Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
My Ten Year Old Son Has Keratosis Pilaris Ad Has
Question: My ten year old son has keratosis pilaris ad has Been complaining of it itching on his bottom lately. Lotion hasn’t seemed to be helping. Could you look at the picture and tell me if this is what you believe it is. He has been itching and making scabs.
Brief Answer:
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
What I see in the picture you sent is that the majority of the skin has a prickled goose-bump appearance which would be consistent with keratosis pilaris, particularly if he has it on other parts of the body as well. The lesions look like they may be locally infected from scratching or maybe folliculitis, and 1 area is excoriated (raw) from scratching.
Folliculitis is an infection of a hair follicle (or hair follicles).
I see that you live in Green Bay, so it is likely that the air is pretty dry where you are. And winter dryness can make keratosis pilaris worse.
You didn't mention any treatments that you've been using for the keratosis pilaris, so assuming you haven't tried anything in the past, here are some suggestions for treating the keratosis pilaris in general:
After bathing, while the skin is still moist, put on one of the over the counter creams that are recommended for keratosis pilaris (to help soften and remove dead skin which contributes to the problem). You can choose Eucerin, Lac-Hydrin, or AmLactin. Cetaphil is also a possibility.
About the small areas of excoriation and possible folliculitis:
On the raw area, dab on a small amount of zinc oxide ointment, which will promote healing. It's also soothing, so maybe he won't scratch it when the zinc oxide is on.
On the small areas that look like slightly infected pimples, you can either leave them alone and watch that they resolve, or apply hot compresses to them a few times a day (eg 3x) for several minutes which will help the infection resolve.
Hope this information helps.
Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Recommendations
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
What I see in the picture you sent is that the majority of the skin has a prickled goose-bump appearance which would be consistent with keratosis pilaris, particularly if he has it on other parts of the body as well. The lesions look like they may be locally infected from scratching or maybe folliculitis, and 1 area is excoriated (raw) from scratching.
Folliculitis is an infection of a hair follicle (or hair follicles).
I see that you live in Green Bay, so it is likely that the air is pretty dry where you are. And winter dryness can make keratosis pilaris worse.
You didn't mention any treatments that you've been using for the keratosis pilaris, so assuming you haven't tried anything in the past, here are some suggestions for treating the keratosis pilaris in general:
After bathing, while the skin is still moist, put on one of the over the counter creams that are recommended for keratosis pilaris (to help soften and remove dead skin which contributes to the problem). You can choose Eucerin, Lac-Hydrin, or AmLactin. Cetaphil is also a possibility.
About the small areas of excoriation and possible folliculitis:
On the raw area, dab on a small amount of zinc oxide ointment, which will promote healing. It's also soothing, so maybe he won't scratch it when the zinc oxide is on.
On the small areas that look like slightly infected pimples, you can either leave them alone and watch that they resolve, or apply hot compresses to them a few times a day (eg 3x) for several minutes which will help the infection resolve.
Hope this information helps.
Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Yes he has them on his arms and chest and back as well. He picks at them terrible. The doctor gave me hydrocortisone but it doesn’t help. I will try the zinc oxide. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
The zinc oxide is for helping heal the open sores. But for preventing the itching, try one of the moisturizers I mentioned.
Good luck
I hope he gets some relief soon.
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
You're welcome
Detailed Answer:
The zinc oxide is for helping heal the open sores. But for preventing the itching, try one of the moisturizers I mentioned.
Good luck
I hope he gets some relief soon.
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
