Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris / lichen pilaris

Causes of keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris occurs when the openings of hair follicles are blocked due to an accumulation of the skin protein keratin, causing plugs to protrude from the epidermis. This can result in colorless bumps or, in some cases, mild inflammation leading to the formation of red papules.

While the exact cause of keratin buildup is not precisely understood, it has been associated with conditions such as autosomal dominant inheritance, atopic dermatitis, dry skin, obesity, hormonal abnormalities, and vitamin deficiencies.^2,3,4,5,10

Treatment

• Since keratosis pilaris tends to recur, long-term treatment for control is necessary even after improvement.
• Refrain from treatment during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and when actively trying to conceive.

DermPen

1. Features
   • A medical device with needles used to crush and destroy papules. While there is individual variation in improvement rates, about 20-30% of papules disappear after one treatment.
2. Treatment method
   • DermaPen sessions occur every 4+ weeks, totaling 3-5 sessions. Then, as needed.
3. Not suitable for
   • Those who are prone to pigmentation or scarring
   • Those who have a tendency towards keloids.
4. Side effects
   • Redness and bleeding may occur but will typically subside within 1-2 weeks.
   • Post-DermPen hyperpigmentation may occur. It usually improves in six months, but may need long-term treatment in some cases.
   • Although rare, depending on the individual, there is a risk of scarring from the wound.
   • Extremely rare, but there’s a risk of severe allergic reactions with cream anesthesia (rash, skin swelling, breathing difficulty, palpitations, low blood pressure, etc.). If symptoms occur after returning home, call an ambulance right away.
5. Fees – Charges will be based on the area.
   • Both upper arms (one side 20x10cm) ¥27,280
   • 5x5cm ¥10,780
   • Cream anesthesia ¥3,300

To assess progress after three sessions of DermPen, please make a follow-up appointment after the redness has subsided.

We have posted a video of “Dermapen treatment for lichen pilaris” on our Instagram, so please take a look below.

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肌のクリニック麹町・高円寺(@hadanoclinic)がシェアした投稿

Vitamin D3 Ointment

1. Features
   • While its effectiveness may be limited, Vitamin D ointment helps normalize keratin, making it a recommended option for preventing recurrence after DermaPen treatment.
2. Treatment method
   • Apply thinly to the affected area twice daily. Use about 1-2cm per upper arm. Wait for 2 days (48 hours) after DermPen treatment before use.
3. Side effects
   • Redness, rash, and itching may occur.
4. Fees
   • One tube 10g ¥1,210 (10-14 days’ worth)

Salicylic Acid Macrogol Peeling

1. Features
   • Improves keratosis pilaris with its peeling and keratin softening effects.
2. Treatment method
   • Apply a thin layer, leave on for 10 minutes, then wash off every four weeks. Use about 1 application (1.65g) for both upper arms. For sensitive skin, use 30%, otherwise use 40%.
3. Side effects
   • Redness, rash, and itching may occur.
4. Fees
   • One application (1.65g) ¥4,378
   • Six applications ¥21,780

Tranex Reti Peel

1. Features
   • Improves keratosis pilaris with its peeling and keratin softening effects. It is more effective than salicylic acid peels, but it also has more side effects.
2. Treatment method
   • Treatments are performed in the clinic, with a total of five sessions at intervals of four weeks. After the treatment, leave the peeling agent applied, wash it off at home after 2-3 hours for the first treatment, and 6 hours for subsequent treatments.
3. Side effects
   • 2-10 days post-treatment, redness, itching, tingling, peeling, and dryness may occur. In rare cases, pain, eczema, blisters, swelling, scabs, acne, and pigmentation may occur.
4. Fees
   • One session ¥16,500 (both upper arms)

Vitamin A / vitamin D oral medication

1. Features
   • Used to soften the keratin and prevent keratosis pilaris.
2. Treatment method
   • Take one tablet of Vitamin A every three days and one tablet of Vitamin D after dinner.
3. Fees
   • Vitamin A (10 tablets) ¥330
   • Vitamin D (30 tablets) ¥660

Other treatments

In some cases, we may prescribe “Tretinoin cream” or “Isotretinoin oral medication,” which have exfoliating and keratin-softening effects. Additionally, for at-home care, we recommend moisturizing with a 20% urea cream.

Case Photos

These are progress photos from the treatment of keratosis pilaris using a DermaPen. The subject is a staff member at our clinic.

Before Treatment

It may be difficult to see in bright light, but photos taken in a dark room show small papules and roughness all over the skin. The redness in the photo is from the cream anesthesia (unfortunately I forgot to take a photo before applying the anesthesia).

Right After Treatment

After Two DermaPen Treatments

This photo shows the skin one week after undergoing two sessions with the DermaPen. There are fewer bumps, and thanks to a combination of moisturizing and a vitamin D ointment, the skin has become noticeably smoother to the touch.

The DermaPen physically disrupts the bumps, making it more effective compared to topical treatments. It also offers the advantage of a longer time before a recurrence. However, because it can potentially cause some skin damage, there is a risk of post-treatment marks appearing as pigmentation.

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