Definition and Characteristics
Keratosis pilaris is characterized by the presence of minute, discrete, keratotic, follicular papules with variable perifollicular erythema (Fig. 1) [1]. The lesions are not grouped and show no tendency to coalesce and form plaques. The affected skin looks like goose-flesh and feels like sandpaper. The lesions are not pruritic. Keratin plugs cannot be expressed with pressure and are usually painless [2]. The lesions can be isolated or widespread, and have a predilection for the lateral aspects of the upper arms and thighs. The neck, torso, and buttocks are less commonly involved. The hands and feet are usually spared, but the palmar and plantar markings are more accentuated. A generalized eruption is rare.
Keratosis pilaris on the arms.
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References
Leung AK, Kao CP (2004) Consultant Pediatrician 3:188–191
Lateef A, Schwartz RA, Janniger CK (1999) Cutis 63:205–207
Poskitt L, Wilkinson JD (1994) Br J Dermatol 130:711–713
Leung AK, Barber KA (2003) Adv Ther 20:129–137
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Leung, A.K.C., Robson, W.L.M. (2009). Keratosis Pilaris. In: Lang, F. (eds) Encyclopedia of Molecular Mechanisms of Disease. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29676-8_3240
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29676-8_3240
Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg
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