Keratin Plugs (Symptoms,Causes and Treatment)
Small, raised pimples called keratin plugs frequently develop on the skin. Keratin, a protein present in the skin, hair, and nails, builds up and leads to their development. Keratin plugs can form everywhere on the body and are mostly innocuous, but they are most frequently encountered on the face, particularly in the cheeks and nose area. Although they can be ugly, they are not usually uncomfortable or bothersome. Treatment options for keratin plugs include exfoliation, topical medications, and expert dermatologist removal.
This article covers the following topics :
How do keratin plugs work?
Small, raised bumps on the skin called keratin plugs, keratosis pilaris, or “chicken skin,” can develop. They may also show up on the face, scalp, and other parts of the body, and are frequently found on the upper arms, thighs, and buttocks. Although innocuous and typically not requiring medical attention, keratin plugs can be unsightly and uncomfortable or itchy.
The outer layer of the skin, hair, and nails are made of the protein keratin. Small lumps may develop in the hair follicles as a result of keratin buildup. These lumps, which can feel rough or dry to the touch, might be red or skin-colored and be bumps. Additionally, there can be tiny, ingrown hairs present.
People with dry skin are more likely to develop keratin plugs, which may get worse during the dry winter months. They may be more prevalent in patients with specific medical disorders, such as HIV/AIDS, and can also be brought on by other skin conditions, such as eczema or ichthyosis vulgaris.
Keep the skin hydrated and use moderate exfoliation procedures to exfoliate dead skin cells as part of the standard treatment for keratin plugs. Topical lotions or ointments with salicylic acid or lactic acid, as well as over-the-counter moisturizers with urea or alpha-hydroxy acids, may be beneficial. To help lessen inflammation and enhance the appearance of the bumps, a prescription retinoid lotion may occasionally be advised.
A dermatologist may advise laser therapy or other medical procedures to get rid of the blemishes in extreme circumstances. However, the majority of instances do not require these therapies, which are usually only used for those with significant or chronic keratin plugs.
In general, keratin plugs are a benign skin issue that is easily treated with non-invasive skin care techniques and small lifestyle adjustments. Consult your dermatologist or healthcare professional if you are bothered by the way these lumps look or feel to get their opinion on the best course of action for you.
Who could benefit from keratin plugs?
Although they can develop in anyone of any age or gender, keratin plugs are more prevalent in those who have oily skin or specific medical disorders like acne or eczema. Additionally, hormonal changes, particularly those that take place during puberty and menopause, might cause them. People who live in humid conditions or who use oil-based skincare products may also be more likely to develop keratin plugs. Keratin plugs may occasionally be inherited.
The frequency of keratin plugs?
Keratin plugs can affect people of all ages and skin types and are a very common occurrence. However, those with oily skin or those who are prone to acne tend to experience them more frequently. The face, neck, chest, back, and arms are just a few body regions where keratin plugs can appear. Although they are frequently just a cosmetic issue, if neglected, they can also be painful or even infectious.
Why do keratin plugs form?
Keratin plugs happen when too much keratin, a protein that makes up the skin’s top layer, builds up in hair follicles and blocks them. Genetics, hormone fluctuations, specific skin diseases, and environmental factors are just a few of the causes of this. People who use a lot of heavy cosmetics or hair products, for instance, or who have oily skin may be more prone to producing keratin plugs. Keratin plugs can also occur as a result of sun damage and aging. Keratin plugs can occasionally be the result of an underlying medical illness like keratosis pilaris or ichthyosis vulgaris.
What signs or symptoms do keratin plugs exhibit?
Small, flesh-colored or white pimples on the skin, frequently on the face, neck, or upper arms, are the characteristic appearance of keratin plugs. They may be slightly rough in texture, be painless, and occasionally turn irritated and itchy. They occasionally also take the form of blackheads, which are brought on by the oxidation of the keratin plug on the skin’s surface.
Do keratin plugs hurt?
Usually, keratin plugs are not unpleasant. They often do not cause discomfort or suffering, though they may result in moderate itching or a rough texture to the skin in the affected area. Keratin plugs can, however, inflict discomfort and irritation if they get infected.
What distinguishes keratin plugs from sebum plugs?
The deposition of substances in the hair follicle is a common feature of both sebum plugs and keratin plugs. While keratin is a protein that builds up hair, nails, and the top layer of skin, sebum is an oily substance that is produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.
Sebum plugs, often referred to as comedones, appear when too much sebum clogs the hair follicle and are frequently linked to acne. They may be either closed (whiteheads) or open (blackheads), and they might swell up and turn into pimples.
On the other hand, keratin plugs are brought on by a buildup of protein (keratin) and dead skin cells in the hair follicle. They frequently take the form of tiny, flesh-colored or white lumps on the skin, and they could be more prevalent on the face, neck, and chest where hair grows more quickly. Keratin plugs, in contrast to sebum plugs, are not typically linked to inflammation or acne.
Where may keratin plugs be found?
Typically, keratin plugs are identified based on how they appear. A dermatologist or medical professional could look at the problematic area and spot keratin plugs there. A skin biopsy might be done in some circumstances to verify the diagnosis. During the biopsy, a tiny portion of the afflicted skin is removed and examined under a microscope to check for keratin plug-specific characteristics.
How should I handle keratin plugs?
The most common kind of keratin plug treatment is to remove the plug from the affected area. Treatment options for keratin plugs include:
1-Exfoliation: To help remove the blockage, use a mild exfoliating scrub or chemical exfoliant.
2-Extraction: Using a comedones extractor or other specialized instruments, a dermatologist or esthetician may be able to remove the plug.
3-Topical remedies: Some over-the-counter lotions or gels with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide as active ingredients can aid in dissolving and clearing out the blockage.
4-Professional procedures: In some circumstances, a dermatologist may advise professional procedures to help remove the plug, including as microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or laser therapy.
It’s crucial to remember that attempting to remove a keratin plug at home can occasionally result in more harm than good, so it’s typically preferable to consult with a dermatologist or esthetician before making any DIY treatments.
How may keratin plugs be avoided?
You should practice proper cleanliness and abstain from using harsh or irritating skin care products to prevent keratin plugs. Additionally, you should refrain from pinching or squeezing your skin because doing so might result in inflammation and plug formation. Additionally, maintaining hydration and eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals may aid in preventing the growth of keratin plugs. You might think about visiting a dermatologist for additional guidance and treatment options if you frequently get keratin plugs.
When I have keratin plugs, what can I anticipate?
If you have keratin plugs, you should anticipate that they are more of a cosmetic issue than a major medical one. They might itch or irritate you a little, but they are usually not harmful. Although it could take some time, treatment can make the affected area look better. It is feasible to stop the growth of new keratin plugs with the right care.
When should I schedule a consultation with my doctor about keratin plugs?
You might want to talk to your doctor if you have keratin plugs that are making you uncomfortable, spreading or getting worse, or lowering your self-esteem. They are able to provide a diagnosis and suggest the best course of action. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to seek medical guidance if you have any worries about any changes in your skin.