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keratosis pilaris
Etiology:
- may occur in association with:
a) ichthyosis vulgaris
b) atopic dermatitis
c) asthma
d) allergies
Epidemiology: common
Pathology: benign disorder
Clinical manifestations:
1) keratotic follicular papules with surrounding erythema
- described as small pimple bumps [3] (image)
2) distribution:
a) extensor surfaces of arms & thighs
b) buttocks
c) back is affected less frequently
3) texture is similar to sandpaper
4) generally first develops during puberty
a) symptoms may persist for years
b) generally resolves by age 30
5) disorder is of cosmetic concern, otherwise asymptomatic
- pruritus or pain is rare
6) flares may occur in dry air, especially in winter
- these outbreaks may be associated with pruritus
7) flares may occur in pregnancy & after childbirth
Differential diagnosis:
1) acne vulgaris
2) insect bites
3) atopic dermatitis
4) folliculitis
5) papular urticaria
6) keratosis follicularis (Darier's disease)
7) Kyrle's disease
8) miliaria
9) pityriasis rubra pilaris
10) lichen spinulosis
Management:
1) no specific treatment
2) topical agents that may improve appearance include
a) emolients
b) lactic acid
c) tretinoin
d) alpha hydroxy acids
e) urea cream
f) salicylic acid
g) topical steroids
Related
ichthyosis vulgaris (ichthyosis simplex)
General
keratosis
Database Correlations
OMIM 604093
References
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 14th ed.
Fauci et al (eds), McGraw-Hill Inc. NY, 1998, pg 296
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999
- Barbieri J
Keratosis Pilaris Explained: Treating Small Pimple Bumps on the Arms
VuMedi. January 18, 2024
https://www.vumedi.com/video/keratosis-pilaris-explained-treating-small-pimple-bumps-on-the-arms
- Cortland Forum, March 2006
http://www.cortlandforum.com