Skip to main content

Keratosis Pilaris

Jeremy Golding, FAAFP, MD Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

  • Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign skin disorder resulting in hyperkeratinization of the hair follicles.

  • Generally asymptomatic, often improving with age

DESCRIPTION

Small (1 to 2 mm), keratotic s...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Patients often complain about a “rough” skin, sometimes with pruritus (which indicates inflammation).

  • Most patients are asymptomatic, but some are concerned about their cosmetic appear...

TREATMENT

Daily measures to prevent dry skin, such as using mild cleansers, along with moisturizers, are the mainstay of treatment. Treatment improves symptoms but is not curative. Laser therapy most ...

ONGOING CARE

PATIENT EDUCATION

Regular moisturization with moisturizing lotions/creams improves cosmetic appearance. 

PROGNOSIS

Most cases improve with age. 

COMPLICATIONS

Hair loss is rare. If the lateral...

REFERENCES

1
Maghfour J, Ly S, Haidari W, et al. Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: a systematic review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(3):1231-1242. PMID: 32886029. doi: 10.1080/09546634.20...

CODES

ICD10

L85.8 Other specified epidermal thickening 

SNOMED

5132005 Keratosis pilaris (disorder) 

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • KP is frequently mistaken for acne.

  • Patients often self-manage with over-the-counter acne treatment products/medications originally prescribed for their facial acne.

  • Daily measures to pr...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

×