Keratosis pilaris is a very common condition in which there are numerous rough follicular spots, which may be skin coloured, red or brown. Most often they arise on the outer aspect of the upper arms. They may also occur on the thighs and cheeks, and less often on the forearms and upper back.
Keratosis pilaris is most obvious during the teenage years. It may also be present in babies and persist into adult life. However, it is uncommon in elderly people. Keratosis pilaris is particularly prevalent in those who are overweight, or have celtic backgrounds, atopic dermatitis or ichthyosis. Keratosis pilaris tends to be more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin dries out. Although unsightly at times, it is completely harmless.
Variants of keratosis pilaris include:
- Keratosis pilaris rubra: reddened lesions
- Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei: facial follicular atrophy (small scar-like depressions)
- Ulerythema ophryogenes: involvement of the outer eyebrows
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is genetic in origin but the precise cause has not yet been determined. It is thought to be a disorder of keratinisation in which the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug instead of exfoliating. This widens the pores making them appear more obvious than elsewhere. Often a curled hair can be identified under the skin.
Treatment
Course of Glycolic Acid Milk Peels. Skin needs to be prepped with the following products two weeks before the peels;
Prepares skin for cosmetic treatments, and makes the skin smooth and silky. Expert, double-action formula. Glycolic acid removes impurities, and permeates the hydroscopic film, while the enoxolone soothes the skin.
Clarena Lafyette Body Cream
Body cream designed for the care of atopic and extremely dry skin. The soothing active agent ANTILEUKINE™ 6 and G-Cell, considerably accelerate regeneration of epidermis and reduce skin itching. The cream ensures skin smoothing and increase of moisture.
Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A
Keratosis pilaris can be linked to lack of Vitamin A. Helps support skin cell renewal and promotes Skin rejuvenation.
Described as the first step in your skin supplement regime, Skin Vit A+ is a staple skincare suitable for all skin types which synergises vitamin A and vitamin D in one convenient, clever capsule.