|
Are the lesion looks like the following pics?
<img src="http://162.129.70.33/images/Keratosis_Pilaris_1_031125.jpg" border="0" onclick="javascript:window.open(this.src);" alt= style="CURSOR: pointer" onload="javascript:if(this.width>screen.width-500)this.style.width=screen.width-500;" />
<img src="http://162.129.70.33/images/keratosis_pilaris_2_031011.jpg" border="0" onclick="javascript:window.open(this.src);" alt= style="CURSOR: pointer" onload="javascript:if(this.width>screen.width-500)this.style.width=screen.width-500;" />
<img src="http://162.129.70.33/images/Keratosis_pilaris_1_030324.jpg" border="0" onclick="javascript:window.open(this.src);" alt= style="CURSOR: pointer" onload="javascript:if(this.width>screen.width-500)this.style.width=screen.width-500;" />
If yes, then I will consider keratosis pilaris.
Keratosis pilaris is an extremely common and benign disorder of keratinized hair follicles. The disease is characterized by grouped, horny, keratotic follicular papules located predominantly on the extensor surfaces of the proximal limbs, most commonly of the posterolateral upper arms and anterior thighs. It is usually asymptomatic except for its cosmetic appearance. Treatment is marginally effective and only provides temporary relief.
Keratosis pilaris is a benign disorder; treatment in most cases requires simple reassurance and general skin care recommendations. Many patients find lesions cosmetically unappealing and therefore seek treatment. Occasionally, they may become secondarily infected because of scratchy tight-fitting clothing or abrasive self-therapy, in which case treatment of the infection is necessary. A significant <I>inflammatory component may be present and may be relieved with topical steroid </I> therapy. Treatment of the noninflamed horny papules can be difficult because they have proven resistant to most modes of therapy.
The patient may report groups of keratotic papules, which feel rough and prickly. The patient may describe them as persistent rough goose bumps. They are not painful or significantly pruritic in most patients.
About half of all affected patients notice a worsening of symptoms in the winter months.
These lesions tend to improve after a few years.
<B>Keratosis pilaris alba </B> is the more common variant and is characterized by small gray-white papules with a negligible inflammatory component.
Most commonly, lesions occur on the posterolateral upper arms and anterior thighs. Less commonly, lesions involve the face, buttocks, and trunk.
In involved areas, lesions are extensive, monomorphic, and very evenly spaced.
A fine hair may pierce the papules, or hair may be found coiled up within the keratin plug. The keratin plug cannot be expressed with pressure.
Causes: Etiology is unknown, although it may be due to a disorder of corneocyte adhesion that prevents normal desquamation in the area around the follicle.
Education and reassurance are the cornerstones of therapy for keratosis pilaris.
The noninflamed horny papules usually remit with age and increasing time, but they are resistant to most forms of short-term therapy.
Encourage tepid showers instead of hot baths, along with the use of mild soaps and a home humidifier.
An emollient cream may help alleviate rough surfaces in mild cases. A topical keratolytic agent such as lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea preparations may be beneficial in more extensive cases. Several recent reports claim good results with 2-3% salicylic acid in 20% urea cream. Topical tretinoin therapy has also been used with varying degrees of success.
Lesions with significant inflammation may improve with the use of medium-potency emollient-based topical steroid preparations. Inflammation is usually reduced markedly by 7 days, at which point the steroid should be discontinued.
Prognosis:
A 1994 study performed by Poskitt demonstrates the following course:
The condition improves dramatically in approximately 35% of patients, usually by late adolescence (mean age of improvement is 16 y).
The condition remains unchanged from the time of diagnosis in approximately 43% of patients.
Approximately 20% of patients experience a worsening of symptoms over time.
Approximately 50% experience a worsening of symptoms during wintertime, but only 60% of those who worsen improve over summertime. |
|