User:Mr. Ibrahem/Keratosis pilaris1

Keratosis pilaris
Other names	Follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris, chicken skin
Keratosis pilaris as seen on the calf
Specialty	Dermatology
Symptoms	Painless red bumpy skin
Usual onset	Early childhood
Duration	Long term
Risk factors	Obesity, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, pregnancy, diabetes
Diagnostic method	Based on symptoms and examination
Differential diagnosis	Acne, folliculitis, atopic dermatitis, milia, scurvy
Treatment	Moisturizers, creams that include lactic acid or salicylic acid, phototherapy
Prognosis	Not serious
Frequency	Common

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a condition that results in red bumpy skin. There is generally no pain or itchiness. The most commonly involves areas are the back of the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Less frequently the face, chest, or forearms may be involved. Often it gets better during the summer and worse during the winter. It may result in psychological distress.

KP has an autosomal dominant genetic inheritance. It is associated with obesity, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, pregnancy, diabetes, and rarely cancer. It may also be associated with a number of genetic syndromes. The underlying mechanism is not completely understood. Proposals include that it is an abnormality in the process of depositing the keratin in hair follicles, abnormalities in the hair shaft, or both. Diagnosis is usually based on the skin's appearance; however, dermoscopy may be useful in unclear cases.

There is no cure; though, the condition often improves with time. Treatments may improve the appearance. This may include applying moisturizers and medications such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, urea, or retinoids to the skin. Fractional carbon dioxide lasers and Nd:YAG laser therapies may also be tried. Onset is often in later childhood with up to 80% affected, with it still present in about 40% of adults. Though others report rates of 0.8% to 34% of the population.