Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common and harmless skin condition that affects people of all ages. It appears as small, rough bumps on the skin, often described as “chicken skin.” While it is not dangerous, it can be bothersome, especially in terms of appearance. Recent research has helped shed light on the causes of KP, its connection with other skin conditions like acne, and the most effective treatment options available today.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris typically appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. The bumps are usually white, red, or skin-colored and may feel dry or slightly itchy. The condition occurs when keratin, a protein that protects skin from infections, builds up and clogs hair follicles. Over time, this leads to the development of the rough, bumpy texture.
Although KP is considered a cosmetic issue rather than a medical one, it can still cause emotional discomfort, particularly when it affects visible areas such as the face or arms.
Prevalence and Associations
According to a cross-sectional study by Schmitt et al. (2014), keratosis pilaris is quite common and appears to be linked with acne vulgaris. In their study, individuals with KP were more likely to have acne as well. This suggests that people with KP may have a skin type that is more prone to both keratin and oil build-up, leading to multiple skin concerns. The authors highlight that understanding these associations is essential for both prevention and treatment planning.
How is Keratosis Pilaris Evaluated?
Evaluating and scoring KP severity can help guide treatment choices. A review by Wang et al. (2023) examined the current ways to measure the extent and severity of KP. They found that most scoring systems consider several factors such as the number of bumps, redness, skin roughness, and the overall appearance. However, they also noted a lack of standardization in these assessments, which makes it harder to compare outcomes across different studies. This inconsistency in evaluation methods points to the need for more uniform criteria in both clinical practice and research.
Laser and Light-Based Treatments
Several studies have explored the use of laser and light therapies to reduce the appearance of KP, especially for people who find traditional creams and exfoliants ineffective.
1. 577-nm Pro-Yellow Laser: A case report by Temiz et al. (2022) showed positive results using a 577-nm pro-yellow laser. The treatment led to significant improvement in redness and overall skin texture. This wavelength appears particularly effective because it targets blood vessels, which helps reduce the redness often seen in keratosis pilaris rubra, a more inflammatory form of the condition.
2. 810-nm Diode Laser: Another important clinical trial by Ibrahim et al. (2015) tested the 810-nm diode laser. This randomized study included individuals with KP and compared treated skin with untreated areas. The study found significant improvement in skin texture and bump reduction in the treated areas. However, the authors also pointed out that the results were temporary and required multiple sessions for sustained benefits.
3. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: A double-blind, sham-controlled trial by Maitriwong et al. (2019) found that IPL therapy was significantly effective in treating KP. The study concluded that after three sessions, participants had noticeable reductions in redness and skin roughness compared to the control group. Since IPL can target both pigment and vascular components, it appears to be a well-rounded option for KP.
Systematic Review of Laser and Light Therapies
A broader perspective was provided by Kechichian et al. (2020), who conducted a systematic review of all available light and laser treatments for KP. Their review included multiple studies and found that while many laser types showed promise, results varied greatly. Some patients responded well to laser therapy, while others saw minimal changes. The review emphasized that while these treatments can be helpful, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Factors like skin type, severity of KP, and treatment expectations all play a role in determining the best course of action.
What Do These Findings Mean for People with KP?
The existing literature makes it clear that KP is a condition with multiple contributing factors. It may be linked with other skin concerns such as acne, and its severity can vary widely between individuals. While traditional moisturizers and exfoliants can help, they are not always effective for everyone.
Laser and light therapies offer promising alternatives, especially for those who have not seen results with creams or scrubs. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can vary, and they often require multiple sessions. Some treatments, such as the 577-nm pro-yellow laser, are more suited for reducing redness, while others like the 810-nm diode laser focus on improving skin texture.
Conclusion
Keratosis pilaris is a widespread and often frustrating skin condition, but recent studies give hope for more effective treatments. From associations with acne to successful trials using laser and light therapies, our understanding of KP is growing. However, more standardized methods for evaluating KP and more research comparing long-term outcomes of different treatments are still needed. For now, individuals suffering from KP have multiple options to explore, especially when guided by the latest clinical research.
References：
Temiz SA, Ataseven A, Dursun R. Treatment of keratosis pilaris rubra with 577-nm pro-yellow laser. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Sep;21(9):3814-3816. doi: 10.1111/jocd.15088.
Kechichian E, Jabbour S, El Hachem L, Tomb R, Helou J. Light and Laser Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris: A Systematic Review. Dermatol Surg. 2020 Nov;46(11):1397-1402. doi: 10.1097/DSS.0000000000002441.
Schmitt JV, Lima BZ, Souza MC, Miot HA. Keratosis pilaris and prevalence of acne vulgaris: a cross-sectional study. An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jan-Feb;89(1):91-5. doi: 10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142399.
Ibrahim O, Khan M, Bolotin D, Dubina M, Nodzenski M, Disphanurat W, Kakar R, Yoo S, Whiting D, West DP, Poon E, Veledar E, Alam M. Treatment of keratosis pilaris with 810-nm diode laser: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2015 Feb;151(2):187-91. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2014.2211.
Wang MA, Wilson A, Murrell DF. A Review of the Scoring and Assessment of Keratosis Pilaris. Skin Appendage Disord. 2023 Aug;9(4):241-251. doi: 10.1159/000529487.
Maitriwong P, Tangkijngamvong N, Asawanonda P. Intense Pulsed-light Therapy Significantly Improves Keratosis Pilaris: A Randomized, Double-blind, Sham Irradiation-controlled Trial. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2019 Oct;12(10):E53-E57.
