo-Klinik; 2019.
2. Keratosis pilaris. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/keratosis_pilaris.html. Abgerufen am 2. Oktober 2020.
3. Keratosis pilaris. Merck Manual Professional-Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic-disorders/cornification-disorders/keratosis-pilaris. Abgerufen am 2. Oktober 2020.
4. Keratosis pilaris. Amerikanische Akademie für Dermatologie. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/az/keratosis-pilaris-overview. Abgerufen am 2. Oktober 2020.
5. Die 10 besten Tipps von Dermatologen zur Linderung trockener Haut. Amerikanische Akademie für Dermatologie. https://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/health-and-beauty/general-skin-care/dry-skin-tips. Abgerufen am 2. Oktober 2020.