Keratosis Pilaris or Strawberry Legs

They are rough patches and small pimple like bumps on the skin. They occur mostly on upperarms, thighs, buttocks and lower legs. These tiny bumps are dead skin cells plugging hairfollicles and feel like sandpaper. T hey can appear in different colors (skin-colored, white, red,pink, brown, or black) depending on skin tone with some surrounding redness.Rarely lesions can appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne or Folliculitis.

KPs are common in women, children or teenagers as well as those with dry skin, eczema,allergic tendencies and obesity. Though present year round, KPs can be exacerbated duringwinter and also during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Causes

Production of too much keratin (a protein) that blocks hair follicles. Waxing and shaving makes itworse.

How to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

KP is medically harmless, but many may seek treatment, as the condition can cause emotionaldistress. Treatments will alleviate the look of it, but keratosis pilaris is typically treatment-resistant. Improvement with topical creams or peels may take months. Successful treatment isseen with laser hair reduction as it will improve the appearance, soften the skin and may reducethe redness or darkening of the area substantially.

Solutions:

1. Non -soap cleansers
2. Exfoliatives like Salicylic acid, lactic acid etc
3. Moisturizers containing urea/salicylic acid/AHA’s
4. Topical retinoids
5. Chemical peels
6. Laser hair removal (It is the definitive treatment)