A keratosis pilaris is a skin condition very common, identified especially on account of small balls that usually appear on the arms, thighs, buttocks, and sometimes even on the cheeks.

Although it is a disturbing disease because of its appearance, it can be treated with professional follow-up, and even cured in some cases.

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What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a benign, non-contagious skin condition caused by increased keratin production in the hair follicles.

According to dermatologist Ana Paula Mantoan, the picture manifests itself especially in women and children, through small rough and hardened balls called papules, which can appear in red, whitish, or brownish tones.

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"They are usually bothersome because of the appearance of shivery skin from cold," says the doctor.

According to the professional, the places on the body most likely to suffer from keratosis pilaris are:

• Upper arms;
• Thighs;
• Glutes;
• Cheeks (less frequently).

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Causes of keratosis pilaris

The main cause of keratosis is hyperkeratosis, i.e. the accumulation of keratin caused by overproduction of this protein in the skin.

Besides the genetic factor, other reasons also lead to this problem.

"People with dry skin or other conditions, such as atopic dermatitis and allergies like rhinitis, bronchitis, and asthma, have a greater tendency to manifest this condition," Ana Paula points out.

In addition, increased keratin production in the skin can also be caused by wearing too tight clothing, or by a deficiency of vitamin A in the body.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The only symptom of keratosis pilaris is the appearance of small blisters on the skin, which generally do not hurt or itch, and can even be mistaken for pimples or folliculitis.

They usually appear in late childhood and early adolescence, and usually disappear on their own between the ages of 20 and 30.

"The condition tends to improve with age, but can persist into adulthood. Also, it happens more in the cold and sometimes improves in the summer," says the doctor.

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It is worth pointing out that keratosis does not cause any more serious health problems, but it can generate aesthetic discomfort. For this reason, it is important to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

During the consultation, the professional will evaluate the characteristics of the skin and the location and appearance of the bumps, in addition to looking at the patient's health history, since this problem can be genetic and common in people with dermatitis.

How to alleviate the symptoms

Ana Paula says that taking some care in the day to day can help reduce the symptoms of keratosis pilaris and, consequently, the aesthetic discomfort it causes.

They are:

• Avoid wearing tight clothing, reducing friction with the skin;
• Don't take baths that are too hot, too long, and with too much soap;
• Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm and always use sun protection;
• Do not shave or wax;
• Avoid rubbing the towel on the skin;
• Do not use bushings;
• Do not squeeze or scratch the skin lesions;
• Avoid using exfoliators on the affected areas;
• Reduce the consumption of sugars and milk and its derivatives, because they are inflammatory foods.

Is keratosis pilaris curable after all?

Just like the reasons that lead to the appearance of the skin problem, the treatment also varies from person to person.

This is because while some patients are cured by professionally prescribed treatments, others can only minimize the symptoms.

This happens mainly to people who have a genetic predisposition.

"Those who have no cases of keratosis pilaris in the family have a better chance of eliminating the disease, whereas patients who have relatives with the problem have their chances reduced."

Treatments

According to Ana Paula, there are several ways to treat keratosis pilaris.

"Laser hair removal is the most suitable method, because it decreases the risk of inflammation and improves the condition. Remembering that it is always necessary to moisturize the region well after the method."

For more intense cases, the dermatologist alerts that it is possible to use creams based on acids such as glycolic, salicylic, retinoic, lactic, and some aesthetic treatments.

Here are the most commonly used treatments for keratosis:

Moisturize the skin

Hydration can be indicated by professionals to reduce the dryness of the skin, preventing the appearance of the bumps.

The ideal, however, is to bet on products in perfume, neutral and with oil in their formulas.

Using creams and ointments

As told by the professional, the use of creams and ointments based on some acids also helps to improve the condition.

Some of them are:

• Creams with 6% salicylic acid or 20% urea: help remove dead skin cells, promoting deeper skin hydration;
• Creams with retinoic acid or Vitamin A: these promote proper hydration of the skin layers, thus reducing the appearance of bumps on the skin.

It is worth pointing out, however, that the creams can have side effects such as redness, irritation, dryness, or a burning sensation where they were applied. Therefore, they should only be used with a doctor's recommendation.

Laser with pulsed light

This procedure can help treat the problem because it helps to decrease the redness of the skin and improve its appearance and texture.

Chemical peel

Peeling must be done by a professional and consists in the application of acids on the skin, promoting a chemical exfoliation that helps remove the damaged superficial layers.

Microdermabrasion

This treatment also does an intense exfoliation of the skin, helping to remove the bumps and leaving the skin smoother. For this, a special crystal is used, which removes the most superficial layer of the skin and, therefore, must also be done in an office by a professional.

Source: Ana Paula Mantoan, dermatologist at Clínica Healphy , of São Paulo.