Keratosis pilaris: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 13:09, 30 July 2010
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Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, flanks, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).[1] Less commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.[2]
Classification
Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 40% of the adult population and approximately 50%-80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than in men.[3]
There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps which can be on arms, head, legs), keratosis pilaris alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), keratosis pilaris rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks), and related disorders.
While KP resembles goose bumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small rough bumps on the skin. As a result, many people with keratosis pilaris do not know they have it, and it is often confused with acne.[4]
Symptoms and signs
Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and the goose bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.
Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle.
See also
References
- ^ Alai, Nili. "Keratosis Pilaris (KP)". MedicineNet. Retrieved 2008-10-06.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Berman, Kevin. "Keratosis pilaris". MedlinePlus. Retrieved 2008-06-19.
{{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - ^ Alai, Nili. "Keratosis Pilaris". eMedicine. Retrieved 2008-19-20.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|accessdate=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Smith, Karen (Nov. 2008). "Keratosis Pilaris, KP, Chicken Skin". Keratosis Pilaris Help. Retrieved 2008-11-10.
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External links
- The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology - Article on keratosis pilaris
- Keratosis Pilaris Community - Information and Support on Keratosis Pilaris
- Keratosis Pilaris :Help for KP - Information on keratosis pilaris
- Keratosis Pilaris Treatments - Information on keratosis pilaris