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If you’ve noticed that you have red, raised bumps on dry patches of skin, you may be concerned with the possible cause. There are many different skin conditions out there, most of which are chronic and can be painful or itchy. But you don’t need to be frightened by keratosis pilaris, a relatively common and harmless chronic condition.
Just because keratosis pilaris isn’t harmful, doesn’t mean it can’t be annoying or cause you to be self-conscious of the dry patches. The good news is that there are plenty of treatment options that can be used at home or prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist.
If you’re looking for a way to remove redness, bumps, and dry patches caused by keratosis then we have information that can help. Let’s take a look at what this skin condition is and how you can get help!
What is keratosis pilaris?
When the skin produces too much keratin, a protein normally found in the hair or skin, hair follicles can become blocked. Similar to psoriasis, this overproduction can cause clogs in the hair follicle that lead to redness or raised bumps where the blockage occurs. But keratosis is different from other conditions like psoriasis, as it does not cause pain, itching, or skin plaque growth. It generally first appears during childhood and is likely caused by certain genes which are commonly found in patients with keratosis.
Keratosis is also referred to as chicken skin due to the bumps found on the upper arm, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks, which may be the first and only symptom you experience. These bumps can resemble whiteheads or acne, with a white or red appearance to the bump itself. Dry skin around this area is also a common symptom, but darkening of the skin can occur as well.
Treating keratosis is mainly done for cosmetic purposes as the skin does not tend to be itchy or painful. Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe a steroid cream after a diagnosis, or you can attempt to self-treat with topical retinoids or sprays and body lotions with retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin A and other solutions.
How is keratosis pilaris diagnosed?
There are not any diagnostic tests needed for determining whether or not you have keratosis. If you wish to get an official diagnosis you’ll need to visit your primary care provider or dermatologist so that they can take a look at the affected area. Typically, patients will seek a diagnosis to rule out other skin diseases or obtain a prescription treatment, after trying out home remedies.
Keratosis pilaris treatment options
A majority of the treatments for keratosis are performed at home, although some prescription treatments do exist. Moisturizers, humidifiers, and over-the-counter creams are all popular choices for treating keratosis pilaris. Medicated topical creams to remove dry skin or prevent clogged follicles may also be used. Another way of treating this condition can include lifestyle changes to prevent the keratosis from occurring.
There is not a cure for keratosis pilaris and it is a chronic condition. However, using treatments that can prevent blocked follicles or quickly treat the area will greatly reduce the time the condition is present.
Keratosis pilaris medications
Nearly every medication for keratosis will be applied topically to the affected area. There typically are not any underlying causes for this skin condition which is why oral medications or injections are not necessary for medicating. Over-the-counter (OTC) ointments and at-home treatments are one of the most popular ways to treat keratosis pilaris.
Corticosteroid (topical steroids)
If you receive a prescription for treating keratosis then it may be a corticosteroid ointment, if a significant amount of swelling or redness is present. There are a few different types of these medications including fluocinolone acetonide, desonide, and betamethasone. Brand names for common corticosteroids are Diprolene, Synalar, and Desonate. These medicated ointments work by reducing redness and swelling, which are two of the keratosis symptoms. Side effects of corticosteroids include stinging, burning, and itching of the area it was applied to.
Topical emollients and keratolytics (alpha-hydroxy acids)
Topical emollients combined with keratolytics are the most common first treatment option for keratosis pilaris. There are many over-the-counter emollients used for treating keratosis. Typically, these will be topical treatments containing urea. The keratin is softened by using topical urea which reduces or possibly eliminates the keratosis. A few of the more common brands for topical urea treatments include Ureacin-10, Utopic, and Keralac. Side effects of these medicated ointments include burning and stinging, however, there are typically no side effects of this medication.
Using an alpha-hydroxy acid with an emollient is the recommended way to treat keratosis. The most commonly used product in this category is ammonium lactate which is a lactic acid added to moisturizing lotions. Amlactin is the most popular name brand of ammonium lactate at this time. Side effects for this topical treatment aren’t common unless you have an allergy to the product.
What is the best medication for keratosis pilaris?
| Best medications for keratosis pilaris | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drug Name | Drug Class | OTC/Rx | Administration Route | Standard Dosage | How It Works | Most Common Side Effects |
| Diprolene (betamethasone valerate) | Corticosteroid | Rx | Topical | 50 gm of 0.12% - Apply a thin layer 1-3 times daily | Reduces swelling and redness | Skin irritation, burning, dryness, itching, stinging |
| Synalar (fluocinolone acetonide) | Corticosteroid | Rx | Topical | 120 gm of 0.025% - Apply a thin layer 3-4 times daily | Reduces swelling and redness | Skin irritation, burning, dryness, itching, |
| Desonate (desonide) | Corticosteroid | Rx | Topical | 60 gm of 0.05% - Apply a thin layer 2-3 times daily | Reduces swelling and redness | Site irritation, burning, dryness, and signs of the common cold |
| Ureacin-10 (urea) | Topical Emollients | OTC | Topical | 236.56 ml of 10% - Apply as directed | Softens keratin | Burning, stinging, redness |
| Keralac (urea) | Topical Emollients | OTC | Topical | 142 gm of 47% - Apply as directed | Softens keratin | Burning, stinging, redness |
| Amlactin (ammonium lactate) | Alpha-hydroxy acids | OTC | Topical | 225 gm of 12% - Apply as directed | Increases moisture of the skin | Not typically present without allergy |
| Atralin (tretinoin) | Topical Retinoid | Rx | Topical | 45 gm of 0.05% - Apply once daily | Reduces itching, roughness, and redness | Site irritation; stinging, dryness, itching, burning, and hypopigmentation |
| Differin (adapalene) | Topical Retinoid | OTC (higher strength as Rx) | Topical | 15 gm of 0.1% - Apply once daily | Reduces itching, roughness, and redness | Site irritation; dryness, itching, burning |
Dosage is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition, response to treatment, age, and weight. Other possible side effects exist. This is not a complete list.
What are common side effects of keratosis pilaris medication?
Most over-the-counter and prescription medications for keratosis do not have side effects. However, there is the possibility of side effects with any medication. This is not a full list and you should discuss any possible side effects with your doctor or pharmacist.
Some of the most common side effects of keratosis pilaris medication include:
- Application site redness
- Application site dryness
- Stinging
- Burning
- Itching
What are the best natural remedies for keratosis pilaris?
Many sufferers of keratosis choose to completely treat the skin condition at home. There are a variety of ways to treat and prevent keratosis using self-care. Most of these treatments are pretty simple to use and supplies can be found in most general stores.
- Having a humidifier in the room will keep your skin moist and can even prevent keratosis from flaring up. This will keep your skin hydrated and help reduce the occurrence of dry skin.
- Warm baths Unclogging the hair follicles can be done using short, warm baths. Make sure not to make the water too hot or you may cause more irritation than intended. These baths can be harmful if done too often as they will reduce your body’s natural ability to create oils.
- Avoiding tight clothes Friction on the skin can cause irritation and worsen keratosis. If you avoid wearing clothes that are too tight on the areas where you get keratosis, you may be able to prevent it entirely.
- Coconut oil Using coconut oil for inflammation has become quite popular. It can be used to help soothe the dry, red skin. Creating an exfoliating sugar scrub with the oil can make it even more effective for treating keratosis.
- There are many different OTC moisturizing lotions online and in stores that you can use for treating keratosis. Products with salicylic acid have also been said to be great for treatment. You might even be able to find moisturizers specifically made for keratosis.
- Daily exfoliating can remove dead skin cells and help unclog pores. You can use your hands or gentle exfoliators such as a pumice stone or loofah.
Frequently asked questions about keratosis pilaris
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
With many skin conditions, including keratosis pilaris, there typically is not a quick way to get rid of a flare-up. For most, preventing the flare-up from happening is an easier solution. Your best bet is to visit a dermatologist for a prescription-strength solution to combat the keratosis when it happens.
Does keratosis pilaris go away?
While there is not a cure for keratosis pilaris, it does typically come and go. However, if left untreated, keratosis will likely stick around for some time. It is best to treat these flare-ups when they occur.
What triggers keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis is caused by hair follicles that have been blocked with keratin. While the cause of keratosis itself is well-known, the trigger for this build-up is not. Research is still needed to understand the triggers itself, but prevention can typically be done using skin exfoliations, moisturizers, and general skincare.
Does laser hair removal help keratosis pilaris?
There are no studies showing that laser hair removal can prevent or treat keratosis pilaris. However, some have reported that they noticed a reduction in keratosis occurring in areas where they’ve had laser hair removal. In theory, it does make sense for laser hair removal to work as a treatment because of the removal of hair from the follicle.
Can you pop keratosis pilaris?
You should not pop your keratosis pilaris as it can cause more harm than good. You might think that it would relieve the pore of the build-up, but it can actually cause more irritation. Squeezing or popping your keratosis can also cause scarring in the area or even skin infections.