What exactly is it?
Keratosis Pilaris, alternatively known as “chicken skin” is a common genetic skin condition that mostly appears on the back, outer sides of the upper arm, face, thighs and buttocks. It becomes evident by small bumps on the skin surrounded by pink color in people of light skin and dark spots in dark skinned people. More often than not, a simple examination of the skin by a physician is enough to recognize the condition. Thus, tests are usually unnecessary. Keratosis Pillaris may occur at any age, but is highly prevalent in young children. It usually worsens whenever seasonal changes result in lower humidity and the skin tends to be drier.
What causes it?
According to webmd, Keratosis Pilaris is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that has a protective role in blocking infections of the skin. It is currently unknown what causes or triggers that buildup, but it may occur in association with other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis.
The drier your skin, the more likely it is to have or develop Keratosis Pilaris. Likewise, the weather, which has a significant impact on how dry your skin is – there’s much less moisture in the air in the winter months than the summer ones – can worsen or clear up your skin of “chicken skin”. It is extremely likely that there is also a genetic component in this condition. Physicians would do well to consider family history when trying to make a diagnosis on a patient.
Should you see a doctor?
That depends entirely on you. Keratosis Pilaris is a medically harmless condition, and thus a visit to your local physician or dermatologist is not strictly necessary. As Keratosis Pilaris is often emotionally stressful, however, many people go end up visiting their doctors to get a proper diagnosis, concerned over their appearance, or the appearance of one of their loved ones. The doctor will more than likely prescribe medicated creams which will end up improving the skin’s appearance. However, should one stop applying these creams, the condition returns. Moreover, even with treatment, Keratosis Pilaris is an extremely stubborn condition: It very often persists for years.
So how do you deal with it?
First of all, relax. It’s been estimated that Keratosis Pilaris affects nearly 50 to 80 percent of all adolescents and approximately 40 percent adults, getting frequently noticed by otherwise asymptomatic patients visiting dermatologists for other reasons – it is much more common than you might think. Secondly it is not dangerous in any way. It is completely harmless and not contagious in any way.
In most cases, Keratosis Pillaris eventually clears up on its own. Until that happens, your best bet is employing products specifically made to improve your skin quality and restore it to it’s natural condition. Investing in a cream dedicated to dead skin cell removal would be a sound strategy. These usually contain alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid or urea. They deeply moisturize and soften dry skin.
Depending on their ingredients’ strength, these are available in commercial stores or under the strict requirement of a prescription. In any case, your best best is taking advise from a doctor on what product to use and how often to apply it. Many times, misuse – or, as is more likely, overuse – of these products ends up irritating or drying the skin.
Sample Products for Better Skin
As we mentioned before, there’s quite the market in skincare products. There are many high quality brands which are all very likely to improve on your skin. Still, we find it best that we do offer you two sample products from our favorite skincare companies. Take great care to consult your doctor before applying any cream or substance on your skin, whether it is suggested in this article or elsewhere.
BioOil: What we really love about Bio-Oil is how it can be applied anywhere, covering your total body’s needs and also at your particular trouble areas. It effect is both regenerating and curing but also preventing and warding. So it could improve an on-going skin condition you might currently have but it could also prevent you from ever developing one or lessen the chances it spreads as much as it normally would have. It is composed of a formula that includes a great number of highly beneficial ingredients, like Vitamin A and E, and various oils that will strengthen and soothe the skin considerably, such as lavender and chamomile oil. This is a highly recommended product, and we suggest you look it up.
L’Bri Gentle Cleanser: The product of the L’Bri skincare and well-being company, this cleanser will do your dry skin great good. It is formulated with the brand’s star ingredient Aloe Vera, along with a wide variety of other, plant based ingredients and vitamins. It will produce a much clearer skin, removing dirt and oil from your face and make you look much healthier. Aloe Vera in particular is a highly researched ingredient with a very impressive list of health benefits. These range from soothing rashes and skin irritations all the way to immune system booting and diabetes cure. Keep in mind, however, should you decide to check out this product, that it is part one of a three-part skincare regimen. Therefore, you might want to invest in the other two products of the system for maximum results: The L’Bri Gentle Freshener and the L’Bri Gentle Moisturizer.
Final Notes
You cannot prevent Keratosis Pilaris, and even investing in relevant skincare products, like moisturizing lotions or creams might not help you completely deal with the condition. What is definitely achievable, however, is lessening the effects of it on your skin. And there are few, simple things you can do to keep your skin as comfortable as possible:
- Do not scratch at the bumps roughly.
- Use warm water when bathing and showering rather than hot.
- Limit your time in the water.
- Try soaps with added oil or fats.
- Use thick moisturizes on your skin, and do it often.
- Add moisture to the air in your home by investing in a humidifier.