The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is not known, but heredity often plays a role. Also, people with atopic dermatitis Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Atopic dermatitis (commonly referred to as eczema) is chronic, itchy inflammation of the upper layers of the skin that often develops in people who have hay fever or asthma and in people who... read more 
and seasonal allergies Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies result from exposure to airborne substances (such as pollens) that appear only during certain times of the year. Seasonal allergies cause itchy skin, a runny nose, sneezing... read more 
are more likely to have keratosis pilaris. However, keratosis pilaris does not seem to be a hypersensitivity or immune system disorder.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
The bumps that occur in keratosis pilaris are small, skin-colored, or red and dry. They appear at hair follicles and make the skin feel rough. Sometimes they have plugs in the center that resemble small pimples. Typically, these bumps do not itch or hurt and cause only cosmetic problems, but sometimes they do cause itching.
The upper arms, thighs, and buttocks are most commonly affected. The face may break out as well, particularly in children.
The bumps are more likely to develop in cold weather and to clear up in the summer.
The skin may appear red.
Diagnosis of Keratosis Pilaris
A doctor's examination of the skin
Usually, the doctor makes the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris based on the appearance and feel of the skin in typically affected areas.
Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
Specialized skin moisturizers or other creams, gels, and lotions
Sometimes laser treatments
Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not needed unless the person is bothered by the appearance of the bumps.
Moisturizers that contain petrolatum and salicylic acid or petrolatum and water may help flatten the bumps. Other helpful treatments are lactic acid lotions or creams, urea creams, salicylic acid gel, or prescription exfoliating treatments that are applied to the skin as creams or gels and contain retinoids, which are substances derived from vitamin A. These exfoliating treatments include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene. Tacrolimus and azelaic acid, applied to the skin, can also be effective. Acid creams should be avoided in young children because they cause burning and stinging.
Doctors may use a laser (see sidebar Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems 
) to treat facial redness if it is present and troublesome to the person.
Keratosis pilaris is likely to come back when treatment is stopped.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Generic Name | Select Brand Names |
|---|---|
salicylic acid |
Akurza , Aliclen, Bensal HP, Clear Away, Clear Away Liquid, Clear Away One Step, Clear Away Plantar, Clearasil Rapid Rescue Deep Treatment, Compound W, Compound W Total Care Wart & Skin, Corn/Callus Remover, Curad Mediplast, DermacinRx Atrix, DermacinRx Salicate, Dermarest Psoriasis Moisturizer, Dermarest Psoriasis Overnight Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Scalp Treatment, Dermarest Psoriasis Shampoo plus Conditioner, Dermarest Psoriasis Skin Treatment, Dr. Scholl's Callus Removers, Dr. Scholl's Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Extra Thick Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Callus Remover, Dr. Scholl's One Step Corn Removers, Dr. Scholl's Ultra, Dr.Scholl's Dual Action FREEZE AWAY, Dr.Scholl's Duragel, DuoFilm Wart Remover, Freezone, Gold Bond Psoriasis Relief, Gordofilm , Hydrisalic, Ionil, Ionil Plus, Keralyt, Keralyt 5, Keralyt Scalp Complete, MOSCO Callus & Corn Remover, MOSCO One Step Corn Remover, Neutrogena Acne Wash, Neutrogena T/Sal Scalp, Occlusal-HP, P&S, RE SA , SalAC, Salactic Film , Salacyn, Salex, Salimez, Salimez Forte, Salisol , Salisol Forte , Salitech, Salitech Forte, Salitop , Salkera, Salvax, Scalpicin 2 in 1 Anti-Dandruff, Selsun Blue, Thera-Sal , Trans-Ver-Sal, UltraSal-ER, VIRASAL, Wart-Off, XALIX |
urea |
Aluvea , BP-50% Urea , BP-K50, Carmol, CEM-Urea, Cerovel, DermacinRx Urea, Epimide-50, Gord Urea, Gordons Urea, Hydro 35 , Hydro 40, Kerafoam, Kerafoam 42, Keralac, Keralac Nailstik, Keratol, Keratol Plus, Kerol, Kerol AD, Kerol ZX, Latrix, Mectalyte, Nutraplus, RE Urea 40, RE Urea 50 , Rea Lo, Remeven, RE-U40, RYNODERM , U40, U-Kera, Ultra Mide 25, Ultralytic-2, Umecta, Umecta Nail Film, URALISS, Uramaxin , Uramaxin GT, Urea, Ureacin-10, Ureacin-20, Urealac , Ureaphil, Uredeb, URE-K , Uremez-40, Ure-Na, Uresol, Utopic, Vanamide, Xurea, X-VIATE |
vitamin a |
A Mulsin, Aquasol A, Dofsol-A |
tretinoin |
Altinac, Altreno, Atralin, AVITA, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Tretin-X, Vesanoid |
adapalene |
Differin, Differin Pump, Plixda |
tazarotene |
ARAZLO, Avage, Fabior, TAZORAC |
tacrolimus |
ASTAGRAF XL, ENVARSUS, HECORIA, Prograf, Protopic |
azelaic acid |
Azelex, Finacea, Finacea Plus, Finevin |
