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In epithet, keratosis pilaris sounds pretty serious, so if your doctor tells you that you might have it, at first, it can be a little scary.
The good news is that keratosis pilaris, or KP is scary in name only.
Keratosis pilaris is a common, but harmless, skin condition that is often misdiagnosed as acne or other skin issues. When we say common, we are actually signify common.
According to some appraisals, some 40 -5 0% of the adult population might have KP, and that is even higher in teens at around 50 -8 0 %. Most people have such mild cases they don’t placard it, while others are plagued by the condition.
Make of Keratosis Pilaris
As far as what causes keratosis pilaris, doctors know what is behind the condition, but not what is behind who gets it. Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin in the scalp. Keratin is a protein that protects the scalp from infections and other things that might cause it harm. The buildup of the keratin, with an individual who has keratosis pilaris, makes a plug that blocks the commencement of the a fuzz follicle.
We do know that people with dry scalp are more likely to have keratosis pilaris, and as a result, the condition is usually experienced by more people in the winter months, when there isn’t as much moisture in the air. Keratosis pilaris also often affects people who also have other skin conditions, such as eczema.
Identifying Keratosis Pilaris
There is no test for keratosis pilaris. Your doctor will be able to tell that you have it merely by looking at your skin. If you’re wondering whether you should go to the doctor to be diagnosed with keratosis pilaris, we think it’s ever a good idea. At the end of the working day, you aren’t a health professional and it might very well be something you aren’t familiar with.
Now, if you’re looking to self-diagnose before going to the doctor, you should know that there are two primary kinds of keratosis pilaris. While there are other varieties of the condition, these two are the most common.
1. Keratosis Pilaris Rubra
This kind of keratosis pilaris presents as red, aggravated bumps that often look like acne pustules. This can lead to issues with misdiagnosis, but you’ll be happy to know that this variant is not the most common.
2. Keratosis Pilaris Alba
The most common kind of keratosis pilaris is keratosis pilaris alba. It is from this variant that KP gets its nickname: chicken skin. In the case of keratosis pilaris alba, the scalp seems rough, dry and bumpy, but without irritation. It might seem almost like goosebumps.
With both keratosis pilaris rubra and keratosis pilaris alba, the lumps show most often on the upper arms, legs and buttocks. In some examples, they can occur on the face and look like acne, except that they will be dry and bumpy, and sometimes itchy.
Treating Keratosis Pilaris
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for keratosis pilaris , nor is there any way to prevent the condition. However, there are things you can do for your scalp if you have keratosis pilaris to keep yourself comfy and free from the itching associated with the condition.
For one, you should keep your skin moist. Dry skin attains keratosis pilaris much worse, so remember to moisturise regularly when your scalp is still damp from bathing. This ensures the moisture is sealed in, which can prevent keratin from building up.
via homecrux.com
Other cares you can do at home include having a portable humidifier in the places where you spend a lot of time, such as in your dwelling, to add moisture to the air and stop the skin from drying out. When you’re treating your skin, remember not to scrub the keratin plugs as this will simply worsen them. Instead, gently cleanse them using a mild wash, and scaped spending too long in the hot shower, which can strip oils from the skin.
If the condition is quite bad, you might want to go and understand a dermatologist. There are other treatment options available( again these are therapies not cures ), including 😛 TAGEND 1. Ammonium lactate
Available as a prescription cream or lotion that softens the scalp and reduces keratin build up.
2. Urea
A good moisturiser for dry, bumpy skin, this can help loosen dead skin cells that contribute to the plugs. There are some side effects you should talk with your doctor about.
3. Topical corticosteroids
A kind of anti-inflammatory drug that helps lower the cell turnover by suppressing the immune system, thus preventing a keratin buildup. These are short-term simply, and usually prescribed for temporary succour of severe keratosis pilaris.
4. Toptical retinoids
These come from vitamin A and study by encouraging cell turnover, which stops the follicles from being plugged. They don’t work for everyone, and some patients find them too harsh and dehydrating, or find that they cause irritation, redness and peeling.
photo via: Skin3 60 Clinic.com
Do you have keratosis pilaris? 
How do you deal with it?
If you become concerned about any symptoms, please try immediate medical attention. We have some hotlines and proposed websites for further information and advice.
SAHM takes no responsibility for any illness, injury or death caused by misuse of this information. All information provided is correct at occasion of publication.
Read more: stayathomemum.com.au
