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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staff
Signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:
- Small, acne-like bumps
- Painless, skin-colored bumps that can, at times, be red and inflamed
- Dry, rough patches
- In some cases, itchiness
Keratosis pilaris usually appears on the upper arms, legs or buttocks, but it can also appear on the face, where it closely resembles acne. The small size of the bumps and its association with dry, chapped skin distinguish keratosis pilaris from pustular acne. Unlike elsewhere on the body, keratosis pilaris on the face may leave small scars.
Though quite common with young children, keratosis pilaris can occur at any age. It may improve, especially during the summer months, only to later worsen. Gradually, keratosis pilaris usually resolves on its own.
When to see a doctor
Keratosis pilaris isn't a serious medical condition, and treatment usually isn't necessary. However, if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, consult your family doctor or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist). He or she can often make a diagnosis by examining your skin and the characteristic scaly plugs.
- 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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