What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis is a skin condition that affects millions of people. The condition is broken down into several types but all types are caused by the overgrowth of keratin on the skin. Keratin is a protein that is part of the structural make up of the outer layer of the skin, nails and hair. If keratin grows more rapidly than it should an individual will develop one of the six forms of keratosis.
Keratosis pilaris is the most common of all the six types of keratosis. It is commonly referred to as chicken skin or goose flesh because of the appearance it creates on the skin. The skin of an individual with keratosis pilaris will have small flesh colored or white bumps that often appear in large clusters. For many people the bumps from keratosis pilaris become red and inflamed and they resemble acne. The bumps often have a sand paper texture, but they are generally painless and are not generally itchy.
Seborrheic keratosis is often mistaken for warts. While the bumps from this form of keratosis may resemble warts, they are not caused by the virus that causes a wart. The bumps that form are benign and they do not cause cancer. They are also not contagious. The cause of this form of keratosis is widely unknown, but it is suspected that it may be linked to genetics and or sun exposure.
Actinic keratosis is also commonly referred to as solar keratosis, sunspots, or AKs. These are growths that develop on the surface of the skin or just below the surface of the skin. The growths from this form of keratosis are crusty and scaly and they usually have a rough texture but sometimes they are flat. Color varies in these growths depending on the color of the individuals skin but it can range in color from red to tan or pink to even darker shades.
Senile keratosis is made up of small papules or flat bumps that are only slightly raised above the skin’s surface. The bumps are outlined and they are grey to black in color. Occasionally, they may be red or pink. They do have the appearance of a wart or mole, but they are not painful or itchy. However, they may cause scaling of the skin.
Actinic cheilitis is a form of actinic keratosis that occurs on the lips. People with this condition have lips that are always dry, chapped and cracked. They may also have a wrinkled appearance to the lips and commonly experience lesions, sores and ulcers that are painless. The lips may also develop red patches, but they are generally pale pink with white spots. Occasionally people may have puffiness or swelling of the lips as well.
Follicular keratosis occurs in the hair follicle and it commonly affects the hands, face, scalp, neck, chest, upper legs and abdomen. It is a rare genetic disorder. It may also be called dariers disease or keratosis follicularis.