UPDATED September 27, 2010
Keratosis pilaris (also known as “KP” or “chicken skin”) is a hereditary, non-contagious skin condition. KP manifests as raised red bumps, primarily on the back of the upper arms and thighs (although other parts of the body and face may be affected).
Although harmless, KP is not pretty. Treat keratosis pilaris at home with a few simple techniques and start to see results within a month.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Medically speaking, keratosis pilaris "results from the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects your skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin forms a scaly plug that blocks the opening of the hair follicle.” (MayoClinic.com)
Keratosis pilaris bumps are small, painless and make the skin feel rough. The KP bumps can be either white or red, and while they do not make the skin itch, the overall effect of dry skin or overaggressive keratosis pilaris treatment can cause itching.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment 1: Exfoliate
Gently exfoliate KP-affected skin in a warm shower. Overaggressive, abrasive scrubbing can make keratosis pilaris worse, so choose a gentle scrub that also utilizes chemical exfoliants (such as DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub). The combination of physical sloughing and acid-based exfoliation will smooth roughness and unplug the affected follicles.
Use warm water when treating keratosis pilaris. Hot water will inflame and irritate KP, and cold water will prevent pores from opening and unclogging.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment 2: Moisturize
Moisturize with a gentle exfoliating lotion containing pore-unclogging ingredients. Look for products with one or more of the following:
- glycolic acid (such as Glytone Keratosis Pilaris Kit)
- lactic acid (such as Lac-Hydrin)
- alpha-hydroxy acid (such as Alpha Hydrox AHA Enhanced Lotion)
- urea or uric acid (such as Eucerine 10%)
These acids will help to clear the keratin plugs.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment 3: Reduce Irritation
Sensitive or aggressively treated skin may experience irritation from the unclogging acids. Should irritation occur, stop using the exfoliating scrubs and acid-based lotions for at least 2 days.
Instead, opt for skin-soothing lotions containing colloidal oatmeal, green tea or aloe vera. Try Kiehl's Deluxe Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal, or Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment 4: Sea-buckthorn Treatments
Sea-buckthorn (hippophae rhamnoides) is a thorny shrub, the fruit, leaves and bark of which have been used throughout Asia for centuries as, among other things, an anti-inflammatory.
Anecdotal results of sea-buckthorn use show promise for people with keratosis pilaris. In a poll taken by an online community for people with KP, 17% of respondents report that sea-buckthorn treatment worked to clear their keratosis pilaris.
Sea-buckthorn can be taken internally (most commonly, as a pill containing sea-buckthorn oil) or applied topically as soap, lotion or oil.
Keratosis Pilaris Treatment 5: Sun Exposure
Many people with keratosis pilaris find that a moderate amount of daily sun exposure helps to reduce the severity of KP bumps. In the same KeratosisPilaris.org poll, 24.5% of respondents reported sun exposure as effective in reducing KP.
The safest keratosis pilaris sun treatment consists of 10 minutes of exposure to early morning sun, without sunscreen. Sunscreen is always recommended with extensive midday sun exposure.
When to Consult a Dermatologist to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
If at-home treatment does not reduce or eliminate keratosis pilaris, consult a dermatologist. Dermatologists can prescribe keratosis pilaris products containing high concentrations of effective acids. Keratosis pilaris laser treatment is another option.
Before investing in more aggressive KP management, begin by treating keratosis pilaris at home. Start with a 3-step approach: gently exfoliate with warm water; moisturize with a lotion containing pore-unclogging acids; and soothe with a mild lotion if irritation develops.
Sources:
- MayoClinic.com
- Keratosis Pilaris Treatments
- KeratosisPilaris.org
Christine E. Taylor - Christine E. Taylor is a freelance writer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Christine is currently writing a series of articles ...
