subject: How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally [print this page] How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris Naturally
Are you suffering from Chicken Skin? You would know if you have rough, reddish bumps on the surface of the skin, particularly on the outer sides of the upper arms, legs, buttocks, thighs etc: The skin practically resembles that of a chicken, hence the name.
The condition is identified as Keratosis Pilaris in medical parlance and is known to be harmless, with only cosmetic consequences. It is widely prevalent in cold climates where the air is dry, and generally affects more women than men, especially during pregnancy and after child-birth.
The cause of KP has been traced to the clogging of the pores of the skin around the hair follicles, by a secretion of excess keratin or skin cell protein. If the skin is unable to naturally exfoliate this from its surface, the liquid settles in the pores, causing the blood vessels directly under the skin to dilate, and the surrounding skin then appears red and rough. The condition very much resembles eczema or acne.
Various chemical compounds are known to have a beneficial effect on this condition, some of them being Vitamin A Acid, Benzoyl peroxide in combination with Adapalene, and a corticosteroid known as Triamcinolone. All of these are sold under certain brand names and the underlying line of treatment consists of exfoliation and anti-inflamatory action.
Home remedies are also known to alleviate the symptoms to a great extent. Lactic acid for example, which is easily available in the form of curd or sour cream or yogurt, is an excellent exfoliant. Hence, a paste of sugar and curd or yogurt or cream, when applied gently over the affected parts, is know to have a beneficial effect. This needs to be applied 15-20 minutes before a shower and the skin thereafter should be very gently patted dry. Rubbing and scratching are totally taboo they obviously tend to aggravate the situation. An application of Vitamin E oil or cocoanut oil after bath, serves to keep the skin moist and cool. Further, a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids also similarly helps to moisturize the skin, thus preventing formation of keratin layer on it. Excellent sources of this fatty acid are walnuts (and other nuts), and fish like mackerel, sardines and salmon.
