How to treat Keratosis Pilaris

It can be easy to mistake keratosis pilaris for acne because it resembles acne in so many ways. The bumpy, uneven skin and pimples that are symptoms of keratosis pilaris are similar to those of acne.

Keratosis pilaris can be generalized as a seborrhec condition that leads to itchy skin. This condition has nothing to do with overactive sebaceous glands, as is the case with acne.

What is keratosis pilaris?

It occurs due to formation of dead skin cells in the hair follicles on some parts of the body. It is a harmless skin order, which resembles small, acne-lie bumps. The affected areas are commonly the arms and the back and tend to generally affect children and young adults. For most people, the condition will have naturally cleared up by the age of 30.

Causes for Keratosis Pilaris

This is an inherited condition and has no relation with hormones or sebaceous glands. Keratosis pilaris are developed in thighs, cheeks, arms, upper back, etc. The precise cause for keratosis pilaris has not yet been determined.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris

One of the treatment option is to not treat it at all, even if that seems quite contradictory. For many people keratosis pilaris just goes away naturally with time. However, there are those that continue to have it for many years if untreated.

You can use over the counter medication for keratosis pilaris. The common OTC or prescription includes glycolic acid or lactic acid. Both of these are capable of dissolving the bumps around the hair follicle. There is no cure for keratosis pilaris in that no treatment for this condition provides a permanent solution.

A natural way to treat keratosis pilaris is to ensure a diet that is rich in vitamin A. You supplement the vitamin in your diet with vitamin A (or multivitamin pills). However, it is important that you do not take anymore than your doctor specifies.

Following a therapeutic, nutritious diet with an increased intake of fatty acids can improve this condition.

The other common treatment for keratosis pilaris includes-

• Laser assisted hair removal
• Pulse dry laser treatment
• Topical retinoids
• Pumice stone rubbing
• Application of moisturizing cream
• Non-soap cleaners
• Topical corticosteroids
• Urea (Carmol, Keralac)
• Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin)
• Topical retenoids

Sequel

The skin gets sandpaper or goose flesh appearance leading to form rough patches. keratosis pilaris will occur at any age and quite common among the young children.

Home remedies for keratosis pilaris

Most of us are seeking the help of home remedies for keratosis pilaris since it is not only cheap but also environment friendly. The common home remedies are-

• Expose your body at least 15 to 30 minutes in sunshine. It is well-known fact that keratosis pilaris is worse in winter than any other seasons.
• Make use of humidifier in your bedroom to increase the humidity.
• Not to dry out the skin and use mild soap.
• After bathing, intensive moisturizing with Vaseline cream may be practiced.
• Include good sources such as flax and hemp seeds in your diet.
• Using a bar of neem-oil soap for fixing this problem.
  Consider consultation with a dermatologist in your area for further detailed study.