Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans Faciei (KPAF)

Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist
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Rx Autoimmune, Genetic and Rare Diseases (A - Z)

Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans Faciei (KPAF) is a skin condition where rough bumps and hair follicles get blocked on the face, often with some skin thinning.

Keratosis pilaris atrophicans faciei, also known as KPAF, is a skin condition that affects many people. In this article, we will break down everything you need to know about KPAF in simple language. We’ll cover the different types, possible causes, common symptoms, diagnostic tests, available treatments, and medications.

Types of KPAF

KPAF comes in various forms, each with distinct characteristics. The main types include:

  1. Ulerythema Ophryogenes: This type primarily affects the eyebrows, causing redness and bumps.
  2. Atrophoderma Vermiculatum: Characterized by honeycomb-like depressions on the skin’s surface.
  3. Keratosis Follicularis Spinulosa Decalvans: This variant involves hair loss, redness, and the development of tiny spiky bumps.

or

  1. Keratosis pilaris atrophicans (KPA): Basic form, where bumps and blocked follicles are seen.
  2. Keratosis follicularis spinulosa decalvans (KFSD): A rare type which affects scalp and eyebrows.
  3. Atrophoderma vermiculatum: Causes a honeycomb appearance on the cheeks.
  4. Others: Some other types can be found, but are rarer.

Causes:

  1. Genetics: It runs in families.
  2. Hormonal changes: Especially during adolescence.
  3. Dry skin: Common in winter months.
  4. Allergies: Hay fever or other allergies.
  5. Asthma: Can coincide with KPAF.
  6. Excessive Rubbing: Caused by face cloths or abrasive scrubs.
  7. Dietary deficiencies: Lack of vitamins A and C.
  8. UV exposure: Excessive sun can exacerbate it.
  9. Certain Medications: Can trigger or worsen the condition.
  10. Stress: Sometimes plays a role.
  11. Tight clothing: Which rub against the skin.
  12. Excessive sweating: Can aggravate it.
  13. Exposure to cold: Can worsen the condition.
  14. Harsh soaps: Stripping natural oils from the skin.
  15. Environmental pollutants: Harmful to the skin.
  16. Smoking: Detrimental to skin health.
  17. High alcohol consumption: Can dry out skin.
  18. Health conditions: Like anemia or underactive thyroid.
  19. Hormonal disorders: Such as PCOS.
  20. Infections: Can sometimes trigger KPAF.

Symptoms:

  1. Tiny bumps: On cheeks, forehead, or eyebrows.
  2. Redness: Skin can look flushed.
  3. Dryness: Especially on affected areas.
  4. Rough patches: Feels like sandpaper.
  5. Itching: Though not everyone experiences this.
  6. Scarring: From scratching or from the condition itself.
  7. Thinning of skin: Over time.
  8. Hair loss: On affected areas like eyebrows.
  9. Sensitive skin: Can feel stinging or burning.
  10. Swelling: Occasionally.
  11. Tightness: Skin may feel taut.
  12. Scaling: Sometimes skin peels.
  13. Discoloration: Skin may darken or lighten.
  14. Pimple-like appearance: But they’re not acne.
  15. Honeycomb appearance: In severe cases.
  16. Milia: Tiny white bumps.
  17. Flare-ups: Symptoms get worse occasionally.
  18. Eczema overlap: Some people may have both.
  19. Inflammation: Skin gets irritated.
  20. Increased sensitivity to sun: Especially affected areas.

Diagnostic Tests:

  1. Physical Examination: Doctor checks your skin.
  2. Medical History: Discussing symptoms & family history.
  3. Skin Biopsy: Taking a tiny skin sample for testing.
  4. Dermoscopy: Examining skin with a special magnified lens.
  5. Blood Tests: To rule out other conditions.
  6. Allergy Testing: To check if allergies are causing it.
  7. Hormonal Level Check: Especially if hormonal disorders are suspected.
  8. Patch Tests: To see if specific substances irritate your skin.
  9. Microscopy: Examining a skin sample under a microscope.
  10. Genetic Testing: If there’s a strong family history.
  11. Thyroid Function Test: If underactive thyroid is suspected.
  12. Culture Test: Taking a sample to see if an infection is present.
  13. Imaging: Like ultrasound, if deeper layers need to be checked.
  14. Hair Follicle Examination: If hair loss is present.
  15. UV Light Examination: Checking skin under special light.
  16. Moisture Level Test: To determine skin dryness.
  17. Skin Elasticity Test: To see how stretchy skin is.
  18. Barrier Function Test: Determines skin’s protective ability.
  19. Sebum Level Test: Checking oil level of the skin.
  20. pH Level Test: Examining the skin’s acidity.

Treatments:

  1. Moisturizers: Keep skin hydrated.
  2. Topical Steroids: Reduce inflammation.
  3. Exfoliants: Help remove dead skin.
  4. Topical Retinoids: Helps unblock hair follicles.
  5. Antibiotics: If there’s an infection.
  6. Laser Therapy: Reduces redness and bumps.
  7. UVB Phototherapy: Controlled exposure to UVB light.
  8. Vitamin A Creams: Improve skin health.
  9. Hyaluronic Acid: For skin hydration.
  10. Cold Compress: Reduces itching and swelling.
  11. Chemical Peels: Helps in skin renewal.
  12. Avoidance of Triggers: Like allergens.
  13. Dermabrasion: Smoothens the skin.
  14. Anti-inflammatory creams: Reduces skin inflammation.
  15. Hormonal Therapy: If a hormonal disorder is identified.
  16. Dietary Changes: Boosting vitamin and mineral intake.
  17. Oil Massages: With coconut or olive oil.
  18. Oatmeal Baths: Soothes the skin.
  19. Antihistamines: Reduce itching.
  20. Skin Barrier Repair Creams: Strengthen skin’s natural barrier.
  21. Ceramide Creams: Improves skin health.
  22. Antioxidant-rich creams: Fights against environmental damage.
  23. Silicone Gels: For scar treatment.
  24. Green Tea Extract: Calms the skin.
  25. Aloe Vera: Natural soothing agent.
  26. Tea Tree Oil: Anti-bacterial properties.
  27. Therapeutic Shampoos: If the scalp is affected.
  28. Salicylic Acid: Helps in exfoliation.
  29. Corticosteroid Injections: For severe inflammation.
  30. Therapeutic Facials: By trained dermatologists.

Drugs:

  1. Tretinoin: A retinoid for unblocking follicles.
  2. Hydrocortisone: Topical steroid.
  3. Clindamycin: An antibiotic.
  4. Doxycycline: Another antibiotic.
  5. Isotretinoin: Used in severe cases.
  6. Cetaphil: Gentle cleanser.
  7. Lactic Acid Lotions: Exfoliant.
  8. Urea Cream: Hydrates and exfoliates.
  9. Adapalene: A topical retinoid.
  10. Tacrolimus: Reduces itching and inflammation.
  11. Eucerin: For dry skin.
  12. Benadryl: An antihistamine.
  13. Loratadine: Another antihistamine.
  14. CeraVe: Moisturizer with ceramides.
  15. Aquaphor: Skin protectant.
  16. Salicylic Acid Gel: Exfoliant.
  17. Azelaic Acid: Reduces bumps.
  18. Glycolic Acid: Alpha hydroxy acid for exfoliation.
  19. Keratolytics: Helps in shedding dead skin.
  20. Coal Tar: For scalp involvement.

Conclusion: KPAF is a skin condition with many causes, symptoms, and treatments. While it can be bothersome, with the right care, it can be managed effectively. Always consult a dermatologist for the best advice tailored to your situation.

 

Disclaimer: Each person’s journey is unique, always seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatments to ensure to find the best plan for you. This guide is for general information and educational purposes only. If you or someone are suffering from this disease condition bookmark this page or share with someone who might find it useful! Boost your knowledge and stay ahead in your health journey. Thank you for giving your valuable time to read the article.

  1. https://medlineplus.gov/skinconditions.html
  2. https://www.aad.org/about/burden-of-skin-disease
  3. https://www.usa.gov/federal-agencies/national-institute-of-arthritis-musculoskeletal-and-skin-diseases
  4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/skin/default.html
  5. https://www.skincancer.org/
  6. https://www.jaad.org/
  7. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
  8. https://books.google.com/books?
  9. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/skin-diseases
  10. https://cms.centerwatch.com/directories/1067-fda-approved-drugs/topic/292-skin-infections-disorders
  11. https://www.fda.gov/files/drugs/published/Acute-Bacterial-Skin-and-Skin-Structure-Infections—Developing-Drugs-for-Treatment.pdf
  12. https://dermnetnz.org/topics
  13. https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/skin-allergy
  14. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/occupational-skin-disease
  15. https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-symptoms/skin-allergies/
  16. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  17. https://rxharun.com/rxharun/rxharun/article-types/skin-care-beauty/skin-diseases-types-symptoms-treatment/
  18. https://www.nei.nih.gov/
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_skin_conditions
  20. https://en.wikipedia.org/?title=List_of_skin_diseases&redirect=no
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_condition
  22. https://oxfordtreatment.com/
  23. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/
  24. https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/w
  25. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health
  26. https://catalog.ninds.nih.gov/
  27. https://www.aarda.org/diseaselist/
  28. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets
  29. https://www.nibib.nih.gov/
  30. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/topics
  31. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  32. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics
  33. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/
  34. https://www.niehs.nih.gov
  35. https://www.nimhd.nih.gov/
  36. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics
  37. https://obssr.od.nih.gov/
  38. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics
  39. https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  40. https://beta.rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases
  41. https://orwh.od.nih.gov/

References

 

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