Keratosis Pilaris?

[knitwearisforwinners]

Hello,

I wonder if you might be able to offer any advice please. I have taken both my daughters to the GP on several occasions now as they both have significant 'bumps' up both arms, totally covering all skin on the outside of both arms. It is gradually getting worse and is now extending down towards their wrists. My younger daughter, aged two, has it more severely than my four year old.

The areas affected are comprised of hundreds of tiny spots which can sometimes look reddish, but mostly are extremely dry. They almost form a crust on my youngest daughter's arms. We were prescribed Epaderm, which takes the worst of the dryness from the tops of the spots, but does nothing to diminish them or soften the spots themselves.

My husband has keratosis pilaris on his torso, arms and legs, so I asked the GP whether there could be a connection, but I was told on all visits that it was simply eczema. I am really not happy with the diagnosis, as they are not patches of dry skin, but clear and distinct spots which now cover my children's arms totally. Whilst they do not cause any discomfort, I am concerned that they will become bothered by the appearance as they get older, especially as they are covering more and more of their skin.

Clearly I am not medically qualified, and would never wish to argue with my GP, it just simply doesn't look like any form of eczema I have ever seen, is not itchy or inflamed, but just dry spots.

I would be very appreciative if anyone could give me any idea of whether it sounds like eczema or whether it might be worth going to see a different GP for another opinion. Also, should I be worried that it is spreading?

Many thanks in advance.

[Dr Jonathan Bowling]

Dear Knitwearisforwinners,
Your description, particularly in view of the family history, would do very well for keratosis pilaris (KP). This is obviously causing concern and I would recommend re-visiting the GP once you have had a chance to look at the following link:
http://www.dermnetnz.org/acne/keratosis-pilaris.html

The information explains the different types of KP presentation which can vary hugely. It is a very common condition and many individuals are not aware they have this. Although it tends to be most obvious in teenage years it may improve with time. Unfortunately treatment options tend to be limited and aimed at symptom control rather than cure.

It may be worth looking for products that contain urea, which may provide increased hydration and help with the 'roughness', such as calmurid and eucerin.

I hope this helps

Jonathan

Dr Jonathan Bowling
www.mydermatologist.co.uk

[Nurse_Janet_Keyworth]

Hi
Just some general tips on applying moisturiser. They need to be applied regularly and at least twice daily if you can. Be quite generous and apply a thin layer using downward strokes following the hair growth. This should be left to soak in rather than rubbing and rubbing until it dissapears, so it may be practical for your child to wear an old T shirt to stop the cream from getting on furniture ect.
It is difficult applying creams in young children who often don't like having them applied so little and often is usually better. Just to say the Urea creams are better but can sometimes sting so just be aware of this.
Keratosis Pilaris does improve with age and it is harmless although I can appreciate a nuisance.

Kind regards

Janet Keyworth
Clinical Nurse Specialist