Have you ever noticed small, red bumps on your child, possibly on the back of their legs, arms, or cheeks? They don’t seem to bother your child, but they don’t seem to go away either. You are not alone in this discovery. Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that is relatively harmless to children, but nonetheless is persistent.
Having been through this process in my own household, I wanted to provide other parents with a full overview of Keratosis Pilaris (spoiler alert: it isn’t the same as eczema) and how to treat it!
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
According to the Mayo Clinic, Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless skin condition that causes red, dry bumps to appear on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and sometimes buttocks. These tiny patches of bumps tend not to hurt or itch. Sometimes, these patches can be referred to as “chicken skin” or feel like sandpaper.
As mentioned, Keratosis Pilaris is harmless but often appears in children. Keratosis Pilaris has been found to be genetic, so if a parent exhibits this condition, then there is a higher chance that their child will develop it as well.
While the condition may never go away, there is a chance it can lessen as a child grows older. Again, the condition is mostly harmless and should not affect the child’s well-being or way of life.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
The symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris are painless, tiny, red bumps that often reveal themselves in specific areas. These bumps do not itch or hurt, but do feel rough. As the seasons change, these tiny patches of bumps can also morph into being more or less present. Keratosis Pilaris is ultimately caused by dead skin that plugs the pores, which results in these patches of tiny bumps.
Your child’s doctor can diagnose Keratosis Pilaris at a regular appointment. It is worth noting that children who exhibit Keratosis Pilaris tend to also have other skin conditions, such as eczema, but that is not always the case. No testing is needed to diagnose Keratosis Pilaris.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatments For Kids
While Keratosis Pilaris never typically goes away, there is the possibility that your child can grow out of it as they get older. It is not uncommon though for children to carry this condition into adulthood, but again, it is harmless. Since Keratosis Pilaris is a type of dry skin, moisturizer is the best treatment for this condition. It is important to use a gentle, unscented moisturizer on the skin to prevent any irritation that fragrances can cause.
There are some specific lotions and creams that contain ceramides or acids (like salicylic or glycolic acid) to help gently strip away the dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, which could in turn remove the clogged skin plugs that cause Keratosis Pilaris in the first place. It is important that your child avoid picking at the patch of bumps as well as using any harsh exfoliants, as this can make the condition worsen.
Differences Between Keratosis Pilaris and Eczema
Keratosis Pilaris and Eczema are similar yet very different skin conditions. As mentioned, a child may have a crossover between both conditions, but that is not always the case.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition with intense itching, a red rash, scaly skin, and sometimes even open sores. Eczema requires a doctor or skin specialist (dermatologist) diagnosis and is relatively more bothersome or even painful than Keratosis Pilaris. While there is no cure for eczema, a topical steroid cream is usually prescribed to control the itching and red, scaly rash.
Keratosis Pilaris rarely exhibits any itching or pain and does not feature a rash or possible open sores. It is mainly just a patch of tiny, red bumps that can be controlled with regular moisturizer. As always, consult your child’s doctor if you have any questions or concerns about their skin or overall health.