Why is my keratosis flaring up?

Author: Trystan Beatty II  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Moisturize your skin: Keratosis pilaris often flares when the skin becomes dry. Applying a moisturizer can prevent dry skin.

How do you treat inflamed keratosis?

Many methods are used to remove actinic keratosis, including:
  1. Freezing (cryotherapy). Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. ...
  2. Scraping (curettage). In this procedure, your health care provider uses a device called a curet to scrape off damaged cells. ...
  3. Laser therapy. ...
  4. Photodynamic therapy.

Why does my keratosis keep coming back?

In some cases, actinic keratosis can return if you do not prevent further sun damage. During and after treatment, limit your exposure to UV light.

What foods trigger keratosis?

Although diet is not a cause of keratosis pilaris, intake of foods contributing to inflammation, may lead to or worsen the symptoms, so it is advisable to avoid foods causing inflammation. Those with keratosis pilaris should avoid the consumption of dairy products, soy, peanuts, trans fats, sugar and processed foods.

What vitamin deficiency causes keratosis?

Keratosis Pilaris Causes

It's usually worse in the winter months when there's less moisture in the air and then may clear up in the summer. It often affects people with certain skin conditions, including eczema (also called atopic dermatitis). Some evidence suggests it's linked to a vitamin A deficiency.

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What aggravates keratosis?

The keratin blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. It's not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris. It might happen along with a genetic disease or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to make keratosis pilaris worse.

How do I permanently get rid of keratosis?

Because you cannot cure keratosis pilaris, you'll need to follow a maintenance plan. This often involves treating your skin a few times a week. You'll also need to take some precautions to prevent flare-ups.

Why am I getting so many keratosis?

Doctors aren't sure what causes seborrheic keratosis, but there is very likely a genetic component—certain genetic mutations have been linked to the condition. Sun exposure and changes in estrogen levels have also been linked to seborrheic keratosis.

Is there a cream to get rid of seborrheic keratosis?

Topical treatments that yielded a good-to-excellent response include hydrogen peroxide, Maxacalcitol 25 µg/g, BID Tazarotene 0.1% cream, 5% potassium dobesilate cream, 1% diclofenac sodium solution, urea-based solution, and 65% and 80% trichloroacetic acid. Local skin reactions were often mild and transient.

Can hydrogen peroxide cure keratosis?

The FDA has recently approved a topical solution of 40% hydrogen peroxide to treat seborrheic keratosis. (Over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide is a 1% solution.) The solution comes in an applicator pen, which your healthcare provider will apply to your seborrheic keratosis several times in one visit.

What autoimmune disease causes hyperkeratosis?

These are the most common hyperkeratosis causes: Allergies can cause hyperkeratosis such as eczema. Autoimmune diseases can cause conditions such as psoriasis and lichen planus. Chemicals, including tattoo ink, can cause a reaction in the skin, causing your skin to become thicker in certain spots.

When should I worry about keratosis?

See your doctor if the appearance of the growth bothers you or if it gets irritated or bleeds when your clothing rubs against it. Also see your doctor if you notice suspicious changes in your skin, such as sores or growths that grow rapidly, bleed and don't heal. These could be signs of skin cancer.

How do you stop keratosis growth?

Treatment
  1. Freezing the growth. Freezing a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis. ...
  2. Scraping (curettage) or shaving the skin's surface. ...
  3. Burning with an electric current (electrocautery).

Does stress cause keratosis?

If you're prone to keratosis pilaris, certain circumstances can make it worse. “The bumps often appear in cold weather, when skin is especially dry,” said Dr. McNamara. “Lack of hydration can exacerbate keratosis pilaris, and some people find that stress can also cause it to flare up.”

What soap is good for keratosis pilaris?

Use mild soaps like Cetaphil® bar soap, Dove® soap, or Lever 2000 antibacterial soap. Usually keratosis pilaris clears up as the person gets older.

Why do I suddenly have keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris bumps happen when keratin clogs (blocks) your pores instead of flaking off. Your pores are openings in your skin where hairs come through your skin (hair follicles). Healthcare providers don't know why keratosis pilaris affects some people and not others.

Is it OK to pick off keratosis?

The growths should not be scratched off. This does not remove the growths and can lead to bleeding and possible secondary infection.

Why am I getting so many keratoses?

Actinic keratoses are very common, and many people have them. They are caused by ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. Some actinic keratoses can turn into squamous cell skin cancer. Because of this, the lesions are often called precancer.

Will apple cider vinegar get rid of keratosis?

We strongly advise against using apple cider vinegar to treat actinic keratoses. While apple cider vinegar has been touted for various health benefits, there's no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating this precancerous condition.

Is Vaseline good for keratosis?

You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly, and replace the bandage as needed. Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.

What heals keratosis?

Try medicated creams.

Apply a nonprescription cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin. Put on this product before moisturizer.

What food to avoid if you have keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is harmless and does not require treatment. While no solid scientific evidence supports a specific diet to treat or prevent keratosis pilaris, some people report improvements when following an anti-inflammatory diet. Others say their symptoms improve after eliminating gluten and dairy.

What is the best cream to put on actinic keratosis?

At-home treatment for actinic keratosis
  • 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream: You apply this once or twice a day for 2 to 4 weeks. ...
  • Diclofenac sodium gel: This medication tends to cause less of a skin reaction than 5-FU, but it can still be very effective.

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