It is a skin condition which commonly occurs on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. The skin cells which flake off as a fine dust from the skin plugs in the hair follicles. The appearance is that of small pimples with a dry sandpaper feeling. Generally they are white but at times turn red. It does not usually hurt or itch. It occurs commonly in the teenagers on the upper arms. It might persist for several years but disappears gradually before the age of thirty. It is not malignant and this condition tends to get worsen during the winter season or during the period of low humidity when the skin dries out and it might also worsen during pregnancy or after the birth of child. Treatment is not required and unluckily it may give disappointing results.

It is a common skin disorder and it can cause a lot of frustration as it is difficult to cure. It is a genetic condition which cannot be cured but in a number of cases the symptoms can be controlled through proper skin care regimen. The treatment which is undertaken is meant for softening the keratin deposits in the skin and might include medicated creams that contain lactic acid or urea. Even if treatment is undertaken, the condition persists for years.

Cause

The exact cause of the disease is unknown and it is caused due to the buildup of a protein called keratin in the openings of hair follicles in the skin. It results in small, rough patches which occur on the arms, face and thighs.   The disease is thought to be associated with eczema.

Symptoms

The symptoms are characterized by the development of small white papules of the size of a grain of sand on the upper arms, thighs and sometimes on the buttocks and face. The papules appear around a hair follicle and are white and firm. When one feels them, they are coarse like sandpaper but do not cause any pain and does not cause any itching.

Treatment

Since it is a genetic disease therefore no cure is possible. Initial treatment required intensive moisturizing and creams such as Vaseline or Acid mantle can be applied after a bath and should be re-applied several times a day. If no change occurs then a medicated cream containing urea or alpha hydroxy acids must be applied twice daily. One can also get rid of the plugged pores by taking a long, hot soaking tub baths and rubbing the area with a coarse washcloth. Antibiotics such as Erthromycin may be prescribed during the course of treatment.

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