Clinico-Epidemiology of Keratosis Pilaris with Histopathologic and Dermoscopic Evaluation: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Rural Tertiary Hospital

This cross-sectional study of 50 patients with keratosis pilaris (KP) at a rural tertiary hospital revealed that KP commonly affects the arms and legs, with keratotic plugs and perifollicular scaling as prevalent features. Histopathological analysis showed keratin accumulation and follicular plugging, while dermoscopic evaluations confirmed the reliability of noninvasive diagnostic indicators like keratotic plugs and coiled hair. The study highlighted the significant psychological and social impact of KP, with 78.12% of participants experiencing a moderate to high negative effect on their quality of life. Despite being benign, KP affects daily functioning and well-being, emphasizing the need for effective management strategies, including glycolic acid peel, tazarotene, and laser therapies.