keratosis pilaris

[eagertolearn]

i have a serious case of keratosis pilaris for the last 5 years (i am almost 19 now), on the back of both of my upper arms, with a little bit of acne on my arms in the same area. there is no itching. recently i have been applying betamathasone  dipropionate ointment USP (0.05%). because it is a steroid, i am wondering if using it for a long period of time is harmful to my system?

it is the only thing that has worked in clearing up the scars and inflammation. ive tried other products like amlactin moisturizing cream but it does not help.

thank you for your help, doctor! greatly appreciated!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Betamethasone is a midpotent corticosteroid. Corticosteroids are applied on affected areas thinly and only when necessary. If you the skin begins to show some response, ask your doctor if you can taper the application of the steroids. The skin usually responds after 1 to 2 weeks of steroid use .After this, ask your physician if you can stop using it or if you can start tapering it down. You may start using it again when the skin condition recurs.

Keratosis pilaris may resolve spontaneously after years of being present. Exfoliation and moisturizing the area are the mainstay of therapy. There is really no definite treatment for keratosis pilaris.

You have mentioned of scars and inflammation. Does the area also itch?

[eagertolearn]

Wow, fast reply. Thank you very much! Gretaly appreciated.

Also, no, it doesnt itch.
Do you know if there is any type of surgical or laser treatment for this condition? After years, it does get very irritating when I cant wear short sleeve shirts and tank tops.
Its also really hard to even look into treatments since I dont have any sort of medical insurance.

I have been exfoiliating and mositurizing forever and nothing seemed to work until i started using this ointment. I wonder if this is the best option.

Once again, thanks so much for your help! If you have any other advice that might help, it will be greatly appreciated.