Do Keratin Pearls Go Away on Their Own? Treatment Options

Do Keratin Pearls Go Away on Their Own?

Keratin pearls are small, harmless cysts that can develop on the outer layers of the skin. Also referred to as keratin horns or follicular keratotic plugs, they appear as whitish or skin-colored bumps protruding from the surface of the skin.

While keratin pearls are not dangerous, some individuals want to know if they will go away on their own without treatment. Here is an overview of what causes keratin pearls, whether they disappear over time, and options for removal if desired.

What Causes Keratin Pearls?

Keratin pearls form when dead skin cells, keratin protein and sebum become trapped within a hair follicle. This creates a small, hard nodule on the surface of the skin.

They can occur on any part of the body but are most common on the face, neck, chest, back and thighs. Certain factors can increase risk such as:

• Excess keratin production
• Oily skin
• Clogged pores
• Friction or pressure on follicles
• Hormonal changes
• Genetics

While harmless, some individuals want to remove keratin pearls for cosmetic reasons or discomfort. Understanding whether they are likely to disappear on their own can help guide treatment approaches.

Do Keratin Pearls Go Away Without Treatment?

In some cases, keratin pearls may disappear on their own over time. However, this is not very common unless the underlying cause is treated.

Factors that may lead to spontaneous resolution include:

• Normal shedding of dead skin cells clears out trapped debris
• Shift in hormones or oil production eliminates clogged pore cause
• Pearl becomes detached through regular washing or scrubbing
• Change in medications or skin care routine fixes imbalance

However, keratin pearls tend to persist once formed, especially if the contributing factors remain present. Their appearance also tends not to significantly self-improve.

For most people with bothersome keratin pearls, some type of treatment is needed to fully resolve them.

Home Treatment Options

There are some home remedies that may help remove keratin pearls or prevent new ones from forming, including:

• Salicylic acid or glycolic acid: Chemical exfoliants to loosen trapped keratin.
• Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives to promote skin cell turnover.
• Alpha hydroxy acids: Exfoliants like lactic acid to detach pearls.
• Regular cleansing: To thoroughly wash away pore-clogging debris.
• Exfoliating scrubs: Gently slough off dead skin around pearls.
• Tea tree oil: Natural dilute antiseptic to dislodge plugs.
• Apple cider vinegar: Contains acids to dissolve keratin buildup.

Gently massaging the area with cleansing oils or soaps may also help loosen the pearls. Improving moisturization can further prevent accumulation of dead cells.

However, these remedies often only detach rather than fully eliminate keratin pearls. The pearl structures often persist beneath the surface unless fully extracted.

Professional Treatment Options

For complete removal of stubborn keratin pearls, professional dermatological treatments are typically needed. Some in-office options include:

• Extraction: Manual removal by a dermatologist, often after softening with acid or laser treatment.
• Electrodessication: Using a hyfrecator device to cauterize and destroy the lesion.
• Cryotherapy: Freezing the pearl with liquid nitrogen to kill cells and make it detach.
• Laser therapy: Using concentrated light beams to vaporize the protrusion.
• Microdermabrasion: Spraying fine crystals to abrade away the pearl.
• Chemical peels: Applying concentrated acids like TCA to burn away protruding skin.

These in-office procedures allow precision removal of the entire pearl structure for lasting results. Mild pain, redness or scabbing may occur temporarily.

Preventing New Keratin Pearls From Forming

While keratin pearls themselves do not usually resolve spontaneously, it is possible to prevent new ones from developing through proper skincare and lifestyle habits.

Use Non-Comedogenic Products

Choose oil-free cosmetics, moisturizers and sunscreens specifically labeled non-comedogenic. These are formulated not to clog pores, which reduces the chances of keratin and sebum becoming trapped.

Exfoliate Regularly

Gently sloughing off dead skin cells through scrubs or chemical exfoliants helps prevent keratin buildup. Focus on areas prone to pearls, but avoid abrasion that could worsen irritation.

Cleanse Effectively

Thoroughly washing the skin once or twice daily removes excess oil, makeup residue, dirt and debris that could block follicles. Cleansers with salicylic acid help keep pores clear.

Shave Carefully

Improper shaving techniques on areas like the neck and jawline can create ingrown hairs. The associated inflammation and keratin trapping promote pearl growth. Use clean razors and shave in the direction of hair growth.

Wear Loose Clothing

Choosing breathable fabrics and avoiding tight collars or straps reduces friction on hair follicles. This lowers risks of mechanical irritation that could worsen plugging.

Manage Hormonal Changes

Hormone fluctuations during adolescence, menstruation, menopause or stress can overstimulate oil glands. Working with a dermatologist or gynecologist may help stabilize levels.

Protect Against Sun Damage

UV exposure slows cell turnover, causing a buildup of dead keratinocytes. Generously apply broad spectrum sunscreen when outdoors.

Address Underlying Medical Conditions

Certain hormonal disorders, autoimmune diseases or nutritional deficiencies are linked to excess keratin production. Seeking appropriate treatment can correct the imbalance.

While new keratin pearls may still periodically occur, following these tips helps reduce risks substantially. Consult a dermatologist if pearls become widespread or painful.

When to See a Dermatologist About Keratin Pearls

In most cases, keratin pearls are benign annoyances rather than a medical concern. However, it is a good idea to make a dermatology appointment if:

• They rapidly increase in number or spread to new areas.
• Their appearance changes or they develop redness or soreness.
• Home treatments are ineffective and pearls keep recurring.
• The pearls bleed, ooze fluid or become infected.
• New ones form even after extracting existing pearls.

A dermatologist can assess whether any worrisome skin changes are occurring and provide access to prescription-strength treatments. They may examine a sample of the lesion to rule out uncommon causes like viral warts.

Book an appointment promptly if experiencing any signs of infection like pain, swelling, warmth or pus. This could indicate a developing abscess within the pearl requiring antibiotics.

Rarely, widespread atypical-looking keratin pearls could signal an underlying immunodeficiency disorder. Seeking medical evaluation is appropriate if their distribution seems abnormal.

Options a Dermatologist May Suggest

If over-the-counter methods are not resolving bothersome keratin pearls, a dermatologist may recommend:

• Prescription-dose retinoids for stronger cell turnover
• Corticosteroid creams or injections to reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics if infection is present
• Oral contraceptives or spironolactone to regulate hormonal imbalances
• In-office extraction using sterile technique
• Referral to an endocrinologist if hormonal disorder is suspected

They can also provide guidance on any necessary follow-up care after medically extracting pearls to optimize healing.

The Takeaway

In summary, keratin pearls do not typically disappear on their own without treatment. Their firm, protruding structure tends to persist once formed.

Home remedies like exfoliation or salicylic acid may help loosen some pearls, but do not remove them entirely. Extraction or destruction of the lesion is needed for definitive removal.

Preventative measures like gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic products and exfoliation can reduce risks of new pearls developing. But periodic recurrence is common even with proper skincare.

See a dermatologist promptly if your keratin pearls are worsening, spreading quickly or appear infected. Otherwise, speak to your dermatologist about which treatment options may be appropriate if the pearls are bothering you cosmetically or physically.

With professional care, most keratin pearls can be successfully eliminated for good.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.