Home Remedies For Keratosis Pilaris

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a common follicular disorder characterized by the formation of a number of small bumps on the skin due to accumulation of keratin in the hair follicles. This benign, non contagious genetic disorder is also referred to as Chicken Skin.

Keratin is a strong and fibrous insoluble protein that strengthens the skin, hair, nails and hooves. Therefore, excess accumulation of keratin is usually not harmful for health but it is definitely an ugly and unsightly condition. This disease is more common in adolescents than adults. Moreover, women have been found to be more susceptible to this disease.

There is no definite cure for Keratosis Pilaris. However, various home remedies for Keratosis Pilaris natural treatment are highly beneficial in dealing with this condition effectively. For instance, exfoliation and scrubbing are the most highly recommended Keratosis Pilaris natural remedies.

Causes and Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris

As already mentioned, Keratosis Pilaris is caused due to keratinization. Dry skin, particularly during the winter season often makes Keratosis Pilaris worse. It is regarded as a self limiting disease that tends to improve with age. Though, exceptions are always there.

A combination of certain genetic factors and hypersensitivity of the skin is the most common factor that can be held responsible for causing this disease. Conditions like Atopic Dermatitis, Eczema, Rhinitis, Allergies, Asthma and other similar conditions increase the risk of developing this disease.

Keratosis Pilaris is characterized by mild thickening of the skin accompanied by plugging of the hair follicles. Thus, the most obvious symptom of this disease is the presence of small, often red colored, rough bumps on the skin that are often confused with pimples.

At times, beneath the rough bump, a small and coiled hair may also be trapped. The most common locations of these tiny bumps are outer sides of the upper arms and the back. However, the condition may also affect face, thighs, buttocks or other parts of the body.

Natural Home Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris

• Regularly rubbing pumice on the affected area is one of the most effective natural home remedies for Keratosis Pilaris home treatment. Rub the stone after foaming the area.

• Using a loofah while bathing helps to reduce Keratosis Pilaris related clogging of hair follicles.

• Applying apple cider vinegar mixed with water acts as an efficient natural cure for Keratosis Pilaris, especially for children.

• Gently rubbing a granular mixture of sugar and two tablespoons of sour cream is one of the simplest natural home remedies for Keratosis Pilaris. This sugar scrub natural remedy is usually not recommended for children.

• Simply applying some yogurt on the affected area, 15 to 20 minutes before taking a bath is regarded as a valuable Keratosis Pilaris home remedy by removing excess keratin deposit from the skin.

• Application of rose hip oil, olive oil or any other vitamin E oil on the affected area helps to cure Keratosis Pilaris related roughness and drying of the skin. Follow this remdy on a regular basis to get rid of this problem.

While following these Keratosis Pilaris home remedies, avoid rubbing the affected area vigorously as it may
cause further irritation in the hair follicles.

Plus, while bathing or taking a shower, do not use extremely hot water on the skin for a long time as it tends to make the skin dry and rough, thereby aggravating the symptoms.

Diet for Keratosis Pilaris

A diet consisting of foods rich in vitamin A, vitamin E and essential fatty acids such as omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 is highly beneficial in healing Keratosis Pilaris affected skin.

Hence, include adequate amount of carrots, tomatoes, pumpkins, mangoes, papayas, walnuts, flaxseeds and a variety of fresh green vegetables in the diet to improve the texture of the skin and hence avoid Keratosis Pilaris as far as possible.

In addition, drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep the body well hydrated and avoid dryness. Apart from these measures, try to stay away from skin irritants and allergens to avoid allergies leading to Keratosis Pilaris.