my daughter has a childhood flare-up of psoriasis which is widespread,

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my daughter has a childhood flare-up of psoriasis which is widespread, affecting most of her body. She is aged 8. Secondary to this I have noticed what I think is keratosis pilaris, giving her skin a goosebump appearance. I would like to know, do these skin conditions often appear together and is this a sign that her psoriasis is getting worse or better?

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Female , Age: 36

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Hello,

The two skin disorders you mentioned do not necessarily go together and have different causes. Having keratosis pilaris is not an indication of whether or not the psoriasis is getting better or worse.

Psoriasis is a chronic disease thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system. People with the disease usually have raised, red patches with silvery scales on their skin.

Keratosis pilaris is a common "rash" that is caused by shedded dead skin cells blocking hair follicle openings. The skin feels like goosebumps and the bumps can be white or look like little pimples. I have this problem as well as two of my daughters.

Here are two sites that explain psoriasis and keratosis pilaris better:

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch203/ch203m.html

http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec18/ch203/ch203i.html

Vicky B. RN

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Reply to Vicky B's Post: dear vicky, as you probably know,psoriasis causes an accelerated turnover of skin cells to be shed from the upper layers of the epidermis. As I understand keratosis pilaris is a build up of skin cells around the hair follicle which causes it to stand proud.It's not difficult to see a connection is it? Or am I over-simplifying matters? I'm sure they are both under the umbrella of dry skin condditions.What would you recommend to improve the appearance and texture of such goosebumpy skin?

Nancyjo,

Yes, I totally agree with you that there is a connection. It's logical reasoning.

But, the presence of one does not necessarily mean the presence of the other and the keratosis may not be a sign that anything different is happening with the psoriasis.

I have to take one of my daughters for an MRI this morning. I want to be able to give you more information when I return on some treatments for the keratosis pilaris. In the meantime, read this interesting forum discussing the use of coconut oil for keratosis pilaris: http://www.keratosispilaris.org/showthread.php?t=3734

The forum is part of an organization that serves the keratosis pilaris community.

I will keep searching for you later this morning!

Vicky B. RN

If my answer was helpful to you, please click the "Accept" button. If you would like additional information, please choose "Reply" and I will be glad to help you further.

Reply to Vicky B's Post: Hello Vicky B, I checked out the kp forum and found it very useful. Some contributers had kp and psoriasis at the same time, like my daughter. Those people recommended a cream for psoriasis from The Little Herbal Company which I have ordered. So thanks for pointing me in that direction. Do you have anything else for me? I am also going to start exfoliating her skin and will check out the extra virgin coconut oil that everyone was raving about on the forum. It seems that kp is an even more stubborn condition than psoriasis! If that's possible...

Other treatments include:

Moisturizers that contain urea (Curel), salicylic acid or alpha-hydroxy acids (Aqua Glycolic )Images available only to Customers.
- Tretinoin cream but this is not recommended for children.
- Soaking for along time in a warm bath then scrubbing with a Buff Puff
- A cream called Acid Mantle :
- Images available only to Customers.
- A lotion called Complex 15
- Images available only to Customers.
- There are some prescriptions you can possibly ask for are antibiotcs and something called Tazorac Cream, but I'm not sure you would want your little one on something strong like these.
Everything I've read said there is no cure. This sometimes gets worse with adolescence but then clears up later, although, I'm 45 and still have mine somewhat on my arms.
I hope this helps you!

Vicky B. RN

If my answer was helpful to you, please click the "Accept" button. If you would like additional information, please choose "Reply" and I will be glad to help you further.

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is there a link between keratosis pilaris and psoriasis

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