History
Ever since birth M has had this skin condition where the skin has multiple tiny bumps. Covered her entire body. The doctors weren't alerted by it at all. However, her pediatric doctor noticed it and said it shouldn't be of any concern. By her 2 yr check up the bumps still remain; heavier on her limbs and back. I felt so sad...you have this idea of your baby having soft, smooth skin...baby skin. In her case, she never had that baby skin feel. Sad. It doesn't cause her any pain or itch...its just gross kinda.
The Diagnosis
She has what is known as Keratosis (Sarah-toe-sis) Pilaris (Pil-heiress) . Doc said she would have it all her life. It wont minimize till puberty and that its a common skin issue.
Wikipedia.org describes it as such:
"Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, flanks, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).[1] Less commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.[2]"
Why???
"Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream colored, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). Bearing only cosmetic consequence, the condition most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year-round, it is during the colder months, when moisture levels in the air are lower, that the problem can become exacerbated and the goose bumps are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture. Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle."
Offered Remedies
Truly there is no way to remedy it. However, to help the skin, moisture is the best key. Something a little more powerful than lotion- body cream. Even better? Body cream with some cosmetic fighting power.
Cerave
found at major drugstores
image here
found at major drugstores
image here
If itch does occur at anytime (not due to above products but in general) apply
Hydrocortisone cream 2-5.1-which i have prescription for in case.
4 comments:
Cam and I both have this I think. We are pretty sure Jack has it too, CeraVe works great, it was recommended to us as well by out pediatrician. I was pretty familiar with it in adults ( I'm an esthetician ) but wasn't sure what to do with babies, CeraVe is awesome!
Glad you guys finally know what it is.
Hopefully it dies down fast as she gets older.
Vanicream is the best. We use on Elle's eczema due to her food allergies. Glad you found out what it was...
Yes, I think Kira has this condition too. It is weird how they don't have the baby soft skin, even after they have just been born. I thought it was so weird, but it's just the way her skin is.
Post a Comment