subject: Keratosis Pilaris: What Is It And How To Treat It [print this page] Did you already know that keratosis pilaris applies to approximately 40% of the world's adult population and as many as 60%-80% of all adolescents? These are substantial numbers that warrant being well informed about the condition and what is the proper remedy for keratosis pilaris.
Commonly known as 'chicken skin,' this skin condition can vary from benign to severe. People with dry skin or a vitamin A deficiency are extremely prone to going through it. KP has the predisposition to be rather more serious during the cold winter months as the drop in humidity dries the skin out. Pregnant women may have an increased chance at being infected with the skin condition during their pregnancy or right after childbirth. Typically it is held within the realms of nothing more than a cosmetic dilemma, but that does not take away from the interest to address it as soon as possible.
The Basics for Keratosis Pilaris
While acne is brought on by the overproduction of sebum, keratosis skin is brought about by the overproduction of keratin. This is a important structural material that makes up the outer layer of human skin, hair and nails. Keratin build up on skin traps hair follicles in the skin's pores that cause what is called follicular hyperkeratosis. This creates the development of rigid keratin plugs on the skin's surface area as the hair grows encapsulated inside the follicle. The result is these plugs have the look of what seemingly are 'goose bumps.' Mostly they are tiny, hard red or white bumps growing on the skin's surface. The areas most damaged by this skin defect are the upper arms and back. However the lower arms, hands, thighs and legs can also show keratosis signs but this is infrequent.
Here Stated Are Some Solutions to Cure Keratosis Pilaris
Our first and foremost piece of advice is to utilize a mild cleanser followed by the day-to-day application of moisturizer. It is relevant to note that creams and ointments are strongly commended over lotions. Best apply these when you are done getting out of the shower while the skin remains moist. This helps capture the moisture in the skin lessening the prospects of the keratin plugs' development.
It is best to obtain a moisturizer with a lactic acid or urea. Twice a day daily use will help reduce the hardened bumps in a short period of time.
Best to keep your showers brief and with the water at a warm temperature degree. As enjoyable as they are, long and hot showers dry out the skin which triggers an aggravation of KP.
Steer clear of tough scrubbing as not only will it not get rid of the bumps, it will further exacerbate the dilemma.
A good investment at keeping KP at bay is a humidifier. For the period of the winter months when a fire place is very justifiably in order, this traps moisture concentrations inside of the house at normal levels hence preventing a potent irritant to the development of the little protrusions you want to eliminate.
