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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.

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 usually 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 characteristics of symptoms as well as periods of change depend on the patient.

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 form in about 15 percent of patients who suffer from keratosis follicularis. They develop in the mouth as white papules with a center depression. Oral lesion can obstruct salivary glands.

Treatment for Keratosis Follicularis

UV protection, cool cotton clothing and staying out of the heat can prevent outbreaks. Moisturizing creams that have urea or lactic acid can reduce scaling and hyperkeratosis. Steroid creams can reduce 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 serious cases, surgical options are also offered. Electrosurgery is more commonly used to treat localized keratosis follicularis. There is also new methodology using carbon dioxide lasers that help lessen symptoms. A longer lasting method is actually a combination of a few such as carbon dioxide lasers, curettage and the shaving away of lesions. Combination treatments can keep your symptoms at bay for up to 2 years. Photodynamic therapy consists of acid therapy proven to be effective in about 69 percent of patients, and can put symptoms in remission for up to 3 years.