There is help at hand for KP sufferers. Chicken skin or scientifically known as Keratosis Pilaris is the appearance of small patches of tiny bumps on the skin. These bumps are very rough to the touch, almost like sandpaper or goose bumps. They usually have the same color as the skin, but sometimes they can be reddish and inflamed. KP typically appears on the arms, buttocks and thighs but in rare conditions they can appear on the face which looks a lot like acne. It is hereditary so it runs in the family. It commonly affects children and it is worst in adolescents. But adults can also be affected as well.
If you have KP, you are not alone. It is not a rare condition. It is said that half of the world's population is affected by this skin condition. It is also not contagious and definitely does not affect your overall health. It is not even painful so there is no need to panic. However, you may be concerned with the appearance of your skin. KP can be unpleasant to touch and see and in the effort of covering up your affected areas, you may not be able to wear the clothes you want. Also, there are parts of the body that can be difficult to hide like the face. It can be embarrassing.
KP is caused by excess keratin trapped around the hair follicles of the skin. Sometimes the hair gets trapped and cannot grow out to the surface. This causes the tiny bumps. As to why this happens, it is not known. So when you seek help from your doctor, they will tell you that there is no cure. Do not be disappointed though. There are many treatments that can be done to manage the symptoms of KP. These vary from expensive laser treatments to affordable moisturizers that can be bought from your local store. There are also many natural remedies that can be found in your kitchen that can help treat this skin condition.
Ask help from your dermatologist and he will provide you with the treatment options you can choose from. You could also seek help from family members or friends with KP for tips to reduce its symptoms. The basic thing that should be remembered when you have KP is to keep the skin hydrated or moisturized. Drinking plenty of water every day or using a humidifier in dry places also helps. Very dry skin is bad for this skin condition and only worsens it.
Before taking a bath, you can apply petroleum jelly on the affected areas. Only use mild soapless cleansers or washes; there are many brands to choose from. You can also use mild scrubs and exfoliants. Also, gently apply special lotions such as those containing lactic acid to the skin at least twice a day. Never use harsh ingredients or try to scrub or scrape the rough bumps. Do not expect that these creams or moisturizers will miraculously clear KP. Be patient and try each treatment for one to two weeks. When one treatment does not work, there are many other alternatives.
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