Keratosis

Keratosis pilaris is a condition that is quite common, there is an occurrence of numerous rough follicular spots, which are usually skin coloured, red or brown.

They often occur on the outer area of the upper arms. However, they could also occur on the thighs and cheeks, and occasionally on the forearms and upper back too.

Keratosis pilaris is most common during the teen years. Sometimes may be present in babies and continue into adult life.  Keratosis pilaris is particularly noticed in people who are overweight and also in those who have Celtic backgrounds, atopic dermatitis, or ichthyosis.

The condition is usually more severe during the winter months or other times of low humidity usually when the skin dries out. It can be unsightly at times, however, it is completely harmless.

• Keratosis pilaris rubra: reddened lesions
• Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei: facial follicular atrophy (small scar-like depressions)
• Ulerythema ophryogenes: involvement of the outer eyebrows

Although the exact reason has not yet been discovered, there is the suggestion that it is genetic in origin. It is thought to be related to a disorder of keratinisation where the sticky cells that line the hair follicle form a horny plug instead of exfoliating. Due to this, there is a widening of the pores which makes them appear more apparent than everywhere else. Usually, curled hair can be identified under the skin.

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