Keratosis Pilaris
Ever since I was little, I’ve had these red and white bumps on my skin: back and outer parts of my upper arms, my legs, thighs, booty cheeks, upper back and lower shoulders. I have a lot. Thank goodness I have very tan skin, or else the bumps would be really noticeable. Most people think I’m always cold ’cause they look like I have goosebumps.
No, I’m not always cold. =P
So, for the longest time, I never knew what they were. My dad use to pick and squeeze at them when I was younger. From the power of the internet, I found out that its a skin condition called Keratosis Pilaris, also known as chicken skin.
I really hate them. They can be very annoying. In the summer, it just doesn’t look pretty, especially on my thighs and legs.
Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). The painless bumps are skin-colored, although they can become red and inflamed at times. Usually many plugs form in an area, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. This gives the skin a sandpaper or goose flesh appearance.[4] This may be more severe in the winter or times of low humidity, which causes the skin to become dry. It will eventually resolve on its own.
That’s exactly what’s going on with my legs. I don’t have to shave my legs because the KP doesn’t allow the hair to grow freely. Great that I don’t have to shave, but you can see the pores real bad on my legs.
In the winter time, my skin gets extremely dry, causing me to itch my skin like crazy! One time, I slept at my boyfriend’s place and I remember him yelling, “Vana!” in the middle of the night because I kept scratching my body. It would still itch even after I put lotion on.
I was getting tired of my annoyance with KP, so I decided to search the web for some cures.
Turns out, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris. Bummer.
BUT, you can treat it.
There is no cure for Keratosis pilaris, but treatment is available. One option is to use a loofa to remove the dead, dry skin. Another option is to use a dermotologist-prescribed cream or lotion that should be applied daily. The best lotions for this condition would have urea, 15% alphahydroxy acids, or Retin A in them. Over-the-counter lotions work as well and should be applied after showering, as well as several times a day.[8] The lotions are often soothing and can help improve the appearance of the skin. [9] Dermotologists also recommend mild peeling agents, or alpha hydroxy acids, that may open up the plugged follicles. Antibiotics may also help in some cases where the bumps are red and badly inflamed.[10] To temporarily reduce redness but not roughness, pulse dye laser treatment or intense pulsed light (IPL) can be done.[11]
Although it may clear up with treatment, reccurance of KP is very likely. Therefore, treatment should be continued regularly. It may take several months to years for the condition to completely clear up.
A dermatologist or physician can usually diagnose a patient for Keratosis pilaris by visually inspecting the patient’s skin, Some dermatologist will prescribe Lac-Hydrin, which has shown good results.
So with that in mind, these are the products I use:
Body washes.
I like to use Neutrogena‘s Body Clear Body Scrub with a fancy puff.
And…Softsoap‘s Pure Cashmere Moisturizing Body Wash for Extra Dry Skin with a loofah pad.
I pretty much alternate between the two body washes because I stay at two different places, mine and my boyfriend’s. I think it’s better that I do, because I feel like the Body Scrub would be too harsh to use daily. I also like to choose body scrubs/washes that have a mild scent or no scent at all. Same goes for lotions. KP is pretty much like acne on your body, so because of sensitivity, I don’t like to use products that have a strong fragrance.
Side note: A month ago, I used Dove’s body washes for about 3-4 months. I looked at my stomach and noticed I was getting KP there! I never ever had it there. I read in a forum where a couple of people broke out using their products. A lot of the body washes made by Dove contains Soybean Oil, which is a pore-clogging ingredient. So I immediately stopped using it.
Exfoliator.
I absolute love DERMAdoctor KP Duty dermatologist body scrub with chemical + physical medi-exfoliation. It’s a bit more expensive than body scrubs you could get from drugstores, but it’s totally worth it because it’s especially made for people who have KP. When I put it on, I focus on the most effected areas with a circular motion. My skin feels so smooth after using this. I only exfoliate once a week. Too much of something so good can turn bad. It’s very important to add exfoliation to your treatment routine.
Lotions.
I use only three different kinds of lotions. DERMAdoctor KP Duty
dermatologist moisturizing therapy for dry skin. AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion. Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Lotion.
Moisturizing is also a very important step. Even if you don’t have KP you should moisturize to keep your skin looking healthy and youthful; very, very important. People who have KP have extremely dry skin. I moisturize twice a day. Right after I get out of the shower and before I go to bed. Right after you get out of the shower is the best time to moisturize because your pores are open from being soaked in water, therefore, lotions and cremes can more effective do its job to your skin.
Don’t be lazy, moisturize!
Last night, I went out with my girls, and two of them couldn’t stop rubbing my arm saying how smooth it is! =) One of the best compliments a person who has KP can have.
I swear to you, my skin has gotten so much better! I still have the bumps, but it’s reduced big time. My skin is definitely smoother and more healthy looking. For the first time in 24 years I have started to do something about my keratosis pilaris. Thanks to the research on the internet I have found my treatment products. =)
You can buy/find these products pretty easily. You can get the DERMAdoctor products from Sephora. Neutrogena, Softsoap, Eucerin, fancy puff, and loofah pad from Meijer, CVS, Target, Walmart, etc. Amlactin, I got from Meijer. You can go to there website to find locations to buy from. Amlactin can be hard to find sometimes.
And of course, you can get these products online. =)
Links to check out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratosis_pilaris
http://www.keratosispilaris.org/
http://www.helpforkp.com/
http://www.amlactin.com/
http://www.eucerinus.com/advice.html
http://www.dermadoctor.com/
