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Keratosis follicularis, also called Darier disease, is a slow progressing inherited skin affection that is marked by hyperkeratotic papules. In addition to unsightly bumps, this disease also causes nail abnormalities and changes to the mucous membrane. Women and men are both affected equally and the disease onsets between 6 and 20 years of age.

Symptoms of Keratosis Follicularis

The papules rise out of hair follicles. The lestions have a greasy warty texture and are skin colored or yellow-brown color. The face, ears, chest and back are where they most commonly appear. These hardened scaly lesions are progressive and may spread or grow larger. Patients often experience periods of lesser symptoms (remission) and other periods of heightened discomfort (relapse). Specific symptoms, periods of change and responsiveness to treatment vary from person to person.

People affected experience nail abnormalities which are important for diagnostic reasons. Nails often have red bands and ridges, as well as V-shaped nicks on the edge. Sometimes hyperkeratoses are seen beneath the nails.

Mucosal lesions develop in about 15 percent of patients. They appear as white papules with a center depression and are usually found in the mouth. Oral lesions can affect salivary glands and cause problems.

Treatment for Keratosis Follicularis

Sunscreen, loose cool clothing, and avoiding hot environments and usually prevent uncomfortable outbreaks. Moisturizers with lactic acid or urea can decrease scaling and hyperkeratosis. Topical steroid creams can help with inflammation. There are also some topical prescription creams, injections, and oral medications that can also significantly relieve uncomfortable symptoms associated with follicular keratosis.

For more sever cases, surgical options are also available. Electrosurgery is more commonly used to treat localized keratosis follicularis. There is also new methodology using carbon dioxide lasers that help lessen symptoms. A more long lasting fix is combination therapy using carbon dioxide lasers as well as dermabrasion, curettage, and shaving away the lesions. This can put lesions into remission for up to 2 years. Photodynamic therapy is done with a type of acid that has proven effective in about 68 percent of patients and can improve or clear lesions for up to 3 years.

Biocutis skin care has developed products that control and treat follicular hyperkeratosis and other symptoms associated with keratosis follicularis. Biocutis keratosis follicularis treatment can naturally reduce inflammation, scaly skin, the appearance of papules, as well as other discomforting side effects of this skin disorder. Biological ingredients have been put together in the form of keratosis pilaris treatment, keratosis follicularis treatment, as well as products to treat other related skin disorders. Biocutis and natural skin care has offered an organic way to treat your keratosis follicularis.