Two Different Conditions

Keratosis pilaris is a minor condition that causes small bumps, much like goose bumps, on the skin. It’s sometimes called “chicken skin.” On the other hand, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that often affects more than the surface of the skin. It’s associated with psoriatic arthritis and is linked to other conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and Crohn’s disease.

Although different, both of these conditions appear in patches on the skin. Keratin, a type of protein, plays a role in both these and many other skin conditions. Keratin is important to the structure of your:

• skin
• hair
• mouth
• nails

Both conditions also tend to run in families, but the similarities end there. Read on for more information on both conditions, their differences, and their treatments.

 

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is one of several autoimmune disorders in which your immune system mistakenly attacks harmless substances within the body. The response, in the case of psoriasis, is your body speeding up skin cell production.

In people with psoriasis, skin cells reach the surface of the skin in four to seven days. This process takes about a month in people who don’t have psoriasis. These immature skin cells, called keratinocytes, build up on the skin’s surface. From there, these cells form raised patches covered by layers of silver scales.

Although there are several different types of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis is the most common. About 80 percent of people with the condition have plaque psoriasis. Many people who have plaque psoriasis also have nail psoriasis. With this condition, nails become pitted and crumble easily. Eventually, some nails may be lost.

 

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris happens when keratin builds up in hair follicles. Hair follicles are small sacs under the skin from which your hair grows. When keratin plugs the sacs, the skin develops bumps that look like tiny whiteheads or goose bumps. Keratin is also the main meal for the fungi that cause:

• ringworm
• jock itch
• toenail fungus
• athlete’s foot

Generally, the bumps are the same color as your skin. These bumps may appear red on fair skin or dark brown on dark skin. Keratosis pilaris often develops in patches that have a rough, sandpapery feel. These patches appear most commonly on the:

• cheeks
• upper arms
• buttocks
• thighs