Keratosis Pilaris

Updated: May 12, 2022
  • Author: Ally N Alai, MD, FAAD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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Overview

Practice Essentials

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetic disorder of keratinization of hair follicles of the skin. It is an extremely common benign condition that manifests as small, rough folliculocentric keratotic papules, often described as chicken bumps, chicken skin, or goose-bumps, in characteristic areas of the body, particularly the outer-upper arms and thighs. Although no clear etiology has been defined, keratosis pilaris is often described in association with other dry skin conditions such as ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, and, less commonly, with atopic dermatitis, including conditions of asthma and allergies. [1]

Keratosis pilaris  is a common disorder in both children and adults. It is frequently noted in otherwise asymptomatic patients visiting dermatologists for other conditions. Most people with keratosis pilaris are unaware the condition has a designated medical term or that it is treatable. In general, keratosis pilaris is frequently cosmetically displeasing but medically harmless.

Overall, keratosis pilaris is described as a condition of childhood and adolescence. Although it often becomes more exaggerated at puberty, it frequently improves with age. However, many adults have keratosis pilaris late into senescence. Approximately 30-50% of patients have a positive family history. Autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance has been described. The autosomal recessive form of keratosis pilaris atrophicans is related to a desmoglein 4 mutation. [2]

Seasonal variation is sometimes described, with improvement of symptoms in summer months. Dry skin in winter tends to worsen symptoms for some groups of patients. Overall, keratosis pilaris is self-limited and, again, tends to improve with age in many patients. Some patients have lifelong keratosis pilaris with periods of remissions and exacerbations. More widespread atypical cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing.

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Pathophysiology

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a genetically based disorder of hyperkeratinization of the skin. An excess formation and/or buildup of keratin is thought to cause the abrasive goose-bump texture of the skin. In these patients, the process of keratinization (the formation of epidermal skin) is faulty. One theory is that surplus skin cells build up around individual hair follicles. The individual follicular bumps are often caused by a hair that is unable to reach the surface and becomes trapped beneath the keratin debris. Often, patients develop mild erythema around the hair follicles, which is indicative of the inflammatory condition. Often, a small, coiled hair can be seen beneath the papule. Not all the bumps have associated hairs underneath. Papules are thought to arise from excessive accumulation of keratin at the follicular orifice. Certain drugs, like nilotinib, have been implicated as causes of keratosis pilaris or keratosis pilaris atrophicans. [3]  Syndromal and familial cases often have a genetic component. [4, 5, 6]

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Etiology of Keratosis Pilaris

The etiology of keratosis pilaris (KP) is not fully known. The definite association of hyperkeratinization has been established. Of persons affected, 50-70% have a genetic predisposition. Dry skin conditions seem to exacerbate the disease. Symptoms generally tend to worsen in winter and improve in summer. Common associations include several ichthyoses, especially ichthyosis vulgaris and atopic dermatitis. [7] Keratosis pilaris is more common in siblings and in twins.

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Epidemiology

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is overall a very common condition and is present worldwide.

In India and other countries, a specific condition called erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli is described. This is an unusual condition with a possible genetic or other relationship to keratosis pilaris. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli is characterized by the triad of hyperpigmentation, follicular plugging, and erythema of the face and neck. [8, 9]

Keratosis pilaris (KP) has no widely described racial predilection or predominance. It is commonly noted worldwide in persons of all races.

Both sexes are affected by keratosis pilaris (KP), but females may be affected more frequently than males. [10]

Age of onset of keratosis pilaris (KP) is often within the first decade of life; symptoms particularly intensify during puberty. However, keratosis pilaris may manifest in persons of any age and is common in young children. Some authorities believe individuals can outgrow the disorder by early adulthood, but often this is not the case.

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Prognosis

Overall prognosis is good. Many cases resolve with increasing age. However, others may persist into late adulthood with intermittent exacerbations and remissions.

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is not associated with increased mortality or morbidity. Often, patients are bothered by the cosmetic appearance of their skin and its rough, gooseflesh texture. Obesity has been implicated in a wide spectrum of dermatologic diseases, including keratosis pilaris. [11] Keratosis pilaris is commonly present in otherwise healthy individuals and does not have any known, long-term health implications.

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Patient Education

Patient education should focus on the tendency for chronicity of the condition and the need for ongoing maintenance therapy. Patients should also be advised that the condition is not contagious and is not a threat to their overall health. For patient education resources, see the Skin, Hair, and Nails Center.

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