Suggest Treatment For Acne Like Bumps On Legs And Buttocks

Posted on Mon, 15 Feb 2016

Question: Good afternoon Doctor,

I would like to know how to treat a condition on my son's legs and buttocks.
He has his legs and part of his buttocks covered with a lot of small bumps that resemble acne, but they are not.
I've tried a big variety of different soaps, I force him to put lotion on the area hoping that they would get better, but they don't.
I fear those bumps are going to cover his whole body and I need to do something to stop them.

Can you advise any remedy or medication that can take care of the little bumps on his skin?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Keratosis Pilaris

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images. Although the images are not very good quality but I can somewhat make out that he has Keratosis Pilaris (KPs). May be you can upload a few more images with proper lighting.
KPs present as follicular papules with a central keratin plug at the follicular orifice. This keratin plug contains intertwined hair/ coiled hair trapped in it and the follicle appears hairless on the outside. KPs are more common in those who have dry skin and soaps would exacerbate rather than resolve the condition. KPs are common at sites like thighs, buttocks, upper arms etc.
If i was the treating doctor I would suggest an emolient/moisturiser e.g Ammonium lactate 12% (Amlactin) lotion. This is mosturising as well would help exfoliate central horny/ keratotic plug.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (31 hours later)

I am sending you additional photos. I wonder if you can download them to zoom in and see in greater detail. I am sorry my phone's camera doesn't have higher resolution.

I appreciate your advises and hope to see my son's condition improve.

Thank you in advance for taking another look at the pictures.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (20 hours later)

Brief Answer:
keratosis pilaris

Detailed Answer:
Hello

I have reviewed the images and i would like to stick to my previous advice. These are keratosis pilaris are related to his dry skin and atopic diathesis.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 hours later)

Thank you very much Doctor Kakkar.

I am going to buy the lotion that you recommended also can he use an exfoliating cream?

Thank you for your help and patience!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Ammonium lactate and Vitamin A palmitate

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Ammonium lactate is gently exfoliating as well as hydrating. He should apply twice daily for a few weeks.
In addition he may also take a supplement of Oral Vitamin A palmitate 25000 IU (Aquasol Capsule), once daily. Vitamin A also helps with keratosis pilaris by helping normalise keratinisation. You may try to find this or a similar preparation otc.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (29 hours later)

Thank you Doctor Kakkar.
I will follow your advises.

Thanks again!

XXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You are welcome

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for writing to us

Regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar