[Lewis Thomson (OP)]

Misha asks:

My daughter has recently been diagnosed with keratosis pilaris. This is a build-up of keratin, the protein that protects skin from infections and other harmful agents. The aforementioned build-up forms a plug that blocks the opening of a hair follicle, and subsequently, bumps on the skin are formed. The cause of this condition seems to be unknown, save that it seems to be hereditary.

Questions:

1. Will she “grow out” of the symptomatic manifestation of the condition?
2. What can be done to counteract the build-up of keratin?
3. I have researched some of the aspects and increased intake of Vitamin A, D and K2 are recommended. Is there any other way of combating the build up? (mechanical options of scrubbing the affected area were not highly recommended)
4. In the event that my daughter were to have a child with a partner with the same condition, it would seem that if the infant were not immediately treated for the condition, this could result in the destruction of all hair follicles in the baby. Is this true?
5. If point 4 is in fact correct, how would one test for Keratosis Pilaris? If her potential future partner had a mild manifestation of the condition then the presence of the condition could thus be missed.

What do you think?