Keratosis pilaris

**Definition:** Keratosis pilaris is a very common abnormality of keratinization characterised by keratinous plugging of follicular orifices with varying degrees of perifollicular erythema. It is seen in up to half of normal children and in three quarters of children with ichthyosis vulgaris. The sides of the face and the extensor surfaces of the upper arms are sites of predilection. Autosomal dominant inheritance can often be demonstrated. In some variants atrophy or pigmentation may be more prominent than keratosis.