Acne and Keratosis Pilaris- Many of us treat our condition thinking that it is acne. After months of OTC treatment, we find no difference and curse our luck. After that when we approach our doctor we may be told that what we believed to be acne was not acne at all, but keratosis pilaris. Please know basics of keratosis pilaris so that you save yourself from all this confusion and trouble.

Keratosis Pilaris- what is it? Keratosis Pilaris is a condition of skin. In this condition small bumps that are skin colored or sometimes reddish form around the hair follicles. Keratosis Pilaris is an inherited condition and has nothing to do with sebaceous glands or hormones. Bumps form around the hair follicle and they look like acne comedones. Keratosis Pilaris can form on the upper back, arms, cheeks, thighs etc. No acne treatment will cure it, because it is not acne. Let us find out how to treat Keratosis Pilaris and how to know the difference.

Keratosis Pilaris- treatment Keratosis Pilaris always forms around the hair follicles. Secondly the bumps don't get infected over time, as may happen in acne. That may give you a hint that you don't have acne, but Keratosis Pilaris. Keratosis Pilaris is treated with glycolic acid, or lactic acid. Both of these are AHAs and they remove the bumps by dissolving them. You can get these in OTC or prescription form. Your doctor will guide you about the treatment.

Acne and Keratosis Pilaris confusion- Many conditions look like acne. Folliculitis is another. If you try standard OTC medication of acne on these conditions, they may not respond. That will make you try higher strength acne medications. But that also will not work. The right approach is diagnosis. If the diagnosis is correct, half the battle is won. To know more about Keratosis Pilaris and other skin conditions.