Keratosis Pilaris in Children

Keratosis pilaris in children is a common benign condition that looks like small, white bumps. It is commonly observed on the upper arms and thighs. The keratosis pilaris lesions arise when a hair follicle is plugged with keratin. Keratin is a protein that is commonly found in hair, nails and skin. The other types of keratosis pilaris in children are keratosis pilaris rubra faceii, a reddish rash over that occurs over the cheeks. Keratosis pilaris rubra is inflamed, red bumps on skin.

Causes
Keratosis pilaris in children is a hereditary skin disorder that may have been inherited from the father or mother. The excess build up of dead skin around individual hair follicles causes keratosis pilaris. Many people are under the impression it is caused by bathing infrequently or parental neglect, but in fact it is a genetic condition. It is commonly seen in children and teenagers and can even be seen in infants.

Keratosis Pilaris Signs and Symptoms
You may observe tiny 1 to 2 mm white or gray bumps on the skin around the hair follicle. Many times a small thin, red ring may be seen surrounding the white bump. This means it is an inflammation of keratosis pilaris. The common places where you may observe keratosis pilaris on face and even back of upper arms, front of thighs and buttocks.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
In many cases, the medical keratosis pilaris treatment is not required. Many parents, however, choose to seek cosmetic keratosis pilaris treatment. The most common home remedy is application of intensive moisturizing. In mild to moderate keratosis pilaris, you may apply moisturizers and skin lubricants to decrease dry skin and reduce the symptoms.

The most common keratosis pilaris treatment is application of urea preparations, lactic acid creams and topical retinoids. Alpha hydroxy acids and skin smoothing scrubs may be advised, as these mild peeling agents are effective in opening up the clogged hair follicles.

During winter, the symptoms may worsen. The skin will become really dry in winter and during summer due to increase in humidity levels the skin may appear less dry. There is no known treatment that cures keratosis pilaris completely. But the symptoms lessen after the age of 30 years.

The best way to treat keratosis pilarosis in children is by following the advice by the doctor. This will help reduce the visibility and texture of the bumps. Many times laser treatment and intense pulsed light also helps reduce the redness.

You can try some home remedy like green tea oil. It is safe to be used on children and helps fights skin discoloration and protects the skin from free radicals. Keratosis pilaris is just a benign skin condition that is in no way fatal. Your child will not even feel like itching in most cases.