Have you noticed any rough patches on your skin that are similar to small acne bumps? If so, you might suffer from Keratosis Pilaris. But, do not worry since there is a solution to it.
This is a skin disease which is manifested with rough patches and acne-like bumps onto the skin. Usually, these bumps are found on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Also, rarer variant of this skin disease can be seen on the face and scalp, eyebrows or the entire body. These bumps are usually red or white. Even though you do not experience any discomfort, pain or itching, you might dislike their appearance. In some cases, the bumps can even swell and cause scars, especially on the face area. What’s more, they worsen during the winter period when there is a lack of humidity and the skin tends to dry more. Usually, keratosis pilaris goes away on its own, with the help of some prescription drugs or homemade medicines.
THE REASON BEHIND KERATOSIS PILARIS
There is skin protein named keratin which protects the skin from outer substances and infections. However, when this keratin builds up in an unusual way, keratosis pilaris develops. The keratin buildup forms a lot of plugs on the skin which block the hair follicle openings. These plugs are actually patches of rough, bumpy skin. Although the exact reason behind this condition is not known, it is related to certain genetic disorders or other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. What’s more, children and adolescents, women or people with eczema or ichthyosis (thick, dry scaly skin) and people of Celtic origin suffer more frequently from keratosis pilaris. This condition is commoner in the childhood or adolescence period and usually goes away on its own as the person reaches the age of 30.
Even though there is not a specific therapy for most keratosis pilaris cases, these advices can improve your skin condition:
–Use a skin product that will not dry out your skin. Instead of soaps, use a cleanser free from chemicals since dry skin only worsens the condition of keratosis pilaris.
-Always moisturize your skin with moisturizers and emollients because dry skin worsens the condition of this skin disease.
-Always be gentle when you exfoliate your skin with the help of some exfoliating foam or pumice stone and this will remove the excessive amount of keratin.
-Avoid hot baths since hot water dries off your skin and your condition may worsen after such baths. Therefore, always use with lukewarm water.
-Lower the time you spend under the shower because water will dry your skin.
-In order for the air to remain moisturized, use a humidifier and your skin will be less dry.
HOW TO TREAT KERATOSIS PILARIS
Since the number of people suffering from this condition has increased in the last period, there is vast number of exfoliants, creams, etc. which are meant to cure this condition. This is what you need to know before choosing these products:
EXFOLIANTS
Exfoliating your skin can help you with keratosis pilaris since dead skin cells are being removed. If you decide to buy exfoliants, choose products that contain some of these ingredients:
-Alpha-hydroxy acid
-Lactic acid
-Salicylic acid
-Urea
However, since these are acids, they might cause skin redness or burning sensations. So, if you have a sensitive skin, you need to avoid them. Moreover, never use them on the skin of young children as well. In such cases, always look for natural, homemade recipes for treating this condition.
Topical Retinoids
Vitamin A is known to prevent the formation of skin plugs which clog the follicles. Retinoids are chemical compounds that are vitamers of vitamin A or are chemically related to it and they can be helpful in the healing process. However, topical retinoids have side effects such as skin irritation, peeling or redness. If this occurs, you need to stop using these products. Moreover pregnant or nursing women have to avoid topical retinoids or at least consult a doctor.
Laser treatment
If creams or lotions are not helpful, you can turn to laser treatment which is meant for serious redness or inflammation due to keratosis pilaris.
NATURAL CURES FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS
Sometimes it is even a better choice to use homemade remedies to cure this condition because they are harmless and free from any side effects.
Baking soda exfoliant
The exfoliant from baking soda will remove all the dead skin cells and unclog the clogged areas of the skin and put an end to keratosis pilaris.
Needed:
- 2 to 3 tbsp of baking soda
- Enough water to make a paste
Procedure:
Mix the baking soda and water and apply from the paste onto your face. Rub gently for several minutes and then wash off with water. You need to repeat this procedure daily or 2 to 3 times per week, depending on the severity. Always moisturize your skin after exfoliating it since baking soda tends to dry off your skin.
Coconut oil
The lauric acid found in the oil destroys the keratin build up and the redness will significantly decrease because of the anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties of coconut oil. Also, coconut oil is a great moisturizer and it will keep your skin fresh.
Needed:
- Coconut oil
- Apple cider vinegar -2 to 3 tbsp
- Half a cup of water
Procedure:
First you need to exfoliate your affected area with some agent (for example, baking soda). Then pat the skin dry and apply coconut oil onto the area and rub it for a few minutes. If you wish, you can add apple cider vinegar for bigger effectiveness. Dilute the vinegar with water and wash the affected area with a previously soaked cotton ball in the mixture. Now you can apply coconut oil and rub the skin gently.
Coconut oil-sugar scrub
If exfoliating and then applying oil takes up a lot of your time, you can make a scrub from the coconut oil and sugar.
Needed:
- Granulated white sugar- 1 part
- Brown sugar- 1 part
- Extra virgin coconut oil- 2 parts
Procedure: Mix all the ingredients and make a scrub from which you will apply onto the skin. Rub for 2 to 5 minutes and then wash off with water.
You can see the whole list of NATURAL CURES FOR KERATOSIS PILARIS here
Reference: Rapid Home Remedies