Home Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris, or KP, is a common skin condition in which the body produces excess keratin. Keratin is a protein found in the skin. The extra keratin surrounds and traps hair follicles on the skin's surface creating hard bumps that resemble acne. Keratosis Pilaris commonly occurs in the upper arm, face, and legs. Cold weather can make the condition worse because moisture in the air if often decreased.

Most doctors misdiagnose KP as acne and even if you do get a diagnosis there is often little prescription treatment prescribed. Vitamin A creams are normally prescribed for acne but may be prescribed for Keratosis Pilaris. They make the top layer of skin grow faster and thus be thinner reducing the bumps.

A synthetic corticosteriod called Triamcinolone is an antinflamatory cream commonly prescribed for eczema. Triamcinolone often makes the condition worse by bringing extra keratin to the surface making the bumps worse. After many weeks KP starts to improve. Triamcinolone requires daily use or the symptoms will return. Doctors are hesitant to prescribe Triamcinolone for KP because it is very expensive and takes so long to work.

Most doctors will dismiss KP as being untreatable and tell you it will go away on it's own, but there are home remedies that can greatly reduce the symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris. Exfoliating the affected areas with a sugar scrub can help unclog the pores and reduce bumps. This isn't recommended for children, but is safe and effective for adults.

Lactic acid is a natural alpha hydroxy acid found in milk and has shown an improvement in the symptoms of KP. Lotions with 12% lactic acid have been shown to greatly decrease the bumps and redness. AmLactin is one brand but there are generic brands available. Ask your pharmacist if they can order a generic 12% lactic acid cream. This needs to be applied twice a day and unfortunately if you miss an application symptoms can worsen again.

Coconut oil is also said to improve Keratosis Pilaris symptoms. The recommended use is to rub on skin after washing in a shower and rinse off the excess. Or you can apply it after a shower but it does remain a little greasy. It has been known to be quite effective so the benefit might outweigh the inconvenience.

Apple cider vinegar is also an effective economical home treatment for KP. Applied directly to the affected areas twice a day it can greatly reduce the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris. It can be applied with a cotton ball or mixed with water and sprayed on the skin after a shower.

This information is not meant to be a substitute for a doctor's advice. If you feel you or your child may have Keratosis Pilaris please see your doctor or pediatrician. Discuss these home remedies with your doctor before starting treatment.