Bumps on Arms
It affects half the planet but most people have never even heard of it. What is this mysterious disease, you ask? Well, if you know what it is, you're probably one of the unfortunate ones to be dreaded by its presence. It's called Keratosis Pilaris. To some it's just a fancy, scientific term, but to most it's comparable to the devil himself. A breeding ground for insecurities and depression, Keratosis Pilaris can easily turn an every-day situation into a nightmare full of anxiety.
Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition that causes acne-like bumps (resembling goose bumps) from a build up of keratin, a natural protein in the skin. It's most commonly found on the upper-arms, but it can also be plagued in such areas as the face, thighs, back, chest, and buttocks. Keratosis Pilaris isn't contagious and the only way to spread it is through reproduction (meaning: yes, it's only hereditary). It isn't harmful, just a nuisance. Getting rid of Keratosis Pilaris isn't the easiest thing but there are possible treatments for it.
The pictures above are examples of Keratosis Pilaris of the upper-arm, face, and a close-up (respectively in that order). As you can clearly see, Keratosis Pilaris gives unsightly, red bumps spread along the skin. Although, the first image is a slightly more severe case than the average scenario, it's still quite as common.
At the moment, there is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris, nor is there a lot of research going towards one. There is, however, an e-petition you can sign in hopes that one day there will be a cure for this dreaded condition. There are various tips and other frequently asked questions you can follow to help eliminate or at least control your KP.
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