A small patch of white/red bumps that suddenly appears on the arms, legs, face, or back could be an indication of keratosis pilaris. Even though keratosis pilaris is not painful or itchy, it can be embarrassing. Dr. Vivian Bucay can help you improve your self-esteem by educating you on this condition and creating a customized treatment plan.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is an extremely common skin condition that typically appears in children, teens, and young adults. It often causes an individual to develop patches of tiny white or red bumps. These bumps are harmless and do not itch or cause a person pain.
It is believed that keratosis pilaris is a direct result of the body creating too much keratin. Keratin is an important protein created by the body to protect the skin from infections or harmful chemicals. When the body creates too much keratin it results in the blockage of hair follicles. That blockage creates the patches of red/white bumps.
How is Keratosis Pilaris Diagnosed?
Dr. Vivian Bucay can confirm a diagnosis of keratosis pilaris through a visual examination. A visual examination can occur during a regular office visit and takes just a few minutes.
During the office visit, Dr. Bucay will closely examine the skin. She may even ask you questions regarding your previous health history and your regular day-to-day activities. How you answer these questions plus her findings during the exam will help her diagnosis keratosis pilaris.
Sometimes keratosis pilaris may occur with another skin condition or illness. If Dr. Bucay suspects other skin conditions may be present in addition to keratosis pilaris, she may order a skin scraping/biopsy or some blood tests. This will help her diagnosis any other skin conditions that may be present.
What are Some Recommended Treatment Options for Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is often difficult to treat because there is no single treatment that will work for everyone. What works for one individual may not work for someone else. Dr. Bucay will work closely with you to help create a personalized treatment plan that helps to reduce the appearance of your keratosis pilaris.
Dr. Bucay may have you try topical exfoliants or a topical retinoid as a treatment option. If those treatments do not work or you experience severe redness from keratosis pilaris, Dr. Bucay may have you try laser therapy. Laser therapy can often reduce inflammation caused by keratosis pilaris.