Keratosis pilaris is a very common skin condition. It makes the skin turns into small rough and bumpy spots. They sometimes appear red and swelling. This skin condition looks like goosebumps and feels somewhat rough. Keratosis pilaris develops when extra keratin is stored in the hair follicles.
This usually begins in infancy but becomes apparent in adolescence or adulthood. For reasons not yet fully known the disease seems to be better in the summer than in the winter.
This may be because winter makes the skin drier than in summer. People sweat more in the summer making the skin less dry. There is no permanent cure for the disease. However, the symptoms can be well managed with skincare practices. The general ways of treating keratosis pilaris involve using moisturizing lotions.
The lotions must contain lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and urea. Even though this skin condition is harmless it is very itchy. People with the disease try to ease the itch and reduce the appearance of tiny bumps.
Moisturizers are used to minimize dryness and itching. Unfortunately, they cannot completely clear up the bumps. The disease may be harmless and infectious but people find it very uncomfortable. It looks and feels very unpleasant or unattractive.
Keratosis pilaris causes results from the build-up of keratin. Keratin is a hard protein that defends the skin from harmful substances and infections. The keratin forms a scaly plug that closes the opening of the hair follicle. We are yet to know exactly why keratin builds up to cause this skin disease. The root cause is generally believed to be genetics.
What are the Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris?
The most distinguishing symptom of the keratosis pilaris condition is the look of it. The little bumps that appear on the skin look like that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. Hence, the common name for chicken skin.
The little bumps may appear anyplace on the skin where hair follicles exist. The disease, therefore, never appears on the soles of our feet or the palms of our hands. The little bumps are commonly found on the upper arms and thighs. In serious cases, the bumps could extend to the forearms and lower legs.
This skin disease can affect anyone. But it is more prevalent in children and teenagers. Mostly, the disease starts in the latter part of infancy and or during adolescence. It may be completely cleared up by the late twenties and early thirty years of age.
Changes in hormones can cause flare-ups during and during puberty for teenagers. Keratosis pilaris is most commonly found in people with fair skin.
Is there Keratosis Pilaris Cure?
There is no known permanent cure for chicken skin disease. However, there are some simple measures that can help lessen the disease’s effect. Using moisturizers’ creams and lotions would help reduce the skin’s dryness.
Most moisturizers are available over the counter. But serious conditions may need prescriptions from your doctor or a skin specialist.
The two types of products that may greatly help with relief from the condition are topical exfoliants and topical retinoids. Topical exfoliants clear up dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. These are creams with alpha-hydroxy acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, or urea. The acids may not be recommended for children as they can cause redness and some burning. For long-lasting results, these practices must be followed daily for a while to see good results. Laser treatment may also be used to relieve symptoms in some instances.
How To Manage Keratosis Pilaris At Home?
As KP is a harmless skin condition, it may not require medical attention. It is, therefore, alright for people to try and manage their symptoms in the house. Some people may not even bother to do a thing about their condition. Some skincare practices that may help with the disease are:
Frequent Moisturization
People with dry skin are much more prone to have KP. Dry skin is more likely to itch, and frequent scratching can aggravate KP. Using a cream made for dry skins or for dealing with eczema may help. People ought to put on the cream in a thick layer soon after a warm bath to maximize absorption. People with very dry skin should consider using a skin moisturizer several times a day, including any time the skin feels dry or itchy. Fildena 100 and Cenforce 100 is the Best Treatment for ED Problems in men.
Preventing Dry Skin
Besides applying a thick moisturizer, people should stop using strong detergent on the afflicted areas, or decide to use a moisturizing soap. Hot baths can make the skin dry. People may want to reduce the temperature level of the water or have a bath every other day. Carefully patting the skin dry can avoid irritation and excessive dryness. People with KP might even want to consider making use of a humidifier in the evening, especially in cold or dry weather.
Avoiding Allergens
Keratosis Pilaris isn’t an allergic reaction. Because eczema is linked to allergies. The chemicals and allergens that make symptoms of eczema worse, can also make KP worse. People with KP should not use products that have the tendency to cause allergic or eczema reactions. Those people who are not sure about the way their skin reacts to certain products should consider using hypoallergenic skin care products and laundry detergents. These products have substances that are less likely to cause allergic reactions.