What is Keratosis Pilaris? Its causes and Symptoms

 

Have you ever seen small or tiny, crusty, red or pale pink-colored bumps on your children’s skin? These bumps or rashes usually feel scaly and coarse, but are normally not itchy. These are Keratosis Pilaris.

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a general but chronic skin condition. This long-term skin problem brings about small and rough bumps that are flesh-colored or pink on the skin and normally appear on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. These bumps may look like sandpaper and sometimes get worse in cold weather. According to the teachers of Preschool Rowland Heights CA, these scaly bumps are actually excess keratin, which is a kind of protein that is a part of hair, nails, and skin. 

Though there is no scientific evidence on what causes this excess keratin, there can be considerable disparity in the level of prominence and harshness of keratosis pilaris from one kind to another. If you observe these rashes in your child’s skin, please be calm as these are not contagious and in most cases, keratosis pilaris disappears as the child grows older.

Causes of keratosis Pilaris:

Keratosis Pilaris is an outcome of the build-up of extra keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that guards the skin against various toxic materials and infections. This keratin develops a scaly block that prevents the hair follicle from opening and rough patches of bumpy skin are mainly caused because of these scaly blocks. As you must be knowing that there are thousands of hair follicles spread across our bodies. Whenever dead skin cells clog the pores of hair follicles, keratosis pilaris is formed causing rough and dry patches on the skin.

You must be surprised to know that the reason for this excess build-up of keratin is actually unknown. Even the experts of Preschool Rowland Heights CA are unsure about the causes. However, many people connect this skin condition with genetic diseases, eczema, or atopic dermatitis. 

Common Symptoms of keratosis Pilaris in Children:

Although Keratosis Pilaris can occur at any age, it is more frequent and widespread in small children. If your children have dry skin, it is more likely to aggravate the condition. There are certain common symptoms of keratosis Pilaris in toddlers and children, but they may vary from one child to another. However, if your child is suffering from this skin condition, you may see the following symptoms in him/her:

·       Small and painless bumps on the thighs, cheeks, upper arms, or buttocks.

·       Dry, scaly skin in the affected areas with reddish or pale pink-colored rashes.

·       Bumps may feel like sandpaper.

·       Bumps may get worsen during seasonal changes.

If the teachers of Preschool Rowland Heights CA see any of these symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris in their students, they inform parents and suggest them to relax and consult a doctor. Most of the time these bumps gradually disappear as the children grow. So, if some parents choose not to treat it, they can leave it in time for a complete cure.