What happens in the skin
Normally, horny scales gradually peel off from the surface of the skin and from the mouths of the hair follicles. With follicular keratosis, this process is disrupted: the scales linger and form a dense plug around the hair, which sometimes curls and remains under it. The skin feels like sandpaper to the touch, and there is slight redness around some of the nodules. There is no inflammation as such, so the elements do not hurt, rarely itch and never fester on their own.
- Horny plug at the mouth of the follicle
- The hair is curled under the cork
- Roughness and small nodules
- Possible reddish rim around elements
- Little or no itching
Reasons and what strengthens
The main factor is the hereditary feature of keratinization, so parents and brothers or sisters often have similar skin. The condition is more common in people with dry skin and atopic dermatitis, in adolescents, and in overweight people. It noticeably intensifies in winter, when the air is dry and the skin loses moisture, as well as with frequent use of hot water, hard washcloths and aggressive shower gels. In the summer and with regular moisturizing, the skin usually becomes smoother.
- Hereditary predisposition
- Dry skin and atopic dermatitis
- Adolescence and hormonal changes
- Cold dry season
- Hot shower and hard washcloths
- Overweight
How to distinguish it from other rashes
Follicular keratosis is located symmetrically, often on the extensor surfaces, the elements are the same, dense and dry. With folliculitis, the nodules are painful, with an abscess in the center and are prone to new ones appearing as a result of shaving or visiting the pool. Acne on the back and shoulders is accompanied by comedones and inflammatory elements, more often in adolescents. Allergic dermatitis is itchy and accompanied by redness and peeling in continuous areas. If in doubt, a dermatologist's examination helps.
- Symmetrical elements of the same type
- No pustules or pain
- With folliculitis - pustules and pain
- For acne - comedones and inflammation
- With dermatitis - itching and continuous redness
Care that helps
The point of care is to simultaneously soften the horn plugs and retain moisture in the skin. Products with urea, lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid work well: they are applied to dry skin daily or every other day, gradually getting used to it. A cream or lotion is required immediately after a shower, while the skin is damp. It is better to shower warm, not hot, with a mild cleanser. Harsh scrubs and removing plugs only worsen the redness. The result is assessed no earlier than after 4–8 weeks of regular use.
- Products with urea 5–20%
- Lactic, glycolic or salicylic acid
- Moisturizer immediately after shower
- Warm, not hot shower
- Mild detergent without aggressive surfactants
- Avoiding harsh scrubs and washcloths
- Regularity - effect after 1–2 months
When you need a doctor's help
You should consult a dermatologist if the rashes are itchy, inflamed, leave spots and scars, spread to the face with persistent redness, or if home care for two months has not produced results. The doctor may prescribe external retinoids, more concentrated keratolytics, and in case of severe redness, discuss hardware techniques. The combination with atopic dermatitis requires special attention: then it is treated first. It is important to understand the realistic goal: the skin will become noticeably smoother and softer, but the keratinization feature cannot be completely eliminated.
- Itching, inflammation and pustules
- Persistent facial redness
- Scars and stains in place of elements
- No effect from care for 6–8 weeks
- Topical retinoids as prescribed by a doctor
- Treatment of concomitant atopic dermatitis