Keratosis Polaris

When is acne not acne? When it’s Keratosis Pilaris, a hard-to-pronounce name for a clever acne imposter.

Keratosis Pilaris does a very good imitation of acne, especially since it’s most common in teenagers. It appears as patches of red, kernel-hard bumps. These bumps can be found on the back of your arms, shoulders, buttocks, and the front of your thighs. You might see them pop up on your cheeks as well.

Unlike acne, Keratosis Pilaris won’t cause you pain, although it will feel ‘spiny’ to the touch. You’ll notice it gets more severe in the winter months when the humidity is lower, and if you live in an arid climate like Arizona you’re more likely to get it.

Since Keratosis Pilaris is such a good imposter it’s best to consult your dermatologist for treatment.

Related topics: