Imaging studies are not indicated. Papules are thought to arise from excessive accumulation of keratin at the follicular orifice. Epidermis shows mild hyperkeratosis, hypergranulosis, and follicular plugging. Upper dermis may have some mild, superficial perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory changes. There is no available cure or universally effective treatment.
Symptoms usually remit with increasing age.
General measures to prevent excessive skin dryness such as mild soaps are recommended. Some available therapeutic options include emollients, lactic acid, tretinoin cream, alpha hydroxy acid lotions, urea cream, salicylic acid, and topical steroids. Mild cases may improve with emollients. Patient should be advised to gently massage lotions into affected area. After initial control, patients can then be placed on maintenance regimen.