Keratosis Pilaris

Wearing something cool and light especially in the summer months is often the trend for a lot of people.  When the weather is hot, you most likely go out in sleeveless shirts or blouses and shorts.  When there is a party or a function that you have to go to, it is only normal that you want to wear something fancy.  But for those that suffer from keratosis pilaris, this is not often the case.  If you have keratosis pilaris, there is no doubt that you have had to listen to rude comments or remarks about the appearance of your skin.

Many people are not aware what keratosis pilaris or KP is.  It is often mistaken as acne by some because of the similarities in their appearance.  Keratosis pilaris is a condition of the skin where your pores and hair follicles become plugged up and also become white bumps.  It is often found at the back of the arms, thighs and buttocks.  There are also people who develop it on their faces as well.  The skin or tissue that surrounds the white bumps are often inflamed and irritated making it uncomfortable for those who have it, as well as being embarrassing for them to show it in public.

Although keratosis pilaris is displeasing to the eye, it is not contagious at all.  Suffering from the condition does not mean that you are unhealthy either.  The cause of the condition is still unknown by the medical profession, but records show a genetic predisposition and that individuals who have it also have family members suffering from it.  It can start at any age but it is usually dominant during the teenage years.  It is however a chronic condition therefore it can improve or worsen over time, depending on whether or not you treat it properly.

There is really no cure for this condition, but the appearance and soreness may be reduced by a number of different treatments.  Proper skin care and treatment of Keratosis pilaris can prevent new bumps from forming, and make the condition a lot more manageable for those who suffer from it.  It is best to research what Keratosis pilaris creams you can use, before using them in order to avoid making it worse.

Some treatments do not agree with certain skin types. People who suffer with this condition often have very sensitive skin.  Some keratosis pilaris creams and lotions are very harsh on the skin, leaving it dry and irritated after continued use.

Having a proper skin care regime is always advisable but is even more important for those who suffer with keratosis pilaris.  The following are some tips that you can follow:

• Bathing properly and using mild or hypo-allergenic soaps to start with, will help to lessen the irritation.
• Washing the affected area once or twice a day is usually enough.
• Keratosis pilaris develops partly because of overly sensitive and overly dry skin.  It is therefore advisable that you take precautions so that your skin does not become excessively dry especially in winter months.
• Always lubricate your skin with lotions that contain lactic acid, massaging the affected area once or twice a day.
• Exfoliate by scrubbing with a mild loofah once a week.

With proper treatment of keratosis pilaris you will be able to prevent it from interfering with your life.  Like all the skin conditions and allergic skin problem, proper care is important in order for it to be manageable.

Click here to learn what type of keratosis pilaris you have!