2. Halos
Keratosis pilaris bumps are typically small and red or pink in color, and some may develop a white head. Many of the blocked pores have a “halo” around them that has a pink or reddish appearance as well. This halo-effect comes from additional inflammation of the skin around the blocked follicle.
Affected individuals can reduce this halo effect by applying moisturizing creams to the affected area to reduce the swelling of skin cells.
Some individuals mistake the onset of keratosis pilaris with the development of a rash. However, the bumps are not contagious and affected individuals don’t have to be concerned with the condition progressing into another skin disorder.
It’s important to note that keratosis pilaris is a non-cancerous skin condition, and has no precancer characteristics, unlike actinic keratosis – where the skin disorder may progress into SCC. Still, affected individuals should consult with their dermatologist for recommended treatment therapies to reduce the inflammation of keratosis pilaris bumps.