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Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common genetic follicular disease that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin and hence colloqually referred to as "chicken skin". Primarily, it appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms, but can also occur on thighs and buttocks or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Worldwide, KP affects an estimated 40 to 50% of the adult population and approximately 50 to 80% of all adolescents. It is more common in women than men. Varying in degree, cases of KP can range from minimal to severe. more...

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There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faceii (reddish rash on the cheeks) and related disorders.

Most people with keratosis pilaris do not know they carry it. While KP resembles goose bumps, it is characterized by the appearance of small rough bumps on the skin. As a result, it is often confused with acne.

Keratosis pilaris tends to occur as excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin, accumulates around hair follicles (process known as hyperkeratinization). Unattractive more than anything else, it most often appears as a proliferation of tiny hard bumps that are seldom sore or itchy. Though people with keratosis pilaris experience this condition year round, it’s during the colder months when moisture levels in the air are lower that the problem can become exacerbated and the “goose bumps” are apt to look and feel more pronounced in color and texture.

Although exfoliation, intensive moisturizing cremes, and medicated lotions containing alpha-hydroxy acids or urea may improve the appearance and texture of affected skin, results are not permanent. There is no known cure for this condition.

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White out!
From Girls' Life, 4/1/05 by Kristen Kemp

My hair is auburn, but I have some white hairs. They're really annoying to pluck. My mom says redheads get white hairs.

Redheads tend to have a variety of colors that make up the auburn. Some strands are light brown, some are deep red, and others are pale. The "white" ones are more likely blonde. It's nearly impossible for adolescents to go gray, says Seattle dermatologist Dr. Brandith Irwin. As for plucking the pale ones, ouch. The blonde makes your color what it is, so just leave 'em there. Chill. What you probably have is a harmless condition called keratosis pilaris. It looks like little dots that are usually white but sometimes red. As your guy friend found out, the area feels bumpy, dry and sandpapery. It strikes the upper arms, buttocks and thighs. Why? The genetic condition happens because dry skin doesn't flake off like it should. Instead, it gets plugged up in hair follicles and forms little bumps, explains Dr. Irwin. Moisturize your arms with Vaseline after you shower. If it doesn't clear up within a week, move on to stronger stuff. After bathing, slick on a glycolic acid lotion (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Face Lotion or any 10-percent solution at stores like Sephora) mixed with a dab of hydrocortisone (the .5-percent kind sold over-the-counter at drugstores). If that doesn't do the trick, see a dermatologist for an Rx.

We searched everywhere for into on Huge Boob Syndrome. There was nothing in Gray's Anatomy, nor on the Web. And none of our experts had heard of it. There is no such thing as Huge Boob Syndrome--and we're guessing you already know that. You are probably healthy and normal, but you should see your pediatrician or gynecologist to make sure. In very rare cases, too much growth hormone can make one body part grow excessively. So even though your mom is a 36B, ask for her, um, support. She can help you find the best bras--you need good ones because large breasts are linked to back problems. Remember that all kinds of boobs are beautiful, and many not-as-chest-blessed girls envy you.

Stumper of your own? Send your question to Body Q&A, Girls' Life, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214, or e-mail it to questions@girlslife.com.

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