Keratosis
pilaris is a condition characterized by the appearance of small red bumps on
your upper arms, backside, or thighs. These bumps appear in patches and are
eerily reminiscent of “chicken skin”. Sometimes they itch, but usually the only
discomfort comes from the fact that they blemish your beautiful skin.
This condition is similar to acne in that it mostly affects adolescents. However, about 40% of adults also suffer from occasional outbreaks. The treatment of this condition is complicated by the fact that no one knows the exact reason behind it. Any research in this area is inconclusive. The only thing that scientists managed to determine for sure is the fact that people suffering from eczema and those prone to allergies have a higher chance of developing this particular skin disorder. It’s also possible that genetics is a factor where keratosis pilaris is concerned as people who suffer from it usually have a family history of this condition.
The bumps, which are the main symptom of keratosis pilaris, come in different forms. They might be barely noticeable, but more often than not, they look like regular inflamed pimples. Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective cure for this condition. However, some treatments have proven to be effective in containing these outbreaks.
- Regular
exfoliation.
The most effective method of fighting these bumps is treating them in a manner similar to acne. Therefore, regular exfoliation is a must. Removing dead skin cells and tiny particles of dirt, helps reduce inflammation. Even if the symptoms don’t go away completely, exfoliating the affected areas 1-2 times a week will make the bumps less prominent and visible. - Salicylic
acid.
This ingredient is one of the most effective weapons against regular pimples, and it helps for keratosis pilaris as well. In a way, salicylic acid is a lot like aspirin. It fights the inflammation, reducing the redness and swelling of any bump marring your beautiful skin. Note that you’ll need to use the products based on this ingredient regularly and for an extended period of time to ensure the best results. - Laser
treatment.
In severe cases, keratosis pilaris can be treated by specialized procedures that involve lasers. This treatment must be performed by an experienced and certified professional in a safe and sanitary environment. If you consider undergoing the procedure, you will need to consult a qualified dermatologist to ensure that it is indeed necessary and will be safe for you. Laser treatments carry a variety of risks, so we advise you to try other methods of fighting this condition first.
What You Shouldn’t Do
Aside from using various products and keeping your skin clean, you will need to avoid certain risks to prevent your keratosis pilaris from turning into a serious problem. Avoid the following things as they aggravate this condition:
- Coarse
scrubs.
Exfoliating your skin is necessary, but scrubbing it with products that contain coarse particles is a huge mistake. This will only damage your sensitive skin, increasing the risk of infection and serious inflammation. - Bar
soaps.
Bar-shaped products are nasty as they contain some chemicals that are very bad for your skin. Stop using these products altogether if you don’t want the outbreak spreading over your skin.
