How Keratosis Pilaris Can Help You Improve Your Health

Keratosis pilaris is a harmless skin disease that creates dry, rough patches and small bumps, often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks. Typically, the lumps don’t pain or itch.

It’s typical to think of keratosis pilaris as a common skin condition. It cannot be avoided or treated. However, you may take care of it using moisturizers and prescription treatments to boost the skin’s appearance. By the age of 30, the problem normally goes away.

Symptoms

Although keratosis pilaris may happen at any age, small children are more likely to get it. These signs include:

• The upper arms, thighs, cheeks, or buttocks may develop small, painless pimples.
• Skin that is dry and rough in the bumpy places
• As seasonal changes result in low humidity and dry skin, things become worse
• Bumpy like sandpaper, looking like goose skin

Whenever to see a doctor

In most cases, keratosis pilaris does not need treatment. However, if you’re worried about your skin or the skin of your kid, speak with your doctor or a dermatologist who specializes in treating skin issues.

Causes

Keratin, a tough protein that shields skin from irritants and infection, builds up and leads to keratosis pilaris. The keratin prevents hair follicles from opening, resulting in rough, bumpy skin areas.

It is unclear why keratin accumulates in those who have keratosis pilaris. A hereditary illness or skin diseases like atopic dermatitis may coexist with it. Keratosis pilaris often becomes worse with dry skin.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can most likely identify keratosis pilaris by looking at the skin that is afflicted. Testing is not required.

Treatment

With time, keratosis pilaris often goes away on its own. You might use one of the various products on the market in the meantime to make the skin appear better. Your doctor could recommend medicated creams if moisturizing and other self-care techniques are ineffective.

Creams to get rid of dead skin. Dead skin cells may be loosened and removed with the use of creams containing alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acids, salicylic acids, or urea. Additionally, they soften and hydrate dry skin. Topical exfoliants are the name for these products. They may be purchased with a prescription or without one, depending on their strengths. On the best course of action and how often to apply, your healthcare professional may provide you advice. Young children shouldn’t use these lotions since the acids in them might result in stinging or irritated skin.

Creams to avoid blocked follicles. Topical retinoids are creams made from vitamin A. They function by accelerating cell renewal and avoiding clogged hair follicles. Topical retinoids include medications like tazarotene (Arazlo, Avage, Tazorac, and others) and tretinoin (Avita, Renova, Retin-A, and others). These items may aggravate and dry out the skin. Additionally, if you are expecting or breastfeeding, your doctor may advise postponing topical retinoid medication or choose a different course of action.

Regular use of a medicated lotion may enhance skin appearance. However, the situation returns if you quit. Additionally, keratosis pilaris may persist for years even with therapy.

Lifestyle and DIY cures

Self-help techniques won’t stop or cure keratosis pilaris. However, they could make the damaged skin seem better. When using a new product, test it first on a small patch of the afflicted skin, such an arm. Use it for your keratosis pilaris if it seems to be effective and has no side effects.

Bathe just briefly and with warm water. The skin’s natural oils are removed by hot water and extended showers or baths. Spend no more than 10 minutes in the shower or bath. Use warm water, not boiling.

Treat the skin with care. Steer clear of abrasive soaps. With the use of a washcloth or loofah, gently remove dead skin. Hair follicle clog removal or vigorous cleaning might irritate the skin and make the problem worse. Gently pat or blot the skin with a towel after bathing or washing it to ensure that some moisture is left behind.

Use medicinal creams. Use an over-the-counter lotion with urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid to treat the problem. Dead skin cells are loosened and exfoliated with these products. Additionally, they soften and hydrate dry skin. Apply this item before a moisturizer.

Moisturize. Apply a lanolin, petroleum jelly, or glycerin-containing moisturizer while the skin is still damp after washing. These substances moisturize dry skin while soothing it. The greatest moisturizers are thicker. Eucerin and Cetaphil are two examples. Several times each day, reapply the product to the afflicted skin.

Apply a humidifier. The skin dries out under low humidity. You may add moisture to the air in your house by using a portable humidifier or one that is connected to your furnace.

Avoid rubbing against tight clothing. Defend against friction caused by wearing tight clothing on the afflicted area.

Getting ready for the appointment

You should most likely schedule an appointment with your doctor first. Alternatively, a dermatologist who specializes in skin conditions may be suggested to you. You may wish to make a list of inquiries to make to your doctor.

Some fundamental inquiries for keratosis pilaris include:

• What is probably the root of the symptoms?
• What other factors may be causing these symptoms?
• Will this ailment likely pass quickly or linger for a while?
• Which course of action is ideal?
• What are some alternatives to the main strategy you’re recommending?
• Is the medication you’re recommending available in generic form?

What to anticipate from your physician

You should expect to get multiple inquiries from your healthcare professional. Being prepared to respond to them may allow you to set aside time to go over any issues you wish to expand on. Your medical professional could inquire:

• When did the signs first appear?
• Have the signs been constant or intermittent?
• If anything, what exactly appears to make the symptoms better?
• What, if anything, does it seem to make the symptoms worse?
• Do your family members’ skin changes resemble each other’s?
• Has either you or your kid ever had hay fever, asthma, or any other allergies?
• Have either you or your kid ever had eczema?