Keratosis Follicularis – Facts and Treatment
Keratosis follicularis is a slow developing genetic skin disease that creates hyperkeratotic papules. As well as lesions, this skin affection causes nail abnormalities and mucous membrane changes. This disorder affects both sexes equally and starts to show its symptoms between 6 and 30 years of age.
Symptoms of Keratosis Follicularis
The papules rise out of hair follicles. The lesions can develop into skin colored or yellow brown papules with a greasy uneven, or warty texture. The face, ears, chest and back are where they most commonly appear. These hardened scaly lesions are progressive and may spread or grow larger. Some patients experience periods of remission and relapse of symptoms. Specific characteristics of symptoms as well as periods of change depend on the patient.
Nail changes are important for diagnostic reasons because this symptom is unique to keratosis follicularis. Nails often have red bands and ridges, as well as V-shaped nicks on the edge. Sometimes hyperkeratoses are seen beneath the nails.
Mucosal lesions form in about 15 percent of patients who suffer from keratosis follicularis. They develop in the mouth as white papules with a center depression. Oral lesion can obstruct salivary glands.
Treatment for Keratosis Follicularis
Sunblock, cool loose clothing, and avoiding exposure to hot area and sun exposure can help prevent breakouts. Lubricating creams with urea or lactic acid can help with scaling and hyperkeratosis. Topical steroid creams can help with inflammation. There are also treatments such as topical creams, injections, and oral medications that deal with uncomfortable symptoms of follicular keratosis.
Surgical options are also available. Electrosurgery is more commonly used to treat localized keratosis follicularis. There is also new methodology using carbon dioxide lasers that help lessen symptoms. A combination treatment using carbon dioxide lasers, curettage and shaving can lead to longer remission periods. Combination treatments can cause remission periods to last up to 2 years. Photodynamic therapy consists of acid therapy proven to be effective in about 69 percent of patients, and can put symptoms in remission for up to 3 years.
Biocutis skin care has created treatments that deal with follicular hyperkeratosis and other symptoms of keratosis follicularis. Biocutis keratosis follicularis treatment can organically and effectively reduces inflammation, scaly skin, the appearance of papules as well as other symptoms of this skin disorder.
