Keratosis Pilaris

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi,

Anyone with keratosis pilaris. They say its a pretty common untreatable disorder, but im wondering if anyone out there has it, and how do you manage it.

My daughter has it on her arms (5 year old). Looking to see what works and what doesnt work.

Thanks.

Hi, I work in dermatology as a medical asst. currently and we see alot of people with keratosis pilaris. The doctors usually tell patients that there's really no tx. However, they do recommend using a lotion with lactic acid such as Amlactin or Lactic Acid lotion. They also recommend using a buff puff in the shower. Eucerin has just come out with a lotion they're advertising specifically for keratosis pilaris. We get samples of it in my office. I believe it's in a green and white bottle with a teal green top. It contains alpha hydroxy acid. Hope this helps. People usually get the condition on their thighs, too!

Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.

Nice thing is AmLactin is now available OTC (check for recommendations on use on children.) You'll probably have to ask for it at the pharmacy counter, tho.

It's usually worse in the wintertime.

Hi, I work in dermatology as a medical asst. currently and we see alot of people with keratosis pilaris. The doctors usually tell patients that there's really no tx. However, they do recommend using a lotion with lactic acid such as Amlactin or Lactic Acid lotion. They also recommend using a buff puff in the shower. Eucerin has just come out with a lotion they're advertising specifically for keratosis pilaris. We get samples of it in my office. I believe it's in a green and white bottle with a teal green top. It contains alpha hydroxy acid. Hope this helps. People usually get the condition on their thighs, too!

Ive read about the lactic acid, and also lotions containing urea and sulfer soaps.

What impact do these have on the skin as far as thinning and sensitivity?

Also what are the long term issues?

Thanks for your replies

I have that problem and I find that if I use gentle exfollication in the shower followed by lotion (Skin Smoothing Lotion) it keeps it under control.

I have it pretty bad on the tops and backs of my upper arms. The only thing in the world that has worked for me is - once a week I VIGOROUSLY use an exfoliating body scrub with a scrubbing towel (it looks almost like tule) and then I follow with a sugar scrub from somewhere like Bath and Body Works usuing a LOT of elbow grease. I have really bad dry skin all over so this is a whole body treatment. My skin is quite pink at the end, but I swear it works. If I miss a week, though, it's like I never did it.

After I get out of the shower I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion. My skin feels like I spent the day being pampered at the spa....instead of 30 minutes being run through a cheese grater! :bugeyes:

-Alyssa

I have it pretty bad on the tops and backs of my upper arms. The only thing in the world that has worked for me is - once a week I VIGOROUSLY use an exfoliating body scrub with a scrubbing towel (it looks almost like tule) and then I follow with a sugar scrub from somewhere like Bath and Body Works usuing a LOT of elbow grease. I have really bad dry skin all over so this is a whole body treatment. My skin is quite pink at the end, but I swear it works. If I miss a week, though, it's like I never did it.

After I get out of the shower I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion. My skin feels like I spent the day being pampered at the spa....instead of 30 minutes being run through a cheese grater! :bugeyes:

-Alyssa

How often do you use the lotion? once a day, twice a day, etc... Ive been vigorously rubbing in a lotion/butter....Its some body butter, the stuff you get a dillards.....I rub it in until her skin wont absorb anymore........It has gotten much better...Gonna try the exfoliation as well.

Thanks for your reply

I use the lotion once, sometimes twice a day. Always try to put it on when your skin is still a little damp so it can work its way under the top (read: DRY EXOSKELETON :chuckle ) epidermal layer. But the key really is the oils in the sugar scrub after sloughing off the dry stuff. The cocoa butter just maintains it.

Specializes in Geriatrics/Oncology/Psych/College Health.
What impact do these have on the skin as far as thinning and sensitivity?

Shouldn't be any problems with thinning since it's not steroid-based.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.
http://www.keratosispilaris.org/

i have on my arms. nothing i have tried works. plus my constant tanning doesn't help I am told. but, i am not giving up my lifetime tanning membership.

Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I shave my arms (i don't like the wet hair feeling when i've scrubbed). And use an alpha-hydroxy lotion. I also use a Buff-Puff once a week. I cut ethem in half and only use each half once.

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