eMedicine Specialties > Dermatology > Diseases of the Adnexa
Keratosis Pilaris: Follow-up
Updated: Oct 16, 2009
Follow-up
Deterrence/Prevention
In patients with keratosis pilaris (KP), measures should be taken to prevent excessive skin dryness. Mild soaps and cleansers should be used. Frequent application of emollients is very beneficial.
Complications
Complications from keratosis pilaris (KP) are infrequent. However, post inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation and scarring may occur.
A gradual loss of hair in affected facial areas, especially the lateral eyebrows, may be seen in ulerythema ophryogenes (keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei).
Prognosis
Overall prognosis is good. Many cases resolve with increasing age. However, others may persist into late adulthood with intermittent exacerbations and remissions.
Patient Education
Patient education should focus on the tendency for chronicity of the condition and the need for ongoing maintenance therapy. Patients should also be advised that the condition is not contagious and is not a threat to their overall health. For excellent patient education resources, visit eMedicine's Skin, Hair, and Nails Center.
We authors appreciate the clinical photos supplied as a courtesy of The Skin Center at Laguna.
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| Treatment & Medication: Keratosis Pilaris |
Follow-up: Keratosis Pilaris |
| Multimedia: Keratosis Pilaris |
| References |
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References
Sardana K, Relhan V, Garg V, Khurana N. An observational analysis of erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli. Clin Exp Dermatol. May 2008;33(3):333-6. [Medline].
Augustine M, Jayaseelan E. Erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli: relationship with keratosis pilaris. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. Jan-Feb 2008;74(1):47-9. [Medline].
Yosipovitch G, DeVore A, Dawn A. Obesity and the skin: skin physiology and skin manifestations of obesity. J Am Acad Dermatol. Jun 2007;56(6):901-16; quiz 917-20. [Medline].
Poskitt L, Wilkinson JD. Natural history of keratosis pilaris. Br J Dermatol. Jun 1994;130(6):711-3. [Medline].
Arnold AW, Buechner SA. [Keratosis pilaris and keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei]. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. Apr 2006;4(4):319-23. [Medline].
Mevorah B, Marazzi A, Frenk E. The prevalence of accentuated palmoplantar markings and keratosis pilaris in atopic dermatitis, autosomal dominant ichthyosis and control dermatological patients. Br J Dermatol. Jun 1985;112(6):679-85. [Medline].
Jackson JB, Touma SC, Norton AB. Keratosis pilaris in pregnancy: an unrecognized dematosis of pregnancy?. W V Med J. Jan-Feb 2004;100(1):26-8. [Medline].
Kragballe K, Steijlen PM, Ibsen HH, et al. Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of calcipotriol ointment in disorders of keratinization. Results of a randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled, right/left comparative study. Arch Dermatol. May 1995;131(5):556-60. [Medline].
Kaune KM, Haas E, Emmert S, Schon MP, Zutt M. Successful treatment of severe keratosis pilaris rubra with a 595-nm pulsed dye laser. Dermatol Surg. Oct 2009;35(10):1592-5. [Medline].
Clark SM, Mills CM, Lanigan SW. Treatment of keratosis pilaris atrophicans with the pulsed tunable dye laser. J Cutan Laser Ther. Sep 2000;2(3):151-6. [Medline].
Novick NL. Practical management of widespread, atypical keratosis pilaris. J Am Acad Dermatol. Aug 1984;11(2 Pt 1):305-6. [Medline].
Lateef A, Schwartz RA. Keratosis pilaris. Cutis. Apr 1999;63(4):205-7. [Medline].
Further Reading
Keywords
keratosis pilaris, keratosis pilaris treatment, KP, hyperkeratosis, folliculocentric keratotic papules, follicular keratotic papules, atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, excessive accumulation of keratin, benign skin lesion, Ulerythema ophryogenes, keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei, gooseflesh appearance, erythema, chickenskin bumps, chicken skin, goosebumps.
Follow-up: Keratosis Pilaris