Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common and benign disorder of hair follicles in the skin. It typically presents as rough 1-2mm little bumps on the backs of arms but can affect the buttock, upper thighs and even cheeks. It is often described in association with other dry skin conditions like eczema and gets worse in the winter!
Treatment do’s and don’ts
DO NOT SCRUB!!! DO NOT PICK!!!! KP is genetically determined, you cannot scrub it away. But you can improve its appearance with some TLC. Mix a AHA/BHA lotion like (Glytone or AmLactin) with RESTORE healing balm for simultaneous exfoliation and hydration to create beautifully smooth skin.
Getting the “red out”
Getting the red out is tricky and typically requires a visit to the dermatologist for a prescription. For patients who have a big event, I will give a topical steroid cream to use for a week prior to the event to temporarily decrease the red. You cannot do this forever, but for special events it can be a game changer.
Please contact us if you have any questions by filling out this form or emailing us at hello@doctorrogers.com.
Meet the author: Board-certified and practicing dermatologist, Dr. Heather D. Rogers, MD, is the founder of Doctor Rogers Skin Care and Modern Dermatology in Seattle, Washington. She studied at Stanford, University of Washington School of Medicine and Columbia University Medical Center. She lectures nationally, is well published, and an active member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Highly respected among the skin care community, Dr. Rogers has been annually named “Top 1% of Most Honored Doctors in the US” by Castle Connolly.