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Keratosis pilaris in Child
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Keratosis pilaris in Child

Contributors: Susan Burgin MD, Sarah N. Robinson MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Keratosis pilaris is an exceedingly common, benign skin disorder of the follicular orifice. Small follicular papules arise due to the retention of keratin at the follicular opening. The most commonly affected areas are the posterior upper arms and thighs, although cheeks and buttocks may also be involved. Keratosis pilaris is seen more frequently in children and adolescents. It is more common in atopic individuals and, frequently, there is a family history of the condition.

Keratosis pilaris tends to worsen during winter months, and it usually decreases after puberty. It is typically asymptomatic, but if treatment is attempted, the affected areas are often refractory.

Keratosis pilaris is seen with increased incidence in several syndromes and disease states. In addition to atopic dermatitis, these include ichthyosis vulgaris, erythromelanosis follicularis faciei et colli (erythema, brown pigmentation, and keratosis pilaris), Graham-Little-Piccardi-Lassueur syndrome (cicatricial alopecia of the scalp, loss of pubic and axillary hairs, and keratosis pilaris), cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome, Noonan syndrome, diabetes, Down syndrome, woolly hair, and obesity.

Clinical Variants

Codes

ICD10CM:
L85.8 – Other specified epidermal thickening

SNOMEDCT:
5132005 – Keratosis pilaris

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Therapy

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References

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Last Reviewed:01/31/2017
Last Updated:02/12/2020
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Patient Information for Keratosis pilaris in Child
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Keratosis pilaris in Child
A medical illustration showing key findings of Keratosis pilaris : Cheek, Erythema, Follicular configuration, Thigh, Upper arm
Clinical image of Keratosis pilaris - imageId=32898. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of follicularly-based, scaly, erythematous papules.'
A close-up of follicularly-based, scaly, erythematous papules.
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