Keratosis pilaris is caused by the buildup of keratin — a hard protein that protects skin from harmful substances and infection. The keratin blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. It’s not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris.
How do you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Try medicated creams.
Apply an over-the-counter cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.
Do keratosis pilaris bumps go away?
Even with treatment, it may take time for keratosis pilaris bumps to go away. If you follow your treatment plan, you should start seeing improvement within four to six weeks. Even without treatment, most cases of keratosis pilaris start to clear around your mid-20s, and usually completely disappears by age 30.
Can keratosis pilaris be cured?
Treatment cannot cure keratosis pilaris, so you’ll need to treat your skin to keep the bumps under control. Your maintenance plan may be as simple as using the medicine twice a week instead of every day. Another option may be to switch to a non-prescription moisturizing cream.
What is the main cause of keratosis pilaris? – Related Questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Treating keratosis pilaris at home
- Exfoliate gently. When you exfoliate your skin, you remove the dead skin cells from the surface.
- Apply a product called a keratolytic. After exfoliating, apply this skin care product.
- Slather on moisturizer.
What causes too much keratin in skin?
The body may produce extra keratin as a result of inflammation, as a protective response to pressure, or as a result of a genetic condition. Most forms of hyperkeratosis are treatable with preventive measures and medication.
Is keratosis pilaris lifelong?
Overall, keratosis pilaris is self-limited and, again, tends to improve with age in many patients. Some patients have lifelong keratosis pilaris with periods of remissions and exacerbations. More widespread atypical cases may be cosmetically disfiguring and psychologically distressing.
Why won’t my keratosis pilaris go away?
Understand that you can’t “cure” keratosis pilaris.
“You can’t eradicate keratosis pilaris,” says Day. (Editorial note: Bummer.) “It’s a genetic condition where, for some reason, the follicles on the outer arms and thighs get clogged and don’t naturally exfoliate,” she explains.
How does a dermatologist get rid of keratosis pilaris?
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris. You can treat it regularly to manage the appearance of your skin, but there is no way to get rid of it permanently. For most, it will eventually disappear naturally. While keratosis pilaris is harmless, you should still discuss the symptoms with your dermatologist.
Can exfoliating cure keratosis pilaris?
But while there’s instant gratification in a scrub that leaves skin smooth, experts agree that chemical exfoliation, which uses acids to gently dissolve away dead skin, is the best strategy for treating keratosis pilaris.
Why is my KP getting worse?
Keratosis pilaris often gets worse when your skin is dry, so the first step in managing symptoms is to moisturize your skin. Be sure to apply plenty of moisturizer immediately following a bath or shower. Look for thicker products that contain petroleum jelly or glycerin.
Is sunlight good for keratosis pilaris?
During the winter, increasing the humidity in your home and at work during dry winter months can also help. Sun exposure (with sunscreen) may also quiet KP, which is why for some, it can be less of a cosmetic nuisance in the summer. (Note: Indoor tanning is NEVER advised.)
How do I stop keratin build up?
While it may be difficult to prevent keratin plugs entirely, you can help get rid of them and prevent others from occurring by:
- moisturizing your skin regularly.
- avoiding tight, restrictive clothing.
- using a humidifier in cold, dry weather.
- limiting bathing time.
- using lukewarm water in showers and baths.
What foods cause excess keratin?
10 Foods That Boost Your Body’s Keratin Levels
- Eggs. Eating eggs is a stellar way to boost keratin production naturally.
- Onions. Onions are not only great for flavoring your favorite dishes but also ramping up keratin production.
- Salmon.
- Sweet potatoes.
- Sunflower seeds.
- Mangoes.
- Garlic.
- Kale.
Can keratosis pilaris spread?
The short answer is no. Because it’s not contagious it can’t spread. Dead skin cells blocking your pores/hair follicles are the cause of keratosis pilaris. Typically tend to appear during the winter months, when the air is dry.
What foods reduce keratin?
By consuming vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, salmon, and liver help reduce keratin levels in the body. Vitamin A acts as a regulatory agent and decreases excess and defective keratin. In addition, gentle exfoliation of the skin may help to remove excess keratin.
Is keratosis pilaris linked to gluten?
Keratosis Pilaris And Gluten
There are no studies indicating a direct correlation between gluten and keratosis pilaris ( chicken skin). However, it can be caused by vitamin A deficiency or essential fatty acid deficiency, both of which can occur with gastrointestinal absorption problems.
What dissolves keratin in skin?
Salicylic acid to break up the keratin, causing the thick skin to soften and be shed, thus reducing the thickness of the skin. Urea-based agents to increase the content of water in the skin and soften the area. This can help to break up the keratin, although to a lesser extent than salicylic acid.
Does dairy affect keratosis pilaris?
There are no specific dietary recommendations for keratosis pilaris. Although anecdotal evidence suggests that removing gluten and dairy may be beneficial, no scientific studies support this. In addition, because the condition is inflammatory, following an anti-inflammatory diet may be helpful.
