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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staff
Keratosis pilaris results from the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects your skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Usually many plugs form, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin.
Why keratin builds up is unknown. But it may occur in association with genetic diseases or with other skin conditions, such as ichthyosis vulgaris or atopic dermatitis. Keratosis pilaris also occurs in otherwise healthy people. Dry skin tends to worsen this condition.
- Keratosis pilaris. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/keratosis_pilaris.html. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Keratosis pilaris. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch113/ch113d.html. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Hwang S, et al. Keratosis pilaris: A common follicular hyperkeratosis. Pediatric Dermatology. 2008;82:177.
- Rogers M. Keratosis pilaris and other inflammatory follicular keratotic syndromes: Introduction. In: Wolff K, et al. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aid=2960068. Accessed April 23, 2010.
- Dry skin and keratosis pilaris. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/skin_dry.html. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Approach to the patient with pustular skin lesions. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 22, 2010.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 28, 2010.
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