Keratosis Pilaris
What is this bumpy rash and can it be treated?
If you have a "bumpy" rash on your skin you may be experiencing keratosis pilaris. Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition that I see quite often. It appears as tiny pink to red, dry, rough bumps on the skin. It is sometimes described as resembling "chicken skin". It most commonly affects the arms, thighs and the cheeks of the face. It usually begins in childhood, but sometimes does not appear until the teenage years.
Keratosis pilaris often runs in families and can commonly be seen among siblings. You may be at risk of developing keratosis pilaris if you suffer from dry skin, eczema or asthma. For some people the change of weather can cause it to become worse. Usually cold, dry weather cause the skin to be more bumpy, dry or itchy.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless. It does not cause any health problems. In fact it does not even require treatment. As children and teens get older this usually goes away on its own. However, if the itch or appearance does bother you, practicing good habits for dry skin can be helpful. These include warm, not hot, showers or baths. Gentle skin cleansing products such as Dove soap or soap free cleansing products such as Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe and Eucerin. Always apply a moisturizer to the rough and bumpy skin. Moisturizers I recommend for this are Aveeno, Cetaphil, CeraVe and Eucerin. Avoid products with fragrances.
You should not pick at the skin and these bumps. The bumps are not pimples, although they sometimes look like little pimples, picking at the skin and these bumps can cause scarring and color changes to the skin.
When medications are needed, their are some options that can be prescribed. Lotions or creams that contain urea or lactic acid can be of benefit. For more stubborn cases I sometimes prescribe medications used for acne called retinoids. These medicines help with returning the skin to a more smooth feel. However, when you begin these treatment regimens you need to give this time as it will not clear up quickly. In fact, it may never clear completely. Sometimes these treatments only partially improve the skin. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but remember, that it often goes away as you get older.