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Clogged Pores and Tiny Bumps on the Skin
Your skin provides a layer of protection between you and the outside world. Occasionally, areas of the skin can experience breakouts and eruptions from blockages inside the pores. Common acne and keratosis pilaris are conditions that involve clogged pores. About 40 million to 50 million Americans have acne, while keratosis pilaris develops in up to 40 percent of the population, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 13. Although these are two different medical conditions, some of the symptoms are similar.
Acne Symptoms
Both acne and keratosis pilaris may appear as small bumps on the skin 3. These little bumps commonly form on oily areas of facial skin, chest and upper back skin. They often have small, visible centers, known as blackheads or whiteheads.
Keratosis Pilaris Symptoms
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Keratosis pilaris usually affects individuals with dry skin and appears as numerous small bumps that form closely together, usually on the upper arms and thighs of children 3. Keratosis pilaris may cause the skin to feel like bumpy sandpaper 3. These flesh-colored bumps can itch and turn pink. When these tiny bumps occur on the face, they may resemble acne.
Causes
Clogged pores lead to the formation of the tiny bumps in both acne and keratosis pilaris. Clogged pores in acne usually occur when excess oil fails to exit the pores and bacteria begin to form in the blockage. The reason people get acne remains a mystery, but it commonly occurs during adolescence when hormones cause an overproduction of sebum, according to the American Academy of Dermatology 13. Dry skin causes the clogged pores found in keratosis pilaris 3.
Self-Care
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While acne and keratosis pilaris often clear up on their own, certain measures may help reduce the appearance of these tiny bumps. Common treatments for acne include over-the-counter cleansers, creams and lotions that include salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide. Applying lotions and moisturizers, especially ones that contain lactic acid, may help reduce the dryness associated with keratosis pilaris.
Medical Treatments
Acne often responds well to prescription topical medicines that contain antibiotics or retinoids. Oral medications may also help clear up acne-prone skin. Topical retinoids may also help treat keratosis pilaris. Gentle chemical peels may also help to reduce the appearance of these tiny skin bumps.
- Acne often responds well to prescription topical medicines that contain antibiotics or retinoids.
- Oral medications may also help clear up acne-prone skin.
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References
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Facing Facts About Acne
- American Academy of Dermatology: Dry Skin & Keratosis Pilaris
- Wang JF, Orlow SJ. Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: Associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(5):733-57. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0368-3
- Thomas M, Khopkar US. Keratosis pilaris revisited: Is it more than just a follicular keratosis?. Int J Trichology. 2012;4(4):255-8. doi:10.4103/0974-7753.111215
- Wang JF, Orlow SJ. Keratosis pilaris and its subtypes: Associations, new molecular and pharmacologic etiologies, and therapeutic options. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2018;19(5):733-57. doi:10.1007/s40257-018-0368-3
- Gruber R, Sugarman JL, Crumrine D, et al. Sebaceous gland, hair shaft, and epidermal barrier abnormalities in keratosis pilaris with and without filaggrin deficiency. Am J Pathol. 2015;185(4):1012-21. doi:10.1016/j.ajpath.2014.12.012
- Liu F, Yang Y, Zheng Y, Liang YH, Zeng K. Mutation and expression of ABCA12 in keratosis pilaris and nevus comedonicus. Mol Med Rep. 2018;18(3):3153-8. doi:10.3892/mmr.2018.9342
- Pennycook K, McCready T. Keratosis pilaris. In: StatPearls. Updated September 13, 2019.
- Sonthalia S, Bhatia J, Thomas M. Dermoscopy of keratosis pilaris. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2019;10(5):613-4. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_279_18
- Peter Rout D, Nair A, Gupta A, Kumar P. Epidermolytic hyperkeratosis: clinical update. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2019;12:333-44. doi:10.2147/CCID.S166849
- Kootiratrakarn T, Kampirapap K, Chunhasewee C. Epidermal permeability barrier in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. Dermatol Res Pract. 2015;2015:205012. doi:10.1155/2015/205012
- Schwitulla J, Brasch J, Löffler H, Schnuch A, Geier J, Uter W. Skin irritability to sodium lauryl sulfate is associated with increased positive patch test reactions. Br J Dermatol. 2014;171(1):115-23. doi:10.1111/bjd.12893
- Ciliberto H, Farshidi A, Berk D, Bayliss S. Photopneumatic therapy for the treatment of keratosis pilaris. J Drug Dermatol. 2013 Jul;12(7):804-6.
Writer Bio
Laura Wallace Henderson, a professional freelance writer, began writing in 1989. Her articles appear online at Biz Mojo, Walden University and various other websites. She has served as the co-editor for "Kansas Women: Focus on Health." She continues to empower and encourage women everywhere by promoting health, career growth and business management skills.