Dry Skin and Keratosis Pilaris Treatments
Most people occasionally suffer from dry skin. However, not everyone experiences the symptoms that accompany severe dryness. This can include cracks in the skin that may bleed, allowing germs to enter the body. This can potentially cause an infection. Extremely dry skin like this can lead to dermatitis, which is the inflammation of the skin. The earlier dermatitis is diagnosed and treated, the less discomfort a person will experience. Unfortunately, dermatitis will only worsen without treatment.
Keratosis pilaris is a common condition often present with dry skin. The rash is characterized by itchy, small, hard “goosebumps,” which can appear red and swollen. Though harmless, keratosis pilaris can be embarrassing for those affected. Whether you have dry skin or an accompanying condition, visiting a dermatologist can provide the relief you need.
Dry Skin Causes
Typically, environmental factors are responsible for the appearance of dry, cracked skin. This can include phenomena like cold temperatures, low humidity, frequent hand washing, long, hot showers, swimming in a highly chlorinated, pool, and/or the use of harsh soaps and detergents.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when excess dry skin builds up around individual hair follicles, leading to inflammation. This hair follicle plugging can also lead to acne. Though most think keratosis pilaris is hereditary, about half of those affected with the condition have no known family history.
Dry Skin and Keratosis Pilaris Symptoms
Symptoms of dry skin include roughness, scales, flaky skin, and itching. This can happen anywhere on the body, and some dry skin rashes may appear red in color. Keratosis pilaris, by contrast, typically appears on the upper arms, the fronts of thighs, the buttocks, and, though less often, the face. These itchy, dry, sandpaper-like bumps typically disappear in the summertime and reappear in the winter, when environmental conditions tend to make skin drier.
Basic Formula for Dry Skin and Keratosis Pilaris Recovery/Healing/Improvement
In order to select and receive a recommended treatment, dry skin must be closely examined by a medical professional. Moisturizers, especially those containing lactic acid or urea, may be prescribed to help the skin retain water. For extremely dry skin, a topical cream, like a corticosteroid or an immune modulator, may be prescribed to relieve itching, redness, and swelling. While there are many dry skin treatments available over the counter, the most effective are those recommended by medical professionals.
Keratosis pilaris treatments typically include exfoliation, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or medicines containing a retinoid, alpha hydroxyl acid, glycolic acid, or salicylic acid. Additionally, laser and light treatments can help to reduce both redness and swelling. Keratosis pilaris treatment generally takes between 4 and 6 weeks to complete, and several approaches are often combined in order to yield the best possible results. Keratosis pilaris can gradually disappear over the course or several years, but the condition must be controlled with maintained treatments.
When to See a Dermatologist for Dry Skin and Keratosis Pilaris
Dry skin treatments are usually available as over-the-counter products, but these creams pale in comparison to the maximum-strength products provided by doctors. Similarly, keratosis pilaris treatments are best performed by a medical professional in a safe, medical setting to achieve desired results. If you want to control your dry skin and keratosis pilaris through treatment, make an appointment at one of our three offices.
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*Results may vary per patient. Services vary by location.
Zel Skin & Laser Specialists – Plymouth ★★★★★ on Google5:27pm
Felt COvid safe ... always a great experience working with professionals
Dr. Zelickson is thorough and patiently attentive to my concerns. Such a great practice and so easy to deal with. A great emphasis on safety during this pandemic which I really appreciate.
Brian brings a unique combination of medical science, clinical expertise, integrity and compassion to his patients. He provides the latest technology available in the field of dermatology but with a personalized touch for each patient. He is highly respected by his colleagues throughout the country for his expertise and sincerity.
Everyone I have met at Zel is amazing!
It is rare to find a dermatologist who is as knowledgeable about the many facets of clinical and cosmetic dermatology as Dr. Zelickson. Because of his knowledge and honesty, doctors worldwide know they can depend on his assessment of new therapies, procedures and medical devices. This, in turn, has made him a much sought–after speaker for the plethora of professional medical society meetings and engagements that we have throughout the year. I am honored to know Dr. Zelickson and consider him a friend to the profession.
Dr. Brian Zelickson was one of our initial Thermage investigators and helped us understand the mechanisms of non–invasive skin tightening. He is a renowned expert on how collagen can affect skin tightening and wrinkle reduction.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of this country’s leading laser experts. Not only is he unparalleled as a laser surgeon, it is not an exaggeration to state that his superb research helps determine the future of dermatologic laser surgery.
Dr. Zelickson is a highly regarded skin/light expert in our industry. When Candela looks for both medical and scientific advice for new laser applications, we often turn to him for his counsel. The input he provides us always starts with patient safety and satisfaction. We feel fortunate to be able to tap into Brian as an independent resource. The patients who are treated with Candela devices are often the beneficiaries of Brian’s input to us.
Most patients prefer seeing a doctor who is known for a particular specialty or procedure, but all patients want to see the doctor who invented the procedure or therapy. Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the most respected physicians in the field of cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine. He has lectured around the world and is one of the most sought–after speakers for all major meetings in dermatology.
I would rate Dr. Zelickson's clinic 10 stars!
We have felt honored to have Dr. Brian Zelickson, a world–renowned dermatologist who is distinguished as a high–quality care physician, serving as the investigator evaluating Syneron non–invasive skin tightening technology
I trained with Dr. Zelickson at Mayo Clinic, and I found him to be a very bright and creative dermatologist and scientist. Later, he was our best advisor when we set up our clinic in the Basque Country in Spain. I call him the ‘paparazzi of dermatology.’ His contribution to our speciality is probably among the best of this century.
Tuve la suerte de conocer al Dr. Brian Zelickson en Minneapolis hace muchos anos y desde entonces acudo regularmente a compartir sus conocimientos. Es un científico honrado, brillante, creativo e innovador. Nunca deja de sorprenderte agradablemente.
Dr. Zelickson is a very well–respected dermatologist, not only in the U.S., but also in Europe. He is famous for being the author of relevant dermatological studies published in many prestigious medical journals and for the improvements he’s made on minimally invasive cosmetic procedures that are being used by dermatologists all over the world.
Our view from Europe of Dr. Brian Zelickson is that he is one of the leading four or five U.S. laser dermatologists. His research contributions, his superb lectures and his expert knowledge of laser skin surgery make him a valued friend, colleague and guest.
Dr. Brian Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in cutaneous laser surgery. He has performed groundbreaking research over the past decade, advancing the field as well as expertly providing the most up–to–date laser treatments for his patients.
Brian Zelickson is a world–renowned laser expert who helps develop the lasers and treatment parameters used by the rest of the world. He is where others turn to learn the latest techniques in laser surgery. If you want the best treatment available, delivering the best results in the safest environment available, there is no need to look anywhere else.
I have met many laser experts in my 20 years of teaching, lecturing and running a busy practice. There is no one who I respect more than Brian. If I have a clinical question or research idea, Brian is one of the few individuals I call, as I know I can count on his intellect, integrity and common sense.
Dr. Zelickson is one of America’s most knowledgeable laser experts. He has done pioneering work with many of the laser and light–based technologies developed in the world over the last 10 years. He is a giant in the field.
Dr. Zelickson is one of the world’s leaders in the field of lasers for the treatment of the skin. His many years experience in treating thousands of patients with lasers and other medical devices makes him one of the most sought–after doctors in this field. Innovation and caring are his trademarks.