Tazarotene 0.05% cream for the treatment of keratosis pilaris

Generalized keratosis pilaris induced by testosterone injections in a patient with CHARGE syndrome

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common disorder of follicular keratinization characterized by keratotic follicular papules with varying degrees of perifollicular erythema. Keratosis pilaris affects up to half of normal children and up to three-quarters of children with atopic dermatitis. KP is prominent during adolescence and less common in older people, but it may occur in children and adults of all ages. In this report, we describe the case of a 13-year-old boy known to have CHARGE syndrome who developed generalized keratosis pilaris after testosterone injections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of generalized keratosis pilaris induced by testosterone injection.

Treatment of keratosis pilaris and its variants: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, benign skin condition of follicular hyperkeratosis. Although KP is asymptomatic, the cosmetic appearance of KP can lead to psychosocial distress among patients. New emerging treatments are increasingly being utilized. Yet, there is little to no summative data on the treatments of KP and its subtypes.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize existing literature on treatments for KP and its subtypes.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed using Pubmed/MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science databases. The search identified 1150 non-duplicated articles, and 47 articles were included in the review. The primary outcomes measured were KP treatment type and the degree of improvement following therapy.

FINDINGS

Our findings demonstrate that the most supported form of treatment for KP is laser therapy, particularly the QS:Nd YAG laser. Topical treatments - including Mineral Oil-Hydrophil Petrolat, tacrolimus, azelaic acid, and salicylic acid - are also effective at least for improving the appearance of KP.

CONCLUSION

While the measured treatment outcomes varied among studies, laser therapy appears to be the most effective form of treatment. Use of topicals also improved KP lesions.