Keratosis Pilaris Questions & Answers

Updated: May 12, 2022
  • Author: Ally N Alai, MD, FAAD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Who is affected by keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How is keratosis pilaris (KP) described?

What are the seasonal variations of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the pathophysiology of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What causes keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the global prevalence of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the racial predilections for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How does the prevalence of keratosis pilaris (KP) vary by sex?

How does the prevalence of keratosis pilaris (KP) vary by age?

What is the prognosis of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the focus of patient education for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the physical findings characteristic of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Which areas are most commonly affected by keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is ulerythema ophryogenes (keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei)?

What are the complications of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

DDX

What are the diagnostic considerations for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Which skin conditions may resemble keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Keratosis Pilaris?

Workup

What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of skin biopsy in the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the histologic findings characteristic of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Treatment

What are the treatment options for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the general rule for medical care of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the measures to prevent excessive skin dryness in keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How are the best treatment results achieved for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How is mild keratosis pilaris (KP) treated?

What are treatment options for moderate keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How are lotions used to treat keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of topical steroid cream in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of topical retinoids in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How is persistent skin discoloration from keratosis pilaris (KP) treated?

What is the role of topical immunomodulators in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of laser hair removal (LHR) in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What type of laser therapies are used to treat keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How are severe cases of keratosis pilaris (KP) treated?

What is the role of vitamin D in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the duration of treatment for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of surgery in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are adjunctive treatments used for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are possible in-office, physician-performed treatments for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the efficacy of laser treatments for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What is the role of microdermabrasion in the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are home therapies used for the treatment of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Which specialist consultations are needed for the management of keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the dietary restrictions for patients with keratosis pilaris (KP)?

What are the activity restrictions for patients with keratosis pilaris (KP)?

How is keratosis pilaris (KP) prevented?

Medications

What are the goals of drug treatment for keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Which medications in the drug class Retinoid-like Agents are used in the treatment of Keratosis Pilaris?

Which medications in the drug class Topical Skin Products are used in the treatment of Keratosis Pilaris?

Which medications in the drug class Corticosteroids are used in the treatment of Keratosis Pilaris?