Keratosis Pilaris diagnosis, treatment & medications
Connect with an Online Dermatologist today! Medications delivered to your preferred pharmacy
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment FAQ
Can a Dermatologist treat Keratosis Pilaris at DermCafé?
Absolutely. Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is easily identifiable on photos and have great treatments options
What are the symptoms?
​KP causes the following changes on the sides of your upper arms, thighs and/or cheeks:
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Feel rough and dry like sandpaper
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Resemble the skin of a plucked chicken or goosebumps
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Become more noticeable in winter or a dry climate
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Itch
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Appear in different colours, including the same colour as your skin, white, red, pinkish purple (on fair skin), and brownish black (on dark skin)
What causes keratosis pilaris?
KP is a genetic condition.
People of all ages and races have this common skin condition. For most people, it begins at one of the following times:
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Before 2 years of age
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During the teenage years
KP can also continue into one’s adult years. Women are a bit more likely to have KP.
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You're more likely to have KP if you have one or more of the following:
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Close blood relatives who have KP
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Asthma
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Dry skin
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Eczema
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Excess body weight
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Hay fever
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Ichthyosis vulgaris (a rare skin condition that causes very dry skin)
KP is not contagious. We get keratosis pilaris when dead skin cells clog our pores.
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How is it treated?
This skin condition is harmless, so you don’t need to treat it.
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If the itch, dryness, or the appearance of your skin bothers you, treatment can help. A Dermatologist can create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns, which may include:
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Medical-level moisturizers
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Topical medicines
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Behavioural directives for showering, exfoliating and more
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What is DermCafé?
Connect with a DermCafé Dermatologist today!
We’re a Digital Dermatology Centre that aims to provide all Canadians with equitable, accessible, convenient and modern dermatology care.
Simply submit your symptom info and skin photos online and connect with an online dermatologist at your convenience.
Visit our How This Work page to learn more.
Step 1
Submit your Symptom Info and Photos online
Step 2
Book your Online Appointment
Step 4
Access Your Online Results Anytime
Choose your preferred Pharmacy for medication delivery
Download DermCafé Info Sheets, bloodwork forms and Sick Notes, and book follow-up appointments when needed
Step 3
Audio/Video Visit with Your Dermatologist
OHIP/MSP-covered visits require a Referral by another Physician. Simply book a Video Visit with our Family Doctor first
