What is Keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a common condition of children and young adults.  It usually consists of clustered, firm, white bumps approximately 1mm or less in diameter.

It is most often found on the lateral upper arms and on the front of the thighs.  The buttocks and face are occasionally involved.  Keratosis pilaris causes the skin to have a sand paper-like feeling.  Occasionally, red halo surrounds the white “spike”.

The lesions are located at the openings of the hair follicles and often can be scooped out with a fingernail or an instrument called a dermal curette.  When this is done, a coiled hair is sometimes found within the white semi-solid material.  These spots usually return. The individual spots come and go over a matter of weeks, but the overall course of this condition is chronic.  The good news is that this condition gradually disappears, usually after age twenty.