Keratosis Pilaris

[Zewp]

So, the nasty, albeit harmless, skin condition that apparently affects 40% of the world's population. I was expecting to have outgrown it by now, but it seems not.

Anyone else have any luck with any remedies for it? I see a lot of claims for curing it online, but like penis enhancement medicines, I suspect the majority is just hocus. I bought a can of coconut oil yesterday after someone recommended I try it so I'm waiting to see if it makes an improvements, but does anyone else have any advice that actually works?

It's a really horrible skin affliction that simply looks terrible and it's really affecting my self-esteem a lot seeing as I've got it on my arms and legs. Would be nice if I could get it under control.

 

[Lycanthrope]

Had to Google to find out what it was...

I figure that as long as you don't look like this poor sod, then you have nothing to worry about.

Alternatively, Wikipedia mentions urea as a potential treatment

 

[B@rrels]

I had it on my arms due to lots of beach and sunshine and have being using Nemu Emu oil(Rescue Blend).It has improved my skin 90% but it is quite expensive.Not sure where you can get it wherever you are.We have an Emu breeder here who supplies mine.I pay R30 for 10ml in a roll on bottle.

Edit: I also tried coconut oil but did not really improve the skin.

Edit 2: I think I got Keratosis Pilaris mixed up with Solar Keratosis:erm:...but try it anyway.

 

[Pooky]

Wow I can't believe how high that percentage is and that I have never heard of it until now.

 

[Cius]

Is it pimples? If so I had it bad and Roacutane mostly cured it.

 

[Devill]

Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris or chicken skin) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough, slightly red, bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the arm (though the forearm can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs, hands, and tops of legs, sides, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet).[1] Often the lesions will appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.[2]

There we go.

 

[Zewp]

Is it pimples? If so I had it bad and Roacutane mostly cured it.

It's not quite the same as acne. It's a build-up of excessive keratin which clogs hair follicles and causes red spots all over your arms and/or legs and in extreme cases the rest of your body. It isn't painful or irritable, but it's not something pleasant to look at, not helped by the fact that most people usually see it and think you have a more serious skin disease.

I had it on my arms due to lots of beach and sunshine

Sunshine actually helps for me and it usually goes away almost completely if I'm tanned, but tanning in the winter isn't really easy so it usually breaks out anew every winter.

I'll see if I can get my hands on Emu Oil though.

With the coconut oil the spots are still visible, but the coarse texture they create is gone so it seems to be a definite step in the right direction.

 

[bromster]

I had pityriasis rosea for a few weeks and having stuff on your skin is awful. After weeks of hydrocortisone cream, I tried the sunbed at the gym and it literally got rid of it overnight. I was amazed. Sunbeds are used for a lot of skin conditions including psoriasis, so I would check online if it safe to do so and do half a session to see what happens.

 

[Swa]

Oh is that what it's called. Vitamin A and D. Both change the condition of the skin but the D will take weeks. Vitamin A as an ointment is great for the skin and also easier on the system. Other than that just keep it moisturised as it's more visible when dry.

 

[RiaX]

hmmm ... you going to need some strong stuff. So either way make your way to a dermatologist.

- to moisturize I would say use a 10-20% urea ointment
- a decent sun block day time and an application of salicylic acid ointment to peel of that skin
- then you need a retinoid to normalise the cell structure of the skin something like retin A (tretinoin) at night you get a generic by aspen called illotycin
- this time i agree with swa you will need a vitD supplement to regulate long term. Get the bloods done you probably need 50 000 iu calciferol monthly as well

 

[Zewp]

Thanks, I'll make an appointment with a dermatologist sometime.

As expected, the coconut oil has minimal effect. Makes my skin feel smooth for an hour or two, but then it's done. I've put it on my hair as well and my hair feels amazing, so I guess there's an up side to that.

 

[RiaX]

Thanks, I'll make an appointment with a dermatologist sometime.

As expected, the coconut oil has minimal effect. Makes my skin feel smooth for an hour or two, but then it's done. I've put it on my hair as well and my hair feels amazing, so I guess there's an up side to that.

for serious skin pathologies dont waste your time with anything that isnt scheduled to actively treat. Waste of money.

You should enquire about cyrotherapy and/or surgical options like skin punch procedure perhaps the dermatologist can remove the affected areas and graft normal skin there