Keratosis Pilaris
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition that appears as tiny bumps on the skin. The bumps may look like tiny pimples or goosebumps. Some people claim it looks like the skin of a plucked chicken. [1]
The bumps are actually dead skin cells that have built up and plugged the hair follicle. The bumps often appear on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks (in children). [1]
Keratosis pilaris first appears in early childhood and becomes most extensive between 10-20 years of age. [4]
Keratosis pilaris is associated with many other conditions, including atopic dermatitis, eczema, ichthyosis vulgaris, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition. It can also often present among those with Down syndrome and Noonan syndrome. [4]
Treatments include emollients to hydrate and soften the skin after bathing, exfoliants, anti-inflammatory medications, light-therapy, and various laser therapies. [4] Topical treatments like mineral oil-hydrophil petrolat, tacrolimus, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid are also effective. [5]
Signs & Symptoms
Bumpy skin that is rough and dry
May worsen in cold, dry weather
May itch
May be different colors, including white, red, pinkish purple (on fair skin), and brownish black (on dark skin)
Contributing Factors
Genetics [8]
High blood sugar and high insulin in the blood. Factors that lead to high blood sugar include physical or emotional chronic stress, certain medications like steroids and excess carbohydrate intake. [2]
Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may be caused by:
Omega-3 Deficiency
Gluten Sensitivity
Mold Exposure
Increased Toxic Load
Next Steps
Diet
There are very few studies that show a link between diet and keratosis pilaris. One study indicated that keratosis pilaris is the result of chronically high blood sugar and high insulin. [2] Being cognizant of carbohydrate and sugar intake may be beneficial. Some anecdotal reports recommend removing gluten or grains from the diet. Improvements may actually be the result of decreasing carbohydrate intake because of the removal of gluten/grains.
Excess intake of omega 6 fatty acids can also increase the risk of obesity which is often accompanied by high blood sugar and high insulin levels, which may cause keratosis pilaris. [6]
Since keratosis pilaris worsens in dry, cold weather, and moisturization seems to help reduce it, it may also help to consume foods that moisturize the skin from the inside. Ensure adequate hydration and drink plenty of water. General recommendations are to drink half your weight in ounces. For example, if you weigh 100 lbs (100/2 = 50), you should drink 50 ounces of water.
Fat soluble vitamins A, E and D are essential for skin health and include fatty fish like salmon, beef liver, olive oil, walnuts, avocado and butter and full-fat dairy products from grass-fed cows and pastured egg yolks.
Supplements
Cod liver oil is a great source of vitamin A and D for skin health. It is also anti-inflammatory and can help with controlling blood sugar. [7]
Lifestyle
Gentle dry brushing with a stiff-bristled brush may be beneficial to help unclog pores and improve circulation.
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any supplement or medication, always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure it is a good fit for your child. Dosage can vary based on age, weight, gender, and current diet.
Keratosis Pilaris & Autism in the Research
There is no current research on Keratosis Pilaris and Autism.
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[1] Keratosis pilaris: Overview. Aad.org. Accessed September 25, 2022. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keratosis-pilaris-overview
[2] Svoboda SA, Shields BE. Cutaneous Manifestations of Nutritional Excess: Pathophysiologic Effects of Hyperglycemia and Hyperinsulinemia on the Skin. Cutis. 2021;107(2):74-8.
[3] Firsowicz M, Boyd M, Jacks SK. Follicular occlusion disorders in Down syndrome patients. Pediatr Dermatol. 2020;37(1):219-21.
[4] Pennycook KB, McCready TA. Keratosis Pilaris. Published online 2022. Accessed September 25, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31536314/
[5] Maghfour J, Ly S, Haidari W, Taylor SL, Feldman SR. Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: a systematic review. J Dermatolog Treat. 2022;33(3):1231-42
[6] Simopoulos AP. An Increase in the Omega-6/Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio Increases the Risk for Obesity. Nutrients. 2016;8(3):128.
[7] Yang S, Lin R, Si L, et al. Cod-Liver Oil Improves Metabolic Indices and hs-CRP Levels in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. J Diabetes Res. 2019;2019:7074042.[8] Keratosis pilaris: Who gets and causes. Aad.org. Accessed September 25, 2022. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/keratosis-pilaris-causes
