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Q: I’ve a bunch of small, tough bumps on my legs and arms. What are they, and the way can I eliminate them?
Possibly they seem like goose bumps — or the pores and skin of a plucked hen. Maybe they’re raised and really feel just a little bit like sandpaper.
These would be the indicators of keratosis pilaris, a standard pores and skin situation that may trigger tiny, painless bumps to seem on the higher arms, thighs and buttocks, stated Dr. Amy Freeman, a dermatologist in Millburn, N.J.
The bumps are sometimes flesh-colored, however they may look purple or pink on lighter pores and skin tones and brown or black on darker pores and skin tones.
Whereas their look will be “distressing,” Dr. Freeman stated, keratosis pilaris bumps are innocent and infrequently go away on their very own. Nevertheless, some folks can take care of flare-ups for his or her whole lives.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris occurs when keratin — a protein concerned in forming hair, pores and skin and nails — builds up and, together with useless pores and skin cells, clogs hair follicles, Dr. Freeman stated. These blockages are what trigger these small bumps.
An estimated 40 % of adults and 50 to 80 % of youngsters have keratosis pilaris. However dermatologists aren’t certain precisely why some folks develop it.
One concept is that the situation is brought on by a genetic mutation that interferes with the pores and skin’s means to moisturize itself naturally, stated Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Drugs in New York Metropolis. The mutation might make you extra vulnerable to dry pores and skin, which makes keratosis pilaris worse.
Individuals who have eczema, diabetes or shut blood family with keratosis pilaris are additionally extra vulnerable to the situation, Dr. Lipner stated. The identical is true for folks with bronchial asthma, allergic reactions or extra physique weight, in response to the American Academy of Dermatology, or A.A.D.
As a result of dry pores and skin worsens keratosis pilaris, you might have extra flare-ups through the winter or if you happen to dwell in a dry local weather, stated Dr. Leslie Baumann, a dermatologist in Miami.
Are you able to deal with keratosis pilaris at house?
Stopping dry pores and skin is among the finest methods to scale back flare-ups and customarily enhance the looks of keratosis pilaris, Dr. Baumann stated.
Merchandise that include emollients (moisturizers) and keratolytic brokers (a category of medicines like salicylic acid, lactic acid and urea that take away useless pores and skin cells and soften the keratin that clogs pores) are handiest, Dr. Freeman stated.
A handy choice is to decide on an over-the-counter moisturizing lotion that comprises a keratolytic agent, Dr. Lipner stated. The A.A.D. additionally recommends merchandise with different keratolytics like glycolic acid and retinol.
These components assist clean out the bumps and scale back redness, Dr. Freeman stated.
They usually’ll be handiest if you happen to apply them proper after showering when your pores and skin continues to be damp, Dr. Lipner added. Doing so helps seal a few of the moisture into your pores and skin.
Dr. Lipner prompt avoiding something that may irritate your pores and skin, similar to utilizing an abrasive physique scrub or scratching or selecting on the bumps. Nevertheless, the A.A.D. says you’ll be able to gently use a loofah or washcloth to slough off useless pores and skin cells. It’s additionally finest to keep away from merchandise with fragrances and oils, which may irritate the pores and skin and clog pores much more, Dr. Lipner stated.
Throughout a flare-up, Dr. Freeman stated, it’s best to use a moisturizer with a keratolytic agent a couple of occasions a day for a few months. As soon as the situation improves, you’ll be able to taper down to some occasions per week.
However it’s best to nonetheless moisturize daily, she stated; you simply don’t want a keratolytic product as soon as the flare-up is below management.
Are you able to forestall keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris isn’t preventable, however some individuals who have it as kids will discover that it goes away when they’re older. Others take care of it for his or her whole lives.
“However there could also be durations of your life the place it’s so quiet that the bumps are so small and never seen that it’s nearly not there,” Dr. Lipner stated.
When ought to I see a dermatologist?
In case your pores and skin continues to be bumpy and tough after utilizing at-home merchandise for a couple of months and also you’re bothered by the way it seems to be, Dr. Lipner prompt seeing a dermatologist.
“There are folks with very extreme keratosis pilaris, and moisturization will not be sufficient,” she stated. They could even have flare-ups which are additional purple and dry and maybe even itchy. In these circumstances, Dr. Lipner stated, medical doctors can prescribe a topical retinoid or counsel laser remedy.
However your signs may additionally be from one thing else. Eczema and psoriasis can resemble keratosis pilaris, Dr. Lipner stated. These circumstances may cause itchiness, irritation, cracks within the pores and skin or infections, and want their very own particular remedies.
