Keratosis circumscripta

What is it keratosis circumscribed?

Keratosis circumscripta is a rare and harmless skin condition. The original cases were 11 patients of African descent from the Yoruba tribe of Nigeria. Some authorities do not recognize keratosis circumscripta as a separate and distinct skin condition.

The cause of circumscribed keratosis is unknown.

Clinical features

Circumscribed keratosis occurs in children, usually appears and develops over 2-3 weeks. It is characterized by circular patches consisting of aggregations small skin color papules (bumps) with a small roughness plug curb protruding from the tip of the papule.

Keratosis circumscripta usually affects the elbows and knees, and very occasionally the backs of the hands and feet, the trunk, the neck, the base of the spine, the shoulders, and the hips.

Conditions that may resemble keratosis circumscripta include circumscribed youth pityriasis rubra pilaris (also called pityriasis type IV rubra pilaris), psoriasis, and lichen spinulosum.

Which is the treatment?

Treatment of circumscribed keratosis is difficult, as it generally does not improve what is attempted. Exfoliating agents that contain urea, salicylic acid, or alpha hydroxy acids can help temporarily remove rough keratin plugs.

Circumscribed keratosis tends to increase in size over a few years and may persist long-term.