Keratosis Pilaris - An Inherited Condition
Keratosis pilaris is a genetic condition of the skin in which the hair follicles become plugged with hair and devitalized cells from the outermost layer of skin. This happens as the skin tries to regenerate itself. Normally, devitalized skin cells would shed off quickly, but when this genetic ailment is present, they get ’stuck’ within follicles. Hair follicles get irritated and inflamed generating papules; small rough pink bumps on the surface of the skin. They are numerous in the affected area and each one is a horny plug, sometimes rather red but only rarely itchy and never sore.
The phenomenon whereby the external skin scales are ’sticky’ and do not shed easily is known as aberrant keratinization or hyperkeratinization. This is what causes the millions of very small bumps that look like goose bumps on your skin.
Sometimes, the hyperkeratotic accumulation captures the hair within the follicle. The captured hair gets bunched up and may lead to a red irritated bump that can fill with pus. These pus filled red bumps are often confused with bacterial folliculitis or with acne.
The papules of keratosis pilaris are commonly observed on the upper arms and thighs but can also show on the face, back, and buttocks. Each rough bump is a conical (spiny) plug resembling a goose bump.
When keratosis pilaris appears on the cheeks, the affected area is not only red but it also feels rough. The classic ‘reddish’ aspect of this kind of facial Keratosis Pilaris is called, by its clinical name, KP Rubra Faceii. Another variant on the face is called keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei; it causes a worm-eaten like atrophy of the dermis. When the eyebrows are affected, the ailment is known as ulerythema ophryogenes.
Keratosis Pilaris is estimated to affect nearly half of the world’s population. The genetic pattern of the condition is dominant. This means that only one copy of the Keratosis Pilaris gene is required to affect a person. The actual implications of this are that if one parent has keratosis pilaris, the chance of the couple’s child suffering keratosis pilaris is over 50%. If both parents have the condition, the odds are even higher.
Keratosis Pilaris and Allegies that affect our Skin
People with a history of skin allergies are most prone to this condition. The papules tend to occur in association with allergic dermatitis and several types of dry skin disorders. Skin affected by allergies is more susceptible during winter which means that you need to take extra care during the cold months of the year. The best keratosis pilaris remedy can be achieved by using a cream that includes Helix Aspersa Muller; a beneficial biological component that won’t irritate your skin.
Keratosis pilaris affects a vast portion of the population and this skin ailment is characterized by very small and hard bumps on your complexion. This ailment is not dangerous, but it can have an impact on your visual aspect and self esteem. People with dermal allergies are more prone to this ailment and it is therefore crucial to treat your dermal allergy with a biological skin care solution to inhibit the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris.
You can now heal keratosis pilaris and other dry skin conditions by applying BIOSKINCARE; a biological skin treatment cream that will make your skin soft, smooth and rejuvenated!
- Catalina Igor