Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition that causes rough patches and small,
acne-like bumps, usually on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Keratosis Pilaris
bumps are usually white, sometimes red, and generally don't hurt or itch.
Keratosis Pilaris can be frustrating because it's difficult to treat. However,
keratosis Pilaris isn't often serious and usually disappears by age 30. In the
meantime, prescription medications and self-care measures can improve the
appearance of keratosis Pilaris.
Symptoms
Keratosis Pilaris can occur at any age,
although it's particularly common in young children. Signs and symptoms
include:
- Small white or red bumps, typically on the upper arms, legs,
buttocks or cheeks
- Dry, rough and sometimes itchy skin in the areas with bumps
- Worsening in winter, when humidity is low and skin tends to be drier
Remedies
for Keratosis Pilaris
1. Baking
Soda
This is an
outstanding homemade exfoliant that eliminates the dead skin cells and deep
cleans the skin pores. Take sufficient amount of water and add 2 to 3
tablespoons of baking soda. Stir it well to prepare a fine paste and apply it
on the affected area. Scrub for a few minutes and then wash it with water.
Repeat the same process on a regular basis until you get rid of these bumps.
2.
Oatmeal Bath
This remedy
keeps the skin well moisturized and puts a stop to the keratosis Pilaris. Add a
handful of powdered oats to lukewarm water. Mix well and immerse yourself in
that water, for a minimum of 15 minutes. Take shower and pat your skin dry
using a towel. Carry out the same process 3 times a week to get relief from the
keratosis Pilaris.
3. Sugar
and Sour Cream
A mixture of
sugar and sour cream contains lactic acid which eliminates the build-up of
keratin; thus, helps clear the keratosis Pilaris. Mix together 2 tablespoons of
sour cream and a teaspoon of granular sugar. Mix it well and apply it as a face
pack. Massage this in the circular motions. Repeat the process regularly to
ward off the keratosis Pilaris.
4.
Vitamin A Capsules
Vitamin A
has retinol, a derivative which is used to prevent the plugging of hair
follicles and promote cell turnover. Deficiency of vitamin A often results in a
number of skin conditions, including keratosis Pilaris. Vitamin A helps heal
the damaged skin and rebuild the skin tissues. Break one or two vitamin A
capsules. Squeeze off the oil from the capsule(s) and apply it directly onto
the skin. Rub it softly for a few minutes, and subsequently leave it on for 15
to 20 minutes. Repeat the procedure till you get absolute relief.
- Or else, you can also eat fruits such
as papaya, leafy greens, carrots, liver, eggs, strawberries, pumpkin,
grapes, tomatoes, etc., that are rich in vitamin A.
5. Yogurt
The presence
of lactic acid in yogurt decreases the dryness of the skin and provides respite
from the excess deposition of keratin. Take about 3 to 4 tablespoons of yogurt
and apply it on the problematic area. After 15 minutes, take a bath with
lukewarm or cold water. Clean the skin softly using a soft towel and repeat
this process on a regular basis.
6. Alpha Hydroxyl
Acids
Alpha hydroxyl
acids are mild natural acids. Obtain any product that has alpha hydroxyl acids
and apply it on the infected skin. Rub it softly for a few minutes. This
smoothens and deep cleanses the bumps of keratosis Pilaris. Or else, you may
also use creams and lotions that contain glycolic acid as primary ingredient.
7. Cold
Water Fish
Cold water
fish such as tuna, flaxseeds, salmon, walnuts, mackerel, etc., contain omega-3
fatty acids that heal the keratosis Pilaris at a faster pace. Therefore, eat
cold water fish in your daily meal for a minimum of 3 weeks to eliminate the
root cause. If you don’t like fish, then you can also consume fish oil
supplements regularly.
8. Milk
Baths
As milk
contains lactic acid, it softens the skin and minimizes the bumps. Put a few
cups of whole milk into your bath tub. Mix it well and bathe with this water
for a few minutes. Carry out the same procedure regularly to fend off the
disorder.
9.
Aspirin
Another
useful remedy is aspirin. It pacifies the irritation and redness caused by
keratosis Pilaris. Crush a few aspirins into a fine powder. Combine with an
equal amount of water and apply it as a mask on the affected area. Rub it
softly and allow it to stand for a few minutes. Wash it with cold water. Use
the same process repeatedly, until you feel completely relieved from the
keratosis Pilaris.
10. Olive
Oil
Olive oil
has been known to solve numerous skin problems, particularly keratosis Pilaris.
Being rich in vitamin E, it decreases the bumpiness and dryness of the skin.
Apply adequate amount of olive oil on the affected parts of the body
frequently.
- Alternatively, you can also prepare a
body scrub using sugar and olive oil. Pour some amount of warm water and
stir it well. Apply this prepared scrub on the infected skin and rinse it
off after scrubbing.
11.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil
is high in fatty acids and acts as a moisturizer. Additionally, it also
contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that pacify the
inflammation, which in turn, reduces the redness. You can apply coconut oil in
the form of sugar scrub or by mixing it with apple cider vinegar.
- Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub Grab one part
of brown sugar and one part of white granulated sugar. Mix them with two
parts of extra virgin coconut oil. For extra moisturizer, you may add a
teaspoon of honey or vanilla extract. Now, apply this scrub onto the area
affected by the keratosis Pilaris. Rub it softly for a few minutes. Wash
it with water and repeat the same process for a regular interval of time.
- Coconut Oil with Apple Cider Vinegar
Take both coconut oil and apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. Mix them
together and then place in a mixing jar. Blend some honey or any other
emulsifier. Apply it on the keratosis Pilaris and allow it to stand for a
few minutes. Use it often.
12. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Owing to its
anti-inflammatory properties, ACV is very useful in preventing all kinds of
infections. In a small bowl, take adequate amount of organic, raw apple cider
vinegar. With the help of a cotton ball, apply it on the problematic area.
- Or else, add 1-2 tablespoon of apple
cider vinegar in your bath tub and take a bath with this water. Repeat
till the symptoms alleviate.
- ACV with Sugar and Coconut Oil Combine
½ cup of grape seed oil or coconut oil and ½ cup of sugar. Mix it
thoroughly, apply and rub softly for a couple of minutes. Subsequently,
wash it off.
13.
Lactic Acid or Urea
Apply
products that are rich in urea (such as Eucerin, Nutraplus) or lactic acid
(such as Lac-hydrin, AmLactin) two times in a day. These products will
eliminate extra keratin from your skin.
14.
Sunlight
Sunlight can
either recover or worsen the situation. If you are suffering from actinic
keratosis, then make sure you don’t expose yourself to excessive sunrays.
Nevertheless, sunlight has always been essential for health, therefore, first
allow gentle sunlight to fall on any other part of the body, and if you feel
that it is not causing any harm, then expose yourself to sunlight more often.
15.
Beta-Carotene
Beta-carotene
is very helpful in preventing the excess production of keratin. Consume 2 to 3
carrots on a daily basis. Alternatively, drink a glass of carrot juice two
times a day. Carrots, being well-off in beta-carotene, remove the production of
keratin in the body.
16.
Ammonium Lactate Lotion
It has been
believed by a lot of people that lotions made from ammonium lactate works
wonders for keratosis Pilaris. Being inexpensive, these lotions are easily
available and extremely useful in treating various skin problems.
REMEMBER
Keratosis Pilaris
isn't often a serious medical condition, and treatment usually isn't necessary.
However, if you're concerned about the appearance of your skin, consult your
family doctor or a specialist in skin diseases (dermatologist).