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What is Keratosis Follicularis
Follicular keratosis is popularly called goose bumps, as its manifestations – pimples on the body – are very similar to how our skin reacts, for example, to cold.
– Follicular keratosis is a harmless aesthetic feature of the skin, it is congenital, explains dermatologist, PhD, member of the Russian Society of Dermatovenerologists and Cosmetologists and the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Olga Petrenko. – In a nutshell, this is a violation of the formation of horny skin scales in the hair follicles, a kind of horny cork that fills the exit holes of the hair follicles.
Hereditary follicular keratosis can exist on its own, and manifest itself as a component of other diseases.
Causes of follicular keratosis in adults
The causes of follicular keratosis are not known for certain, it is only clear that this disease is congenital.
– Why does follicular keratosis occur, there is no unity in science on this score yet. It was previously stated that there is a violation of keratinization and skin scales linger at the mouth of the hair follicles, but why and why this happens, there is no specific answer, explains dermatologist Olga Petrenko.
Symptoms of follicular keratosis in adults
The main symptom of follicular keratosis is multiple small papules that usually appear on the shoulders and hips.
– Both in adults and in children, the clinic is similar – this is a “symptom of a grater” on the extensor surface of the shoulders and hips. Some patients also have appearances on the buttocks and back. A particularly difficult localization to diagnose is the skin of the cheeks, all the same small nodules appear on it, sometimes on a slightly pinkish background. They do not bother a person in any way, but periodically blush, – explains Olga Petrenko.
Because of these external manifestations of follicular keratosis, people, according to experts, often take it for an allergy and treat it accordingly. Naturally, such treatment does not give any effect.
Treatment of follicular keratosis in adults
Follicular keratosis usually does not require treatment, in fact, it is a purely cosmetic problem. However, doctors may recommend certain drugs that can help a patient with this diagnosis.
– Usually, external moisturizing preparations with urea in a small percentage – 2-5%, creams with lactic acid are offered, azelaic acid is also used in the treatment, – explains dermatologist Olga Petrenko.
Diagnostics
Follicular keratosis is easy to diagnose. It is enough for a dermatologist to look at an area of skin covered with pimples to determine this violation.
– This is a diagnosis “by eye” and even “by touch”. Usually everything is clear even without a biopsy, and other studies are useless: allergy tests, searches for parasites, fungi and bacteria, the specialist says.
Prevention of follicular keratosis in adults at home
In the prevention of follicular keratosis, a properly selected diet helps.
“It is possible to prevent significant manifestations of keratosis by eating foods rich in sources of vitamin A,” advises dermatologist Olga Petrenko.
In addition, you need to consult with a specialist and choose the right treatment for your skin.
Popular questions and answers
She told us more about follicular keratosis dermatologist Olga Petrenko.
“Some patients like to pick up elements on their shoulders and hips on their own, thereby risking infection,” the expert explains.
If this happens, the patient may need serious treatment.