Keratosis Pilaris – What You Need to Know

Keratosis Pilaris is a skin condition where small red bumps appear on your body (it basicaly means “bumpy skin”). The cause of this is the buildup of keratin and dead skin cells in and around your hair follicles. This buildup causes your skin to “bulge” and result in inflammation and irritation. The usual spots where Keratosis Pilaris appears on is on the back of your arms, on your buttocks and on your thighs.

How you can get it varies, It can be hereditary and genetic, so if someone in your family has it, then you will most likely get it too. Having coiled follicular shafts underneath your skin will also be a factor whether or not you get this condition. Those with dry skin are also susceptible to keratosis pilaris, while there have been reports that waxing or shaving are also potential causes.

You might be asking “how can this be treated?”, well exfoliants like lactic acids, salicylic acids and other chemical peels can be used to treat keratosis pilaris. Some dermatologists may prescribe steroid medication to counteract the inflammation caused by this condition.

There are also home remedies you can take to lessen your chances of getting keratosis pilaris. Exfoliating twice a week will help remove the buildup of dead skin cells and keratin. You can use exfoliating scrubs, chemical exfoliators or even using device designed for exfoliation. You should also avoid taking showers or baths that are too hot as they tend to dry up your skin. Remember to moisturize to keep your skin from drying up, and right after taking a shower or bath is the best time to do so, while your skin is still slightly damp.

If you’ve tried all of these things at home and you still continue to exhibit symptoms, you should talk to your dermatologist to see what professional options are available for your treatment.