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Keratosis Follicularis - Causes, Facts and Treatment

Keratosis follicularis, also known as Darier disease, is slowly developing inherited skin disorder characterized by hyperkeratotic papules. In addition to lesions, there are also nail abnormalities, and mucous membrane changes. This disorder affects both sexes equally and starts to show its symptoms between 6 and 30 years of age.

Symptoms of Keratosis Follicularis

The papules rise out of hair follicles. The lesions can develop into skin colored or yellow brown papules with a greasy uneven, or warty texture. They most commonly appear on the face, ears, chest and back. These lesions may grow larger or spread. Sometimes patients have periods when signs improve (remission), but usually they recurrences are inevitable (relapse). Specific symptoms, periods of change and responsiveness to treatment vary from person to person.

Nail changes are important for diagnostic reasons because this symptom is unique to keratosis follicularis. Nails develop red bands and ridges as well as suffer from splitting and sometimes a V-shaped nick at the free margin of the nail. Hyperkeratosis can also develop beneath the nails.

Mucosal lesions appear on approximately 15 percent of patients suffering from keratosis follicularis. They develop in the mouth as white papules with a center depression. Oral lesions can affect salivary glands and cause problems.

Treatment for Keratosis Follicularis

UV protection, cool cotton clothing and staying out of the heat can prevent outbreaks. Moisturizers with lactic acid or urea can decrease scaling and hyperkeratosis. For inflammation, a topical mid-potency steroid can help. There are also some topical prescription creams, injections, and oral medications that can also significantly relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with follicular keratosis.

For more serious cases, surgical options are also offered. Electrosurgery has been used to treat localized keratosis follicularis. There is also new methodology using carbon dioxide lasers that help lessen symptoms. A combination treatment using carbon dioxide lasers, curettage and shaving can lead to longer remission periods. Combination treatments can cause remission periods to last up to 2 years. Acid therapy, or photodynamic therapy, is proven effective for about 68 percent of sufferers and can control symptoms for up to 3 years.

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Keratosis follicularis is a slow developing genetic skin disease that creates hyperkeratotic papules. As well as lesions, this skin affection causes nail abnormalities and mucous membrane changes. This disorder affects both sexes equally and starts to show its symptoms between 6 and 30 years of age.

Biocutis skin care has created treatments that deal with follicular hyperkeratosis and other symptoms of keratosis follicularis. Biocutis keratosis follicularis treatment can organically and effectively reduces inflammation, scaly skin, the appearance of papules as well as other symptoms of this skin disorder.

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