How to manage Keratosis pilaris

 

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a benign condition that presents as numerous small, rough, red, or tan bumps primarily around hair follicles on the upper arms, legs, buttocks, and sometimes cheeks. KP creates "goose bumps," "gooseflesh," or "chicken skin" appearance on the skin. In general, KP is often cosmetically displeasing but medically completely harmless and is not infectious. The condition typically begins in childhood and often runs in families. It's frequently seen in atopic dermatitis patients and patients with very dry skin. Many patients note improvement of their symptoms in the summer months and seasonal flares in colder winter months. Some people find that it improves as you get older.

The exact cause of KP is unknown. There seems to be a problem with overproduction of the keratin part of the skin called hyper keratinisation which causes thickening of the skin. Then the hair follicles become blocked with plugs of hard skin, which feel rough. The tiny plugs widen the pores, making the skin look spotty.

How can keratosis pilaris be treated?

Creams, cleansers and scrubs containing exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid and vitamin A have proven to be effective to help restore a smooth texture. Treatment for keratosis pilaris is ongoing – if discontinued, the skin begins reforming around hair follicles. Maintenance is the best way to maintain smooth skin.

 

Our most popular exfoliating body products:

Glycolic Acid products:

Cleansers & Scrubs:

Jan Marini Bioglycolic Resurfacing Body Scrub 

Eneomey Purify Cleanser

NeoStrata Foaming Glycolic Wash  

Body Moisturisers :

NeoStrata Resurface Lotion Plus

NeoStrata Resurface Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion

NeoStrata Resurface Problem Dry Skin Cream

Eneomey Perfect Body 30

Salicylic acid products:

Cleansers:

Sesderma Salises Foaming soap-free cream (cleansing)

DermaTx Clarify cleanser

Dermatologic Cosmetic Laboratories (DCL) SA Scalp Therapy Shampoo

Body Moisturiser:

Sesderma Salises Facial moisturizing Gel & Salises facial moisturising gel cream

Sesderma Azelac Lotion It can be applied on the face, body and scalp. 

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Read our experts' skin guide on 8 of the Best Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris.