subject: How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms [print this page] How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms
Are your arms affected by a sudden red rash with tiny bumps, causing them to appear inflamed? Does the skin on your arms resemble Chicken Skin? If so, you are probably affected by a skin condition which goes by exactly that name Chicken Skin, otherwise also known as Keratosis Pilaris or KP. It is a totally harmless condition, dreadful as it appears to the eye. Over 60% of the world's population is affected by it, especially women, more so if they are pregnant.
KP is basically a genetic condition, so if there is a family history of it, one is bound to be affected. However, an understanding of the underlying cause would help in prevention and treatment of this condition. The pores of the skin of affected persons, are blocked by the secretion of an excess of skin cell protein called keratin, which settles at the base of the hair in the follicles, causing the blood vessels below it to dilate and give the skin a reddish hue with tiny bumps.
Having understood the cause, it follows that the treatment would consist of external application of exfoliants or anti-inflamatory agents. Several creams and lotions are available in the market, common among them being :
Vitamin A acid Trade name : Retin A
This is to be applied on the affected arms 15-20 minutes before a shower and thereafter, the area is to be patted dry very gently.
Combination of Benzoyl peroxide and Adapalene.
This is both and exfoliant and anti-inflamatory agent. It has to be similarly
applied on the arms.
Triamcinolone, a corticosteroid, going under the name of Aristocort.
It works basically as an anti-inflamatory agent.
It is to be understood that all these external applications are to be done very gently, since any harsh treatment will only aggravate the problem.
Certain soaps and lotions containing sulfur or urea are also effective treatments.
An effective home remedy for KP is a paste of sugar and milk cream or yogurt or curd.
The lactic acid in the curd when applied to the skin, acts as an exfoliant, preventing the keratin from settling in the pores. The paste is to be applied 15-20 mins. Before a shower and patted dry thereafter. Vitamin E oil or cocoanut oil applied on the area after the shower, acts as a moisturizer and alleviates any inflammation. A diet rich in omega3 fatty acids, also helps in keeping the keratin production under check.
