Keratosis pilaris

[Dr Sree Krishna]

Hello there!

Keratosis pilaris is genetically driven and is the result of hair follicles becoming plugged with scale. As you know, it tends to improve with sun exposure. People tend to be bothered by either the bumpiness or the redness. The bumpiness can be controlled by a number of means:

a) using a pumice stone or exfoliating sponge in the shower or bath
b) moisturising using a urea-based cream (this will get into the hair follicle)
c) topical retinoids to unplug the follicle

Laser (e.g. pulsed-dye laser) can be used to deal with the redness but it will come back eventually.

Hope that helps a little!

Sree