How To Get Rid Of Keratosis Pilaris At Home?

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris, also known as “KP”,  “chicken skin” or “strawberry legs”, is a common skin condition where patches of dry, rough bumps appear on the skin. These small bumps are in fact, dead skin cells clogging hair follicles. They can also sometimes appear red or brown in color.

Keratosis pilaris is usually found on the upper arms, thighs or buttocks. These bumps don’t tend to cause any discomfort and they are not contagious.

This skin condition can worsen in winter when the skin tends to dry out, and may also worsen during pregnancy.

There’s no cure for this harmless, genetic skin condition, but there are some ways to treat it or prevent it from getting worse. Keratosis pilaris will usually clear up naturally by the time you reach 30 years old. Keep reading to learn more.

What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?

The most notable symptom of KP are the visible bumps appearing on the skin. They can sometimes be mistaken for goosebumps. The dry bumps can appear anywhere on the skin where hair follicles exist. 

KP is usually found on the thighs and upper arms. It can also extend to the lower legs and forearms.

Other symptoms associated with it include:

• dry skin
• redness
• itchiness
• bumps that feel rough and textured

Keratosis pilaris causes

This skin condition is the result of a buildup of the hair protein, Keratin in the pores.

If you have keratosis pilaris, the keratin of your body hair gets clogged in the pores, blocking the opening of growing hair follicles. As a result, a small bump forms over where a hair should be. If you were to pick at the bump, you may notice a small body hair emerge.

The cause of this buildup is currently unknown, but medical professionals think it may be linked to other skin conditions and genetic diseases.

 

 5 keratosis pilaris home remedies

If you dislike the appearance of your skin with keratosis pilaris, here are a few techniques you can try at home. Though the condition is incurable, self-care treatments can assist in minimizing bumps, itching, and irritation.

1. Warm Baths. 

You can loosen and unclog your pores by taking short, warm baths. However, it’s important to limit your bath time, as longer bathing can strip the body’s natural oils.

2. Silk Exfoliation. 

Regular exfoliation can help improve the appearance of the skin. Dermatologists recommend gently removing dead skin with a silk exfoliating glove, which you can purchase from My Glow 2. As the silk fabric glides across the skin, dry and dead skin cells are effortlessly swept away, unclogging the pores and opening up the hair follicle. Silk exfoliation has been practiced for centuries and is known to leave your skin feeling smooth and glowy. 

 

3. Hydrating Moisturiser. 

Lotions or moisturisers with alpha hydroxy acid (AHAs) like lactic acids can help to hydrate the skin and promote cell turnover. Glycerin is also known to soften and reduce bumps, while rose water can soothe and calm inflammation on the skin.

4. Avoid Tight Clothes. 

Wearing tightly fitted clothes may cause friction that can irritate the skin.

5. Humidifiers. 

Humidifiers increase the moisture in the surrounding air. This can help to maintain the moisture in your skin and prevent dryness or itchiness.