Keratosis pilaris is a follicular skin disorder in which the hair follicle is plugged up by a patch of dry skin. It leaves the skin with bumps that resemble tiny pimples. These are usually located on the back of the arms, but you may also find them on other parts of the body as well, including the cheeks, shoulders, back, thighs, or buttocks. These bumps may itch and feel a lot like dry skin. Not to mention, the bumps, when visible, can make you feel self-conscious. If you have keratosis pilaris, there are a few things you can do. Read on for at-home treatments you can try.
1. Exfoliate Your Skin
The hair follicle is blocked by a patch of dry skin, so exfoliating the skin will help remove these patches and the plugs blocking the hair follicle, which will reduce the redness and skin bumps. Exfoliate using a loofah when you shower or bathe. Use the loofah in a circular motion to help remove the dead skin. You can also exfoliate using an exfoliating body scrub. The combination of the two can also be very helpful in reducing these bumps.
2. Dry Brush Your Skin
Dry brushing your skin can also be beneficial in exfoliating your skin and it also has other health benefits as well. It can help improve blood flow all over the body and can improve the look of your skin. Use a dry all-natural body brush on your skin in light strokes starting from the arms and legs, then to the torso. Brush up and in towards the chest to help improve blood flow.
3. Use a Medicated Cream
Medicated creams that contain salicylic acid or lactic acid can help reduce dry skin and remove the dead skin cells that are blocking the hair follicles. You can find these medicated creams at your local drugstore. Apply the cream on the area affected with keratosis pilaris and allow it to soak into the skin before covering the area with clothing.
4. Avoid Tight-Fitting Clothing
Clothing that restricts the body can result in damage to the hair follicle and can irritate the skin. Wear loose-fitting clothing instead. Also, some fabrics may be less restricting and cause you less friction. Stick with cotton fabrics that are more breathable and that have more give to them.
If you have keratosis pilaris, it can be embarrassing because the bumps look like pimples. Stop hiding your skin and start treating your skin instead. Make an appointment with your dermatologist for other treatment options. They might have further insight into the mentioned tips, such as which products to try.
Share19 March 2020
We are all covered in skin. It plays a number of roles in our body, helping to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It keeps our organs in place, and it even eliminates waste. But like any other organ, your skin can develop a number of health issues as time goes on. Maybe you develop acne, or perhaps you become affected by psoriasis or eczema. Dermatologists are there to help. This blog is all about doctors who specialize in dermatology, the work they do, and how they can help you get the skin you've always desired.
