Updated on Diseases and symptoms

Keratosis Pilaris (Reibeisenhaut)

Keratosis pilaris causes small nodules in the skin that resemble severe goosebumps or very small pimples. The skin reaction can occur, for example, on the arms, thighs or face. The nodules are completely harmless and are quite common in both children and adults. In combination with inflamed skin or eczema, you may need treatment with a medication for keratosis pilaris.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a rash on the body that looks like small pimples or raised spots on the skin. The symptoms are colloquially called keratosis pilaris. The cause of keratosis pilaris is an overproduction of keratin – a protein that supports cell walls and gives them elasticity and is naturally found in the skin, hair and nails.

Keratosis pilaris is completely harmless and is quite common in both children and adults. More than half of all teenagers have small nodules on their skin and in adults the proportion is about 40 percent. Symptoms can become more pronounced during and after puberty. The pustules sometimes go away on their own or become more subtle over the years, but for many, keratosis pilaris is a long-standing skin condition.

Symptoms of keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris are millimeter-sized bumps that feel like sandpaper. They resemble a small rash and are either skin-colored, brown, or slightly reddish. Some sufferers have around ten pustules, others can get several hundred. Keratosis pilaris is commonly found on the upper arms and thighs, but you can also get keratosis pilaris on your face, such as your cheeks or forehead. You may also have lumps on your back, chest, or buttocks.

Common symptoms of keratosis pilaris include:

  • small nodules on the skin
  • sometimes itching
  • inflamed nodules can cause red, hot, and sensitive skin

Keratosis pilaris is often associated with dry skin or neurodermatitis .

Other possible explanations

There are many skin reactions that can resemble keratosis pilaris. Perioral dermatitis is an inflammation that often causes small rashes around the mouth but sometimes on the nose and eyes. Folliculitis can develop when you injure the skin, for example when shaving. Then you get small, red rashes that can cause itching. Semolina grains are small cysts in the skin that are made up of sebum. In certain cases, acne can also be reminiscent of keratosis pilaris.

Causes of keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is caused by an overproduction of keratin, which clumps under the skin and forms hard, small pustules that sometimes clog the openings of the hair follicles in the skin. The buildup of keratin can also cause strands of hair to get stuck under skin and cause inflammation.

Keratosis pilaris is linked to genetics, dry skin and atopic eczema, among others, but there is no clear cause of the problem.

Factors that may make you more susceptible to keratosis pilaris:

treatment

Keratosis pilaris usually does not require treatment. Doctors can almost always diagnose by looking at and feeling the skin. There is usually no cure for the problem, but there are over-the-counter and prescription medications that can help make the nodules less noticeable. They rarely disappear entirely and can easily come back. The drugs that are used usually contain urea, salicylic acid, and sometimes propylene glycol.

If the pustules become infected, you can get topical medication to reduce the inflammation. Keratosis pilaris, which occurs together with neurodermatitis, is treated with moisturizing and/or cortisone creams or ointments.

If you find the skin lumps to be cosmetically bothersome, there are several methods to make the rash less noticeable, such as lasers and chemical peels. You have to bear the costs for such treatments yourself.

What can I do myself?

Keratosis pilaris can be relieved with the help of moisture-retaining lotions, creams or ointments. You can also use a mild scrub, but be careful not to scrub too hard as this can cause skin inflammation. Scratching or rubbing the nodules can also cause irritation.

There are over-the-counter softening skin products available in pharmacies. Feel free to ask the staff which products are suitable for you.

To relieve symptoms of keratosis pilaris:

  • keep skin soft – moisturize with a moisturizing, softening skin cream
  • choose a mild skin cleanser – perfumes and drying products can worsen the symptoms
  • use a mild scrub – but be careful not to scrub too hard
  • dry the skin gently – blot with the towel instead of rubbing it over the skin
  • do not squeeze or scratch the bumps — this can cause irritation and inflammation

When to seek medical help

Consult a doctor if you need help evaluating your rash. Make a doctor’s appointment if your rash is irritated or inflamed despite self-treatment.

Here’s how Med-Healths can help you

You can contact us at Med-Healths if you need help with keratosis pilaris and other skin conditions. Our doctors make an individual assessment based on your symptoms and the findings of the examination. You may then receive prescribed treatment or be referred for further medical care.

Remember: If your child has any symptoms, your child must be present at the doctor’s appointment.

Darrick Robles

I was born with the vocation of being a doctor. I have worked in public health centers in California and Washington, ​​in social projects in low-income countries, and in pioneering private centers in integrative medicine. Currently, I am the founder and medical director of the social enterprise Med-Healths, in which I combine my medical care work with giving conferences on health and well-being in business and social environments.