Presentations of Cutaneous Disease in Various Skin Pigmentations: Keratosis Pilaris

Description Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common benign disorder involving hyperkeratosis of the skin. It is associated with other common dry skin disorders such as atopic dermatitis and ichthyosis vulgaris. Lesions are clinically characterized as symmetrically distributed, monomorphic, folliculocentric, hyperkeratotic papules with a variable degree of perifollicular erythema. The appearance can be likened to spikey bumps that are commonly located on the arms, legs, and buttocks. Awareness of KP is important as every primary care clinician will see patients with this disorder. Identification can support the diagnosis of other associated skin diseases. Education about KP and its treatment may alleviate psychological distress and reduce symptoms. Common mimicking diagnoses include folliculitis, acne vulgaris, and milia. There are also uncommon atrophic variants of KP that result in scarring and alopecia. The clinical images in this review focus on identifying KP across the spectrum of skin tones.