High body mass index, dry scaly leg skin and atopic conditions are highly associated with keratosis pilaris

Background: In a previous study we have found that young patients with insu lin-dependent diabetes mellitus had a higher prevalence of keratosis pilari s (KP) than healthy controls, with a high correlation with body mass index (BMI) and ichthyosiform skin changes of the legs. Objectives: To investigat e whether BWI, dry scaly legs and atopic conditions could be associated wit h KP in a healthy population of adolescents. Methods: A total of 202 Jewish adolescents chosen at random among students undergoing a routine medical e xamination at school participated in the study. The patients filled in a qu estionnaire for data on ethnic origin, the presence or history of allergic rhinitis, asthma or atopic dermatitis, the presence of thyroid disease, dia betes or dry skin. A similar questionnaire was sent to the family physician for verification. A general inspection of the skin was made for the presen ce of KP; the lower legs were also examined for dry scaly skin and ichthyos iform skin changes. Results: KP was present in 33 examinees (16%). Factors significantly associated with were dry scaly skin (p < 0.001, odds ratio, O R = 31.3, with 95% confidence interval, CI, 6.4-153.7), BMI>25 (p < 0.001, OR = 4.9, with 95% CI 2.2-11.2) and atopy (p = 0.001, OR = 4.5, with 95% CI 1.8-11.1). Conclusion: It therefore appears that KP is associated with mul tiple factors, including high BMI, leg skin dryness and atopic conditions. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.