Keratosis pilaris is an inherited condition of the skin in which the hair follicles become plugged with hair and devitalized cells from the outermost layer of skin. This occurs as the skin tries to renew itself. Normally, dead skin cells would shed off quickly, but when this genetic ailment is present, they get trapped within follicles. The follicles get irritated and inflamed creating papules; small rough pink bumps on the surface of the skin. They are numerous in the afflicted area and each one is a horny plug, sometimes rather red but only scarcely itchy and never sore.

The phenomenon whereby the external skin scales are ’sticky’ and do not shed easily is called abnormal keratinization or hyperkeratinization. This is what causes the millions of very small bumps that look like goose bumps on your skin surface.

Sometimes, the hyperkeratotic buildup captures the hair inside the follicle. The trapped hair gets bunched up and may lead to a red irritated bump that can fill with pus. These pus filled red bumps are often mistaken with microbial folliculitis or with acne.

The papules of keratosis pilaris are commonly seen on the upper arms and thighs but can also appear on the face, back, and buttocks. This hard bump is a conical (spiny) plug resembling a goose bump.

When keratosis pilaris appears on the cheeks, the afflicted area is not only red but it also feels rough. The characteristic ‘reddish’ aspect of this type of facial Keratosis Pilaris is named, by its medical name, KP Rubra Faceii. Another variant on the face is called keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei; it causes a worm-eaten like atrophy of the skin. When the eyebrows are affected, the ailment is called ulerythema ophryogenes.

Keratosis Pilaris is estimated to affect roughly half of the world’s population. The inheritance pattern of the condition is dominant. This means that only one copy of the Keratosis Pilaris gene is needed to affect a person. The actual consequences of this are that if one parent suffers keratosis pilaris, the chance of the couple’s child having 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 susceptible to this condition. The papules tend to occur in association with allergic dermatitis and several types of dry skin ailments. Skin affected by allergies is more vulnerable during winter season which means that you have to take extra care during the cold months of the year. The best keratosis pilaris solution can be achieved by using a cream that includes Helix Aspersa Muller; a beneficial natural compound that won’t aggravate or irritate your skin.

Keratosis pilaris affects a vast portion of the population and this skin ailment is recognized by very small and hard bumps on your skin. This condition is not harmful, but it can affect your appearance and self esteem. People with skin allergies are more vulnerable to this ailment and it is therefore important to take care of your dermal allergy with a biological skin product to avoid the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris.

You can now prevent keratosis pilaris and other dry skin problems by applying BIOSKINCARE; a biological skin care balm that will make your skin smooth, soft and rejuvenated!

- Catalina Igor