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What causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

What causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.  The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch, but can become unsightly or embarrassing to young children and teens.

But what causes keratosis pilaris in children?

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris in Children? | KPKids.net

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary condition, which means your child likely inherited the condition from their mother or father.  If you have it, or had it as a child, there’s a greater chance that your child will develop it as well.

 

RELATED: If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

 

What is keratosis pilaris?

KP is caused by the excess build-up of keratin and dead skin cells around individual hair follicles.  Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic condition and is NOT caused by parental neglect and bathing too infrequently.  Sometimes overly frequent bathing can actually make your child’s keratosis pilaris worse (see 5 Things to NOT do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris).

Keratosis pilaris is commonly seen in children and teens, but can begin as early as infancy.

Unfortunately, keratosis pilaris can not be cured or prevented.  But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. The skin condition usually disappears by age 30, but some adults deal with symptoms for many years.

RELATED:  Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home

How is KP diagnosed in childhood?

If you believe that you or your child may have the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris, be sure to visit your child’s Physician or Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

In most cases, your child’s doctor can diagnose KP simply by examining and touching the affected area of the skin. No testing is needed.

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin,
be sure to subscribe to our KPKids Community and join us in our private Facebook group. Together, we can find something that works.

 

10 Ways to Improve your Kid's Keratosis Pilaris Today | KPKids.net

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms
If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

Recent dermatological surveys tell us that over 40% of the population has some form of keratosis pilaris. Many adults with keratosis pilaris often wonder about the possibility of their children developing the same skin condition.

If I Have Keratosis Pilaris, Will my Kids Have KP too? | KPKids.net

While keratosis pilaris is commonly thought to be a genetic skin disorder, not all children will inherit this skin condition from their parents. Other factors may contribute to the genetic component, like seasonal allergies, food allergies and some dietary conditions.

However, your child is more likely to develop keratosis pilaris if they have any of the following:

  • Close blood relatives who have keratosis pilaris
  • Asthma
  • Dry skin
  • Eczema
  • Hay fever

If the bumps on your child’s skin bother them (or you), applying one of the following treatments can help reduce the itchiness and visibly reduce the appearance of the redness or white bumps.

  • Ammonium lactate cream or lotion (12%): Apply it as directed by your dermatologist. The most common brand is AmLactin.
  • A moisturizer: A cream or ointment works best. Apply it after bathing and gently massage it into the skin with keratosis pilaris 2 – 3 times a day. One of our favorites is Ceravé SA.

 

RELATED: 5 Things NOT to do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris

 

 

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

 

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms, Living with Keratosis Pilaris
Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated at bath time

Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated at bath time

How to Keep Your Baby's Skin Hydrated at Bath Time | KPKids.net

Bathing your baby is an essential (likely daily) task, and can often lead to dry skin.

Dry, irritated skin lead can potentially lead to a variety of other issues, including KP flare-ups, scaly skin and even baby pimples.

Try washing your child’s skin with a gentler, more hydrating body wash at bath time to ensure their skin stays well-moisturized and healthy.

One of our all-time favorites is Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Tear-Free Shampoo.

 

 

RELATED: How this $10 Lotion has Improved my Kids’ Keratosis Pilaris

Posted by kpkids in Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

As anyone with Keratosis Pilaris knows, the search for a treatment and cure can be exhausting. But what many don’t understand is that Keratosis Pilaris is an inherited skin condition.

The recommended treatments for KP are only for the *temporary* relief of symptoms and must be used continuously to see improvement.

Can Keratosis Pilaris be Completely Cured? | KPKids.net

The treatment plan recommended by your child’s doctor or dermatologist should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure the best results in lessening the visibility and texture of the bumps on their face, arms and legs.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris.

 

RELATED: What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

 

Although the condition may remain for years, symptoms usually lessen by age 30. Keratosis pilaris symptoms may go away with age, but there is currently no cure.

Results will vary from case to case.  This simply means that what may work for one child, may not work for another.

Each child’s skin, diet and sun exposure is different. So keep trying different remedies until you find the best product with the best results for your child.

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
Recommended Products for Toddlers with KP:  2 – 4 years

Recommended Products for Toddlers with KP: 2 – 4 years

Our toddlers become more mobile and independent every year, and managing the health of their skin becomes very important during these busy years.

But how do you care for their still tender skin at this age?

Recommended Products for Toddlers with Keratosis Pilaris - Age 2-4 Years | KPKids.net

Toddlers with Keratosis Pilaris | www.kpkids.netStart a daily routine.

The better they know what to expect in bathing and moisturizing their skin, the more independent (and less bothered!) they feel about your frequent attention to their skin. Establishing a consistent routine will help your child know what to expect and will help you remember to apply moisturizers or limit bath time.

Simple things like daily routine boards and reward charts are a great way of encouraging your child to establish good habits.

The more consistent you can be with your skin care and bathing routine, the more relaxed your toddler will be with your continued attention to their skin.

 

Keep their skin moisturized.

Apply a moisturizing lotion or cream often during the day. Keep your favorite lotion or cream near your diaper-changing area to remind you to reapply a light layer of lotion after each diaper change.

I always loved having a diaper caddy (or diaper-changing basket) nearby stocked with all the diapers, lotions or creams I would need. It was easy to move from room to room, and held enough supplies to last about a week. As your toddler transitions into potty-training, these baskets/caddies are great for holding extra flushable wipes and extra pairs of toddler underwear.

Keep trying until you find something that works.

We’ve tested many products in our home through the years, and have come across our favorites through trial and error.  These are some of our top mom-tested products (and brands) for treating keratosis pilaris, eczema and sensitive dry skin in children…

 

 

Grab your FREE KP Tip Sheet with 10 Ways to Improve your child’s Keratosis Pilaris!

10 Ways to Improve your Kid's Keratosis Pilaris Today | KPKids.net

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
What You Need to Know About Keratosis Pilaris

What You Need to Know About Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition diagnosed in approximately 40% of the population.

Keratosis Pilaris in kids children babies | KPKids.netIt is characterized by tiny bumps on the skin, usually found on the outer areas of the upper arms, thighs, cheeks and sometimes the face (often referred to as “chicken skin”).

The bumps give a sandpaper-like texture to the skin in these areas.  It commonly presents itself as flesh-colored to slightly red, rough little bumps.

If you believe that you or your child may have the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris, be sure to visit your child’s physician or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.  In most cases, your child’s doctor can diagnose Keratosis Pilaris, also known as KP, simply by examining and touching the skin.

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin, be sure to subscribe today!

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms