Keratosis Pilaris - How to Have Smooth Skin Without Skin Bumps

Also called "chicken skin", Keratosis pilaris occurs when a hair follicle becomes plugged with excess keratin. Keratin is a natural protein in the skin. These plugged follicles result in small red bumps and/or rough patches sometimes becoming inflamed and irritated in the more severe cases.

KP is not acne even though it looks very similar. Acne is a result of sebum blocking the pores - not keratin. Keratosis pilaris is also different from acne in that is can be worse in people with drier skin or in a colder, drier environment. Kp bumps can also prevent the hair from growing out of the affected follicle resulting in an ingrown hair.

Usually more common in woman than men, keratosis pilaris comes in three different varieties:

1) Keratosis pilaris rubra - a more red and inflamed type

2) Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii - a reddish rash on the cheeks

3) Keratosis pilaris alba - bumps without the inflammation or irritation (most common)

The bad news is that keratosis pilaris is not curable - only treatable. Being a hereditary disorder, the best a sufferer can hope for is to alleviate the symptoms. The good news is that this is very possible.

The key to treating keratosis pilaris is to soften the keratin deposits in the skin. Keeping the keratin soft and exfoliating the affected areas will help keep hair follicles from becoming plugged with keratin. Self care measures will work for most people in at least improving skin's appearance and the amount of bumps seen.

 

Self care measures that are helpful are:

• Don't over scrub the problem areas. This can aggravate the condition and make the bumps worse. Use a gentle exfoliant.
• Don't over dry your skin after bathing. Pat dry and allow moisture to remain.
• Use a humidifier if the air inside your home is dry.
• Apply lotions to your skin while the skin is still moist from bathing.
• Try not to scratch or pick at the bumps.

 

When looking for over-the-counter products to help with KP - look for products that contain a strong percentage of either:

• Lactic Acid
• Glycolic Acid
• Urea

If your keratosis pilaris is more severe, there are prescription medications that can help. The prescription medications used to soften keratin include:

• Lac-Hydrin (ammonium lactate) - a 12% lactic acid lotion to soften keratin and promote cell turnover
• Topical retinoids - (Tretinoin, Avita, Tazorac) - promotes cell turnover preventing the follicle from becoming plugged - retinoids may cause skin irritation
• Carmol or Keralac ( urea moisturizers) - loosens dead skin cells and softens dry skin
• Topical corticosteroids - usually prescribed as a short term treatment because of the potential side effects, corticosteroid ointments are anti-inflammatory

See your doctor for further information on prescription medications.

Even though this skin condition does not have any long term health repercussions, it can be a real bother to the people who have it. The real key to dealing with keratosis pilaris is consistency. You must constantly treat the affected area to keep the bumps away. If you stop treating - the bumps will return. It is as simple as that.

For help treating you Keratsis Pilaris,
check out our

Top Product Recommendations.

Click on a product name for more information.

 

DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin

KP Duty™ is a concentrated treatment with potent antioxidant Green Tea, moisture replenishing Hyaluronic Acid and texturizing Dimethicone.
Contains:
Glycolic Acid - Powerful AHA
Sodium Glycolate – Glycolic Acid salt with buffering action
Green Tea – Botanical antioxidant with soothing anti-redness action
Urea - Humectant
Algae – Soothing botanical
Sodium Hyaluronate –Potent hydrating agent
Dimethicone – Barrier agent – reduces moisture evaporation

 

 

 

DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub with Chemical + Physical Medi-Exfoliation

Skin is resurfaced and retexturized; soft, smooth and radiant.
Contains active agents including:

• Glycolic Acid
  
• Lactic Acid
  
• Azelaic Acid
  
• Willow Bark - a natural source of Beta Hydroxy Acid
  
• Green Tea
  
• Dimethicone

 

 

 

Carmol 20 Cream

Nonlipid vanishing cream for rough, dry skin, especially on hands, elbows and heels.

• Hypoallergenic
• Nonocclusive
• Paraben Free
• Lanolin Free
• Mineral Oil Free

 

 

 

 

Donell AHA 20 body Lotion

• High-Potency exfoliating lotion
• Contains 20% glycolic acid
• Quickly removes dry, coarse, dead skin on the feet and other rough skin areas
• Helps soften calluses and heal cracking and flaking

 

 

 

 

 

AmLactin Moisturizing Lotion

AmLactin® 12% Moisturizing Lotion is a special formulation of 12% lactic acid neutralized with ammonium hydroxide to provide a lotion pH of 4.5-5.5.  Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, is a naturally occurring humectant for the skin.  AmLactin® moisturizes and softens rough, dry skin.

 

 

 

 

AmLactin Moisturizing Lotion

AmLactin Cream is a special formulation of 12% lactic acid, neutralized with ammonium hydroxide, to form ammonium lactate that provides a cream pH of 4.5 - 5.5. Lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid, has been reported as an effective, naturally-occurring humectant in the skin. It has beneficial effects on dry, scaly skin and itching associated with this condition.

 

 

 

Lac-hydrin Five

Lactic acid buffered with ammonium hydroxide makes Lac-Hydrin® Five a moisturizer unlike any other.  It is dermatologically tested, and guaranteed to soften and smooth even the body's roughest, driest skin - yet it's gentle enough to use on the face. Lac-Hydrin® Five absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy feel.  And it's fragrance-free and non-comedogenic -- designed not to clog pores and cause acne.

 

 

 

 

 

Back to top of page