How To Treat Keratosis Pilaris

Have you been diagnosed with keratosis pilaris? This is a skin condition that causes the formation of a profusion of small bumps which are rough in texture on the backs of the arms or legs. These bumps are generally red or white in color and give the skin the feel of sandpaper.

Although there’s no cure for this common skin condition, certain steps can be taken to treat keratosis pilaris and improve the appearance of the affected skin surfaces.

What causes the unsightly bumps associated with keratosis pilaris? Keratosis pilaris is a genetic disease that affects up to half of the population. It occurs when dead skin cells on the surface of the skin are shed too slowly. The resulting buildup of skin cells causes keratin to block the hair follicles resulting in the appearance of characteristic bumps on the skin.

The bumps are most commonly found on the backs of the arms and can look quite unsightly if you’re wearing a short sleeved top. Unfortunately, this condition is not curable but steps can be taken to treat keratosis pilaris which can make the lesions less obvious.

The best treatment for keratosis pilaris is an agent that helps to increase the rate at which skin cells turn over. Once such prescription medication is topical Retin-A. Application of Retin-A to the affected areas on a consistent basis can increase cellular sloughing and reduce the appearance of the characteristic bumps. Unfortunately, Retin-A must be prescribed by a doctor and can be expensive.

A less expensive way to treat keratosis pilaris is to use a moisturizer that contains alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic acid along with urea which helps to add moisture to the skin. You can supplement this treatment with gentle exfoliation of the affected areas with a textured exfoliating pad. If exfoliation is performed too aggressively it can irritate the affected areas. You should avoid picking at the bumps or scratching at them to reduce irritation.

Other ways to treat keratosis pilaris is to keep your living area humidified. Dryness tends to exacerbate the symptoms of this skin problem. Try adding a humidifier to your bedroom to help improve the appearance of this condition. If the bumps become itchy, consider using a nonprescription cortisone cream available from your local drugstore. If these treatments fail to improve the symptoms, you may want to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist who can offer prescription strength moisturizers and sloughers.

By taking steps to treat keratosis pilaris using appropriate moisturizers and exfoliants, you can experience the joy of wearing short sleeves again.