Keratosis pilaris: A disease as rough as goose bumps

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Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that causes bumps, like bumps, to appear on the patient's skin. These rough spots are often found in places such as on the arms, thighs, buttocks. Usually benign and does not cause pain or itching.

1. What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, also known as keratosis pilaris, is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry patches and small nodules, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks. These rough patches of skin resemble goosebumps, so the disease is sometimes called chicken skin disease.
The nature of these rough spots is actually caused by dead skin cells blocking the hair follicles. It usually does not cause discomfort or itching to the patient. This condition is said to be aggravated during the winter months when the skin tends to be dry and can sometimes also get worse during pregnancy.
Anyone can get this rough skin condition, but it's most common in children and teenagers. Hyperkeratosis usually begins in late infancy or during adolescence. Symptoms usually clear up in the mid-20s. The disease usually has no cure, but there are ways to treat or prevent it from getting worse. Usually, keratosis pilaris disappears spontaneously by the age of 30.

2. Causes of keratosis pilaris disease

Keratosis pilaris (keratosis pilaris) is caused by the accumulation of keratin, which is a hard protein that protects the skin from harmful substances and infections. This horny substance blocks the opening of the hair follicles, causing patches of rough, rough skin on the surface.
The cause of keratin accumulation is often unknown, it may occur in association with a genetic disease or with specific skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to make keratosis pilaris worse.
The cause is not clear yet, but there are some people who are more at risk of keratosis pilaris such as:
People with dry skin Eczema Experiencing hot fever in the summer Being overweight and obese Women have a higher risk factor. The disease is common in children or adolescents. More common in white people.

3. Signs of hair follicle keratosis

Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, but is more common in young children. Signs and symptoms include:
Painless small pink, red, white or brown bumps that may be itchy. Raised bumps on the skin that look like goosebumps or goosebumps, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. In addition, they can appear anywhere on the skin surface of the body where hair follicles are located and therefore these pimples will never appear on the soles of the feet or palms. Dry and rough skin in areas with papules. This condition is worse as the seasons change, which causes low humidity and dry skin. Rough skin feels like sandpaper to the touch.

4. How to treat keratosis pilaris

There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. The disease usually goes away on its own with age. Treatments are possible to relieve symptoms of the disease and usually cure it for several months.
Some remedies that can be used to alleviate the condition include:
Moisturizing : This treatment aims to moisturize the skin to soothe dry skin, improve itching and improve skin caused by rashes horny. You can use creams to moisturize or natural oils to moisturize the skin. In addition to moisturizing: Can be used an exfoliating treatment, mask or sometimes a method such as laser treatment.

5. How to take care of keratosis skin at home

Several remedies can be tried to treat at home. While there is no cure for the condition, home remedies can help minimize swelling, itching, and irritation.
Warm bath: A short warm bath can help unclog and open the pores. However, it is necessary to limit the time of soaking in the bath, because a longer bath time can strip the body's natural oils, leading to more dry skin, which can aggravate the condition. Exfoliate: Daily exfoliation can help improve skin's appearance. Dermatologists recommend gentle exfoliation with loofah or some other natural remedy. Apply moisturizer: Lotions with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid can hydrate dry skin and stimulate cell turnover. The ingredient glycerin, found in most cosmetic stores, can also soothe swelling, while rose water can calm skin inflammation. You should apply moisturizer regularly, especially after bathing and at night before going to bed. Avoid tight clothing: Wearing clothes that are too tight can cause friction that causes skin irritation. Use a humidifier: If environmental conditions are low in humidity, a humidifier adds moisture to the air in the room, which can maintain moisture on the skin and prevent itching flare-ups. Keratosis pilaris or keratosis pilaris is usually a benign condition, but can affect the patient's aesthetics and quality of life. Therefore, when sick, patients should go to specialized medical facilities to be examined by a doctor for timely indications.
Dermatology - Vinmec International General Hospital always receives and handles all common skin problems of all ages. Currently, the hospital has a package of examination and advice on treatment of atopic dermatitis to help customers assess the general condition of the disease and advise on measures to prevent recurrence of the disease.
When registering for a package of examination and consultation for treatment of atopic dermatitis, customers will receive: Dermatology specialist examination. Perform tests such as: quantitative IgE, fresh mycobacteria, specific IgE quantification with respiratory allergens - food (Panel 1 Viet), test Rida Allergy Screen (panel 1)... All examination and treatment procedures are performed by qualified doctors, so customers can rest assured.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: https://www.healthline.com, https://www.mayoclinic.org