What’s The Best Treatment For Keratosis Pilaris?
Growing up, I remember always seeing my father with little red bumps on the back of his arms. As a child, I was never really sure what it was, but I just figured they were goosebumps and that he was always cold.
Do you find that you have these too?
In doing skin care, I’ve also seen it as flushed cheeks, with a rougher texture. If you look closely, it almost seems that the little bumps that are causing the rough texture, are little whiteheads. However, do not be fooled, as this condition is not a breakout of any kind.
In adults these bumps tend to develop on the backs of the arms, thighs and buttocks, and in youger adults (more typically teenagers going through puberty, but also in newborns) it tends to occur in the lower cheeks.
This is what’s known as Keratosis Pilaris.
By definition, Keratosis Pilaris is a condition that affects over 50% of the population and manifests in small white bumps, causing the area to be rough in texture, and is accompanied by redness/irritation in patches.
Basically, Keratosis Pilaris occurs when very small hairs (the soft, light hairs we have all over our face) are trying to push their way through the follicle, but because they’re not strong enough to come through the opening, they cause irritation and redness.
This happens “… 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).”
Let us assure you that Keratosis Pilaris is a harmless condition and more of a nuisance than anything else.
Do you feel like you have to go to a Dermatologist to improve your KP?
Although there are some topical medications being prescribed for this condition, we recommend you try a few things at home to see if you notice improvement…
- You can begin treating this condition from the comfort of your home. We suggest a very LIGHT scrub (and you know we don’t recommend scrubs very often due to their rough nature and ability to cause micro-tears in the skin). However, look for something gentle with silica beads.
- Why not try a home-made recipe: Mix some lemon juice with sugar, olive oil and honey. Remember: Don’t use a lot of pressure!
- Do this light exfoliation once a week.
- It would be beneficial to also use products with Alpha Hydroxy Acids, including Glycolic or Lactic Acid. For more information on these and their differences, click here.
- Use this AHA-based product twice a week (if it’s for your face) and 3 days a week (if it’s for the backs of your arms, thighs or buttocks.)
- If you get facials, avoid getting excessive extractions. Because this area is already irritated, you want to be sure your esthetician goes very lightly over this area.
- Avoid using anything excessively drying to the skin (like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.) Because Keratosis Pilaris isn’t acne, you do not need to dry the bumps out.
- Instead, be sure to calm and HYDRATE the skin (the condition tends to get worse with dryness.)
- You can even use aloe (make sure it does not have alcohol) as it is soothing and also hydrating.
- We would also recommend avoiding any heavily perfumed skin care products.
Of course if your condition does not show any signs of improvement, then take the next step and visit your dermatologist. We have had great success in helping our clients treat KP this way and we hope it will work for you too!
If you have further questions or comments, we’d love to hear from you!
To your skin’s health!
The Derma Divas.
July 24th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Thank you for this article. It was very informative, especially the homemade scrub. I will try that on my son.
July 25th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
Thank you Heather for your comment! Please let us know if this helps your son. We look forward to hearing from you!
The Derma Divas.
July 26th, 2008 at 7:22 am
[…] but what if there were a few things you could be doing at home? Check this information out at: My Facial Facts: Is Your Skin The Best It Can Be? Blog Archive What’s The Best Treatment For K… To your skin’s health! The Derma […]
August 15th, 2008 at 5:58 am
what kind of product will you recommend to scrub and hydrate the forearm of a 6 year old with KP?
August 15th, 2008 at 7:04 am
Hello Anna!
I would firstly recommend the home-made scrub mentioned in the post by mixing some lemon juice with sugar, olive oil and a touch of honey. The sugar is what will act as the exfoliator, but it is gentle enough where it will not be abrasive. Also, the sugar and honey are humectants and will help hydrate, although you still want to use a moisturizer afterwards.
Another product I would recommend you try is one designed specifically for KP: DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy For Dry Skin. Here is the link to view this product:
http://www.amazon.com/DERMAdoctor-Duty-Dermatologist-Moisturizing-Therapy/dp/B0000ZREXQ/ref=pd_sim_hpc_1
If you choose to use a moisturizer other than this, please be sure it has the least amount of perfumes as possible.
We hope this helps you and your son Anna…let us know how it works!
To your skin’s health!
The Derma Divas.
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August 24th, 2008 at 2:48 am
“Basically, Keratosis Pilaris means that very small hairs (the soft, light hairs we have all over our face) are trying to push their way through the follicle, but because they’re not strong enough to come through the opening, they cause irritation and redness.”
This is an incorrect statement. It is not caused by hairs not being strong enough, it is caused by a buildup of excess keratin in the skin. Here is a correct wording:
“Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin, which is cream color, surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization). “
August 25th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Hello Karen;
Thank you for your input! We are always happy to hear and gain insight to what people respond best to. You are correct. It’s actually a combination of both as the hairs cannot push through due to the keratin build-up. Including your statement will make our post more accurate.
Thank you for your contribution!
The Derma Divas.
September 7th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
My 6 year old daughter also has this skin condition. I only found out today while researching. I too will try the homemade exfoliator, and post our results.
September 8th, 2008 at 11:58 am
Thanks Tracy!
We definitely look forward to hearing from you again! We hope this helps your daughter.
To your skin’s health!
The Derma Divas
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November 12th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil works wonders on Keratosis Pilaris. Just rub some virgin coconut oil on the affected area and you will be surprised to see the positive result.
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November 15th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Thanks so much Leon for the information! Your input is greatly appreciated…
The Derma Divas.
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