keratosis pilaris

Etiology

• may occur in association with:
  • ichthyosis vulgaris
  • atopic dermatitis
  • asthma
  • allergies

Epidemiology

common

Pathology

benign disorder

Clinical manifestations

• keratotic follicular papules with surrounding erythema
  • described as small pimple bumps (image)
• distribution:
  • extensor surfaces of arms & thighs
  • buttocks
  • back is affected less frequently
• texture is similar to sandpaper
• generally first develops during puberty
  • symptoms may persist for years
  • generally resolves by age 30
• disorder is of cosmetic concern, otherwise asymptomatic
  • pruritus or pain is rare
• flares may occur in dry air, especially in winter
  • these outbreaks may be associated with pruritus
• flares may occur in pregnancy & after childbirth

Differential diagnosis

• acne vulgaris
• insect bites
• atopic dermatitis
• folliculitis
• papular urticaria
• keratosis follicularis (Darier's disease)
• Kyrle's disease
• miliaria
• pityriasis rubra pilaris
• lichen spinulosis

Management

• no specific treatment
• topical agents that may improve appearance include
  • emolients
  • lactic acid
  • tretinoin
  • alpha hydroxy acids
  • urea cream
  • salicylic acid
  • topical steroids

More general terms

• keratosis

Additional terms

• ichthyosis vulgaris (ichthyosis simplex)

Database

• OMIM: https://mirror.omim.org/entry/604093