It can.
So can over exfoliating, waxing, scratching or picking at affected areas.
Keratosis pilaris appears as small red bumps on the skin due to a buildup of keratin on the skin. Keratin is the key protein that makes up the outer layer of our skin as well as our hair and nails. When it builds up it can clog the skin and prevent hairs from growing through the hair follicle.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless and generally doesn’t cause itching like other skin conditions. But the visual aspect of it and the difficulties it can bring to shaving make it a condition most men would like to avoid.
Keratosis Pilaris Triggers
Keratin build up: As mentioned, a build up of keratin is ultimately what keratosis pilaris is but we don’t actually know why it happens in the first place.
Dry skin and eczema: Dry skin and eczema are both contributing factors to keratosis pilaris and if you have either, you’re at greater risk of getting it. As a result, you might be at greater risk during the winter when the air is dry.
Exfoliating: Specifically, irritating the skin when exfoliating too much or too forcefully.
Preventing Keratosis Pilaris
Moisturize: Using body lotion – or face cream depending on the location – helps to prevent the skin from drying out.
Shorter warm bathes and showers: As opposed to using hot water and having long hot bathes and showers which remove too much of our natural oils and lead to dry skin.
Use a Humidifier: Especially during the dry winter months, humidified air keeps the skin from drying out.
Exfoliating: But not too much. Use a softer loofah if needed and make sure it’s moist before using on affected areas of your body.
No scratching: Try to avoid scratching the areas that are affected.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
- While there is no cure, it tends to come on around age 10 and can come and go until around age 30 when it may disappear on its own.
- As mentioned above, lightly exfoliating and moisturizing the skin go a long way to reducing the chances of keratosis pilaris.
- Medicated creams containing ingredients like alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid or urea can help to moisturize and protect the skin.
- A dermatologist might suggest microdermabrasion, chemical peel or other procedure like laser treatment for more serious cases.
Conclusion
- Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin condition that while generally not causing itchiness, results in small red bumps on the skin.
- It typically occurs on the cheeks, butt, arms and thighs.
- Does shaving make keratosis pilaris worse? When it occurs on the face, it can make shaving difficult and can irritate the skin.
- While keratosis pilaris can come and go, there is no 100% treatment that makes it go away for good. Many sufferers outgrow it by age 30 though.
- Keeping the skin moisturized is a key way to reduce triggers.
- Do you experience acne keloidalis nuchae? It’s another common problem men experience.
Have you ever suffered from keratosis pilaris? If so, how did you deal with it?