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What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

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Posted on Mon, 11 May 2015
Question: Hello! Can skin be dry without signs of dryness? My skin is irritated and clothing makes it have a burning feeling, it burns with sun exposure as well. And when I put on lotion! My keratosis pilaris has been out of control as well!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Use a moisturizer based on urea & lactic acid; can add vitamin A supplement

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us.

I have taken note of your query and I have understood it.

Kertaosis pilaris/ KP's is in fact one of the signs of extreme dryness of skin. They are most common on outer arms, outer thighs, elbow and knee.
KP's are actually keratin plugging of follicular openings.
There can be associated follicular inflammation and therefore KP lesions may itch/ irritate.

Skin irritation and burning sensation to clothing fabric are itself suggestive that your skin is dry.

You must use an intensive moisturizer that is based on urea and/Or lactic acid. Use it twice daily over the arms and legs. Avoid on face.
These ingredients are hygroscopic i.e they attract moisture from the atmosphere and trap it inside skin layers.
They are also keratolytic i.e exfoliate keratin plugs and therefore are helpful in resolving keratosis pilaris.

Besides, you may also take an Oral Vitamin A supplement (retinyl palmitate capsules) to help resolve keratosis pilaris.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 minutes later)
Thank you! It is mostly my chest and neck that is super irritated!!! Any clothing rubbing makes it red! But... My skin is not dry looking or flaking!?!? It just burns! How long with Am Lactin until symptoms improve? Also, could it be something neurolgical? Stress??
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Use a bland moisturizer mixed with a topical steroid cream for a few days

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

If your skin is too irritated you may use a topical moderately potent steroid cream for a few days e.g either triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream, twice daily.
Topical steroids are anti-inflammatory and will help calm down your skin.

May use Am lactin over arms and legs. However avoid it over chest and neck for the time being, till your skin calms down.

You may rather use a bland moisturizer e.g white soft paraffin, on chest & neck preferably after mixing it with an equal proportion of a topical steroid creams, which I mentioned above. Use it twice daily.

I would also suggest an Oral antihistamine e.g tablet cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening.

Avoid woolens from coming in direct contact with your skin on chest and neck. Woolens would irritate already dry skin.
There should be a layer of cotton clothing between woolens and your skin..

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (37 minutes later)
Would hydrocortisone cream or desonide .05 work? What would you recommend for a facial moisturizer for dry skin?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Desonide 0.05% is Ok;Gentle cleanser & cetaphil mositurizing cream for face

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Desonide 0.5% is fine. Though it is milder than what I had mentioned but it should work. Use it twice daily.

I suggest you to use a gentle cleanser for face wash e.g cetaphil cleansing lotion, twice daily.
You may later on apply Cetaphil moisturizing cream twice daily on face.

Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?

Brief Answer: Use a moisturizer based on urea & lactic acid; can add vitamin A supplement Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us. I have taken note of your query and I have understood it. Kertaosis pilaris/ KP's is in fact one of the signs of extreme dryness of skin. They are most common on outer arms, outer thighs, elbow and knee. KP's are actually keratin plugging of follicular openings. There can be associated follicular inflammation and therefore KP lesions may itch/ irritate. Skin irritation and burning sensation to clothing fabric are itself suggestive that your skin is dry. You must use an intensive moisturizer that is based on urea and/Or lactic acid. Use it twice daily over the arms and legs. Avoid on face. These ingredients are hygroscopic i.e they attract moisture from the atmosphere and trap it inside skin layers. They are also keratolytic i.e exfoliate keratin plugs and therefore are helpful in resolving keratosis pilaris. Besides, you may also take an Oral Vitamin A supplement (retinyl palmitate capsules) to help resolve keratosis pilaris. Regards