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Do you have weird tiny bumps on your upper arms, thighs, or even buttocks that aren’t painful to the touch or itch, but look like little white bumps? This skin condition is known as keratosis pilaris. It’s fairly common and can make the affected area of the skin appear rougher. Some people even notice that this skin condition may worsen depending on the season. When the weather is lower in humidity, they tend to experience flare-ups.
But, what is keratosis pilaris, and should you see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX if you notice this on your skin? We’ll answer all of your questions in this article. If you don’t see the questions that you’re looking for and if you need any extra help, make sure that you speak with a skin care specialist. Keratosis pilaris can be especially difficult to treat if you are also dealing with some other type of skincare problem as well. A skin care specialist can help you figure out a regimen and solution that will tackle all of these issues at once. They’ll also be able to check in with you regularly to ensure that your regimen is effective.
What Causes Keratosis Pilaris?
Those tiny, white bumps that you see are not caused by acne or oil buildup. Instead, it’s caused by keratin buildup. Keratin is a hard protein that’s necessary for your body. Your body naturally produces it to protect your skin from harmful substances and even infections. When there’s too much keratin buildup in one area, however, you’ll develop keratosis pilaris. The keratin blocks your follicles and creates a small, white bump.
Although we know what the white bump is made of, dermatologists aren’t exactly sure what the primary reason why keratin buildup occurs may be. They have noticed, however, that this skin condition tends to be more prevalent amongst those with dry skin. Some speculate that there may be a genetic factor involved. If your parents have keratosis pilaris, there’s a good chance that you’ll also experience a skin problem as well.
Should You See a Dermatologist?
If you notice some keratosis pilaris bumps on your arm, you don’t necessarily have to book an appointment with a dermatologist right away. This skin condition won’t cause any other issue and you don’t necessarily have to get it treated. Some people will notice that the bumps will go away on their own without any professional treatment.
However, if you’re concerned about the appearance of these bumps and they don’t align with your skincare goals, you can always book an appointment. A dermatologist should be able to come up with a skincare treatment that will help you get rid of these bumps for good or, at the very least, minimize their appearances and flare-ups.
Tips on How to Treat It
The best way to treat this skin condition is to speak with a skin care specialist. The skin care specialist can help you figure out not only what the best treatment may be, but also why you have this skin condition in the first place. This is crucial in preventing this from happening again in the future. When it comes to skincare, it’s always better to take preventative action rather than have to do a treatment.
It might be possible to treat keratosis pilaris at home by yourself. The treatment may not necessarily get rid of all of the white bumps; however, it might prevent flare-ups or minimize the areas that are affected. All you have to do is:
- Exfoliate. Make sure to do this as gently as possible. Use a loofah or even a rough washcloth to clean your body when you shower. This will slough off any dead cells that are on the surface of your skin and can help get rid of the keratin that’s built up underneath. Avoid exfoliating too aggressively, as this can actually irritate your skin and worsen the keratosis pilaris.
- Apply a keratolytic. You should also apply a product known as a keratolytic afterward. This is a chemical exfoliator that can not only get rid of dead skin cells on your skin but also any buildup that may be sitting right under the surface. Look for products that contain lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, or a retinoid.
- Moisturize. As many skin care specialists have noticed, keratosis pilaris tends to worsen if your skin is dry. After exfoliating your skin, you definitely want to slather on the moisturizer in order to make sure that your skin stays as hydrated and supple as possible. You should use an oil-free moisturizer if you’re concerned about clogged pores.
It’s important to note that keratosis pilaris isn’t necessarily curable although it is treatable. It is possible for this skin condition to appear out of seemingly nowhere sometimes, and it also takes a while for the bumps to completely disappear. Patience is key when it comes to skincare.
A Dermatologist Can Help You Get Clearer Skin
You don’t have to struggle with any skin conditions or issues by yourself. There are many different treatments and skincare regimens out there that can help you achieve clearer smooth skin. The trick is to figure out what products work for you and what types of treatments may be best suited for your skin.
The best way to figure out the riddle to clear skin is to see a dermatologist in Southlake, TX. A dermatologist has years of education and experience in how to achieve clear skin. Not only are they up-to-date on all of the newest treatments and regimens available, but they also have a lot of knowledge on how to tackle different types of skin problems.
If you’re looking for a dermatologist in Southlake, TX, call Compassion Dermatology at 817-380-5911. We are one of the top skin care clinics in the area and can help you pick out the right skincare treatments and products for your skin based on your skin type and many other factors. We’ll help you achieve your skincare goals in no time!
