About this topic
Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition where a protein in your skin forms hard plugs where the hairs grow. This makes small bumps that may be white, skin colored, or slightly pink or red. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Talk to your doctor about skin care.
- Ask what creams or lotions are best for you to use.
- Ask how long you should use them.
- Use mild and unscented soap, moisturizers, and deodorants.
- Do not scrub your skin.
- Pat your skin dry after a bath.
- Avoid direct contact with the things that can bother your skin.
- Use products without dyes or chemicals.
- Use products without alcohol or a scent.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make office visits to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Soften and add moisture to your skin
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Long-lasting scarring
- Constant itching
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, wound that will not heal.
- If your bumps have pus or yellow scabs on them
- Itching becomes very bad.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my skin.
- I can tell you what I will do if my bumps have pus or yellow scabs on them.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/keratosis-pilaris.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/keratosis-pilaris/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2016-01-29 ‚
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Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚