skin disorders
Keratosis Pilaris
Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris
Specialized skin moisturizers or other creams, gels, and lotions Sometimes laser treatments Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not needed unless the person is bothered by the appearance of the bumps. Moisturizers that contain petrolatum andsalicylic acidor petrolatum and water may help flatten the bumps. Other helpful treatments are lactic acid lotions or creams,ureacreams,salicylic acidgel, or prescription exfoliating treatments that are applied to the skin as creams or gels and contain retinoids, which are substances derived fromvitamin A. These exfoliating treatments includetretinoin,adapalene, andtazarotene.Tacrolimusandazelaic acid, applied to the skin, can also be effective. Acid creams should be avoided in young children because they cause burning and stinging. Doctors may use a laser (see sidebar Using Lasers to Treat Skin Problems ) to treat facial redness if it is present and troublesome to the person. Keratosis pilaris is likely to come back when treatment is stopped. 