LICHEN PILARIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lichen pilaris, also known as keratosis pilaris or KP, is a common skin condition characterized by small, rough, and often red bumps that appear on the surface of the skin, typically on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks. It is a benign condition and does not typically cause any serious health concerns.
The bumps in lichen pilaris occur due to the buildup of keratin, a natural protein found in the outer layer of the skin. This buildup clogs the hair follicles, leading to the appearance of small, rough bumps. The condition is more common in individuals with dry skin and can be exacerbated by certain factors such as hormonal changes, seasonal changes, and genetic predisposition.
Lichen pilaris is often asymptomatic, although in some cases, individuals may experience mild itching or irritation. It is a chronic condition that tends to persist over long periods, although the severity and appearance of the bumps may fluctuate.
Treatment for lichen pilaris focuses on managing the symptoms rather than a cure. It often involves adopting a gentle skincare routine with moisturizers and exfoliation to help remove dead skin cells and unclog follicles. Topical creams or lotions containing ingredients such as urea, salicylic acid, or retinoids may also be recommended to improve the appearance of the bumps.
While lichen pilaris may not be a medically serious condition, it can cause self-consciousness and emotional distress for some individuals, particularly if the bumps are prominent.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LICHEN PILARIS
- kichen pilaris
- pichen pilaris
- oichen pilaris
- luchen pilaris
- ljchen pilaris
- lkchen pilaris
- lochen pilaris
- l9chen pilaris
- l8chen pilaris
- lixhen pilaris
- livhen pilaris
- lifhen pilaris
- lidhen pilaris
- licgen pilaris
- licben pilaris
- licnen pilaris
- licjen pilaris
- licuen pilaris
- licyen pilaris
- lichwn pilaris
Etymology of LICHEN PILARIS
The term "lichen pilaris" is a medical term used to describe a skin condition known as keratosis pilaris, characterized by small, rough bumps on the skin.
The word "lichen" originates from the Greek word "leichen", meaning "lichen" or "moss". This name was given to the condition due to the resemblance of the bumps to the small, moss-like growths found in nature.
The term "pilaris" comes from the Latin word "pilus", meaning "hair". Since these bumps often appear around hair follicles, this term was added to specify the location of the condition.
Therefore, "lichen pilaris", also known as "keratosis pilaris", combines the Greek term for the appearance of the bumps with the Latin term for the location, resulting in the name for this skin condition.
