Treatment FAQ

what the best treatment for keratosis pilaris

by Otto Borer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Medication

Mar 22, 2021 · Best exfoliating moisturizer. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin. $15. According to dermatologist Dr. Ainah Tan, incorporating a moisturizing ... Best (less-expensive) exfoliating moisturizer. Best body treatment to treat keratosis pilaris. Best body scrub to treat keratosis pilaris. Best ...

Therapy

Apr 30, 2018 · Here Are the Best Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris to Combat Bumpy Skin. Best Overall: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin. Best With Lactic Acid: Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion. Best Drugstore: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion. Best Extra Strength: Glytone KP Kit. Best Budget: Eucerin ...

Self-care

Jun 19, 2014 · To treat the bumps, some patients may need to apply a corticosteroid to the areas with keratosis pilaris. This medicine helps soften the bumps and reduce redness. Lasers may work when moisturizer and medicine fail: A laser or light treatment may be used to treat keratosis pilaris. Your dermatologist may recommend one type of laser to reduce the swelling and redness.

Nutrition

Jan 25, 2022 · The best way to treat KP is with topical creams designed to break down the keratin spikes, says Dr. Gohara, who recommends products …

How to cure seborrheic keratosis naturally?

Limit baths and showers to five to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser. This will help avoid irritation when washing your skin. Gently exfoliate skin with keratosis pilaris once a week. You can exfoliate using a skin care product called a keratolytic — a type of chemical exfoliator.

Is there a cure for seborrheic keratosis?

Feb 15, 2022 · Laura Dyer, certified physician's assistant with Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology, says: “Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are the best treatment for KP—look for products with salicylic, glycolic or ...

Is there an over the counter treatment for actinic keratosis?

Nov 18, 2021 · Now, please keep reading for what you really want: my favorite products to help get rid of keratosis pilaris, all in once place. Glycolic and lactic acids are both commonly recommended to treat KP ...

What does over the counter medicines are keratolytics found in?

Glycolic Acid 15% Body Lotion works beautifully to smooth out keratosis pilaris, soften seborrheic keratosis and hydrate flaky and rough dry skin. 2/Eneomey Perfect Body 30. Contains 30% of Glycolic acid, a potent effective exfoliation for the whole body. Helping to break down your keratosis pilaris bumps and the smooth skin.

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What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

Try medicated creams.

Apply an over-the-counter cream that contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid or salicylic acid. These creams help loosen and remove dead skin cells. They also moisturize and soften dry skin.
Jan 30, 2021

How do you permanently treat keratosis pilaris?

There's no cure for keratosis pilaris. But moisturizing lotions or creams may help your skin look and feel better. A variety of these are available over the counter, but you'll need a prescription for stronger versions. Two types of products that go directly on the affected skin often improve keratosis pilaris.Jul 28, 2020

What is the best medicine for keratosis pilaris?

How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris, According to Dermatologists
  • CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin. ...
  • AmLactin Ultra Smoothing Intensely Hydrating Cream. ...
  • Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA. ...
  • DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated Body Scrub. ...
  • First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA.
Mar 22, 2021

What will dermatologist prescribe for keratosis pilaris?

Your doctor or dermatologist may prescribe a steroid cream after a diagnosis, or you can attempt to self-treat with topical retinoids or sprays and body lotions with retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin A and other solutions.Oct 5, 2020

Which oil is best for keratosis pilaris?

Treating keratosis pilaris is about unclogging those pores, so don't waste your time with coconut oil. Jojoba oil is a milder oil and might help lessen redness and inflammation around KP bumps.Nov 11, 2021

Is urea cream good for keratosis pilaris?

Although there is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris, an appropriate skincare routine and regular moisturizing with a Urea-rich product such as Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Lotion will help alleviate symptoms and smooth skin.

Is Vaseline good for keratosis pilaris?

Treatment for keratosis pilaris

Usually no treatment is necessary for keratosis pilaris. Treatment may include: Using petroleum jelly with water, cold cream, urea cream, or salicylic acid (removes the top layer of skin) to flatten the pimples.

Can keratosis pilaris be cured?

Keratosis pilaris is often considered a variant of normal skin. It can't be cured or prevented. But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. The condition usually disappears by age 30.Jan 30, 2021

What is in urea cream?

Each gram of Urea 40% contains 40% urea as an active ingredient, and the following inactive ingredients: Water, Propylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Mineral Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Petrolatum, Xanthan Gum and Sodium Hydroxide.

Is there a pill to take for keratosis pilaris?

Severe cases of keratosis pilaris have been treated orally with isotretinoin pills for several months. Isotretinoin is generally a very potent oral medication reserved for severe, resistant, or scarring cases of acne.

How long does it take to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

Key facts about treatment

When treating keratosis pilaris, it helps to keep the following in mind: Clearing takes time. If you fail to see improvement after following your treatment plan for 4 to 6 weeks, tell your dermatologist. Some patients need to try a few treatments before they find one that works.

How long does it take keratosis pilaris to go away?

Even with treatment, it may take time for keratosis pilaris bumps to go away. If you follow your treatment plan, you should start seeing improvement within four to six weeks. Even without treatment, most cases of keratosis pilaris start to clear around your mid-20s, and usually completely disappears by age 30.Apr 15, 2022

What is the best cream to remove dead skin cells?

They also moisturize and soften dry skin. Depending on their strengths, these creams (topical exfoliants) are available over-the-counter or with a prescription.

Why are there creams for hair follicles?

Creams to prevent plugged follicles. Creams derived from vitamin A (topical retinoids) work by promoting cell turnover and preventing plugged hair follicles.

How to get rid of skin on your furnace?

Use a humidifier. Low humidity dries out the skin. A portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace will add moisture to the air inside your home.

How to get rid of a swollen face?

Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin. Limit bath or shower time to about 10 minutes or less. Use warm, not hot, water.

How to get rid of a rash on your arm?

When using a product new to you, test it on one area of affected skin first, such as an arm, to see whether the product works for you and doesn't cause a reaction. Use warm water and limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from the skin.

Can a doctor diagnose keratosis pilaris?

Your doctor will likely be able to diagnose keratosis pilaris just by looking at the affected skin. No testing is needed.

Can keratosis pilaris last for years?

Using medicated cream regularly may improve the appearance of the skin. But if you stop, the condition returns. And even with treatment, keratosis pilaris might last for years.

What is the best body scrub for keratosis pilaris?

Niacinamide, amino sulfonic acid, and urea team up to exfoliate and hydrate skin—not to mention, it's lightweight. AHAs, willow bark extract, and more skin-loving ingredients work to exfoliate skin. This gentle body scrub offers both physical and chemical exfoliation which is great for treating keratosis pilaris.

What is the best lotion for keratosis?

The 8 Best Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris, According to Dermatologists. written by. Melanie Rud. Author's Instagram. Melanie Rud is a beauty editor and expert with over a decade of experience in the industry writing for various national and regional publications. Byrdie's Editorial Guidelines. Melanie Rud.

What causes bumps around hair follicles?

Greenfield explains that keratosis pilaris is a condition where dead skin—particularly keratin, a protein that's found in the skin—builds up around hair follicles instead of being naturally exfoliated away. “This causes small, rough bumps to appear around the hair follicles,” she says.

What is the best exfoliating lotion for KP?

Exfoliating lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids are choice for helping to combat KP, says Arch; this particular formula touts a 12% concentration of lactic acid, one of the gentlest yet most effective AHAs out there.

How to get rid of KP bumps?

For those with pretty intense KP, Arch suggests using an exfoliating body wash in the shower, followed by applying an exfoliating lotion. She’s a fan of this set, which contains both. “Even my patients who haven’t found relief with other over-the-counter products tend to respond well to this easy-to-use kit,” she says. Along with helping to combat bumps, the high glycolic content in this formula also helps to even out both skin tone and texture, she adds.

Why does keratin build up on skin?

It’s not quite clear why this buildup of keratin occurs, but it’s thought to be associated with genetic diseases or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin also tends to intensify the symptoms of keratosis pilaris.

What is the best exfoliant for skin?

AHAs, willow bark extract, and more skin-loving ingredients work to exfoliate skin.

What is the best treatment for keratosis pilaris?

"When treating keratosis pilaris, it is important to look for products with lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid to help smooth skin," she says. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, M.D., adds that KP tends to flare up during colder months, so having a potent moisturizer on hand is extra key.

What acid is used for keratosis pilaris?

Specifically, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling says alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids are the way to go. "When treating keratosis pilaris, it is important to look for products with lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid to help smooth skin," she says. Read More.

What is the KP body lotion?

New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., also gives First Aid Beauty's KP Smoothing Body Lotion a hearty stamp of approval. "It contains lactic acid and urea to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin, as well as colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to support the skin barrier," she explains. It's the perfect last step for your nighttime routine before you hit the hay.

What is the best exfoliating cream for rough skin?

Skinfix's Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream snagged an Allure Best of Beauty Award for best exfoliating body moisturizer because its blend of naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids (via fruit acids and lime pearl extract) helps soften rough skin. You might want to wait a few minutes before hopping into bed so this dreamy, rich cream packed with hydrating emollients, like shea butter, coconut, and jojoba oils can properly absorb and soothe your just-exfoliated skin.

What is the best moisturizer for rough skin?

Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream snagged the 2019 Allure Best of Beauty Award for best exfoliating body moisturizer because its blend of naturally derived alpha-hydroxy acids helps soften rough skin — as does its incredibly moisturizing shea butter and glycerin.

Does exfoliating body wash work on KP?

In addition to recommending this wash for KP, Dr. Robinson says the brightening formula also helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

Can you use glycolic acid on your arms?

Even if you've avoided glycolic acid for your face-care regimen, you may not want to rule out a 10-percent glycolic-acid formula like Lancer's The Method: Body Nourish cream for KP on your arms or legs. "Glycolic is a great AHA that can be sometimes strong for the face but does well for the body," says Bhanusali.

What is the best treatment for keratosis pilaris?

Most moisturizing creams used to treat keratosis pilaris contain one of the following ingredients: Urea.

How long does it take for keratosis pilaris to clear?

When treating keratosis pilaris, it helps to keep the following in mind: Clearing takes time. If you fail to see improvement after following your treatment plan for 4 to 6 weeks, tell your dermatologist. Some patients need to try a few treatments before they find one that works.

What is the best way to remove dead skin?

Your dermatologist may recommend that you gently remove dead skin with a loofah or at-home microdermabrasion kit. Your dermatologist may also prescribe a medicine that will remove dead skin cells. Medicine that can help often contains one of the following ingredients: Alpha hydroxyl acid. Glycolic acid.

How to use exfoliant?

For best results when using a medicine to exfoliate your skin: 1 Use the amount your dermatologist recommends 2 Apply it only as often as your dermatologist recommends 3 Stop using the medicine for a few days if your skin becomes dry or irritated

Does keratosis pilaris go away?

For many people, keratosis pilaris goes away with time, even if you opt not to treat it. Clearing tends to happen gradually over many years. There is no way to know who will see keratosis pilaris clear.

Does laser treatment help with brown spots?

Another type of laser may improve your skin’s texture and reduce discoloration, including the brown spots that may appear when the bumps clear . To get the best results from the laser treatments, your dermatologist may add a few microdermabrasion sessions to your treatment plan.

Does laser help keratosis pilaris?

Lasers may work when moisturizer and medicine fail: A laser or light treatment may be used to treat keratosis pilaris. Your dermatologist may recommend one type of laser to reduce the swelling and redness.

How to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

To ease the symptoms and help you see clearer skin, Dr. Gohara recommends the following tips: Keep baths and showers short. Spending too much time in the water can dry your skin and cause keratosis pilaris to flare. Limit baths and showers to five to 10 minutes and use lukewarm water. Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.

How to prevent bumps on skin?

Look for one that contains urea or lactic acid. You can also use a humidifier to prevent dry skin. However, make sure to clean and disinfect your humidifier weekly to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Avoid shaving or waxing skin with keratosis pilaris. This can cause more bumps to appear.

What is the new skin condition in 2021?

(June 24, 2021) — The start of summer means more tank tops and shorts, and for some people, a pesky new skin condition they may not have noticed before. Keratosis pilaris causes tiny, rough feeling bumps to appear on the skin, most often on the upper arms and thighs. According to dermatologists from the American Academy ...

What is the best product to exfoliate skin?

You can exfoliate using a skin care product called a keratolytic — a type of chemical exfoliator. Look for one that contains one of the following ingredients: alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, a retinoid, salicylic acid, or urea.

Can you use a single blade razor for keratosis pilaris?

Avoid shaving or waxing skin with keratosis pilaris. This can cause more bumps to appear. However, if you must shave the area, use a single-blade razor instead of a multi-blade razor. “For many people, keratosis pilaris goes away with time,” says Dr. Gohara. “However, clearing tends to happen gradually over many years.

Can exfoliator cause keratosis pilaris?

In addition, avoid scrubbing your skin, which can make keratosis pilaris worse. Moisturize your skin.

What is the best lotion for keratosis pil?

Hydrating Lotion. It sounds simple: Use an ultra-moisturizing body lotion to get rid of pesky dry and flaky skin. But there are so many options out there. Now Eucerin, known for its range of lightweight to rich moisturizers that target skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, makes a formula for keratosis pilaris.

What is the best treatment for KP?

Laura Dyer, certified physician's assistant with Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology, says: “Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are the best treatment for KP—look for products with salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid to help exfoliate and smooth the skin."

What is a KP massage?

Here's a KP treatment that's worthy of a soothing body massage: Skinceuticals Body Retexturing Treatment. "This is a gel retexturing treatment with moisturizing ingredients including urea and glycerin, but also with the anti-inflammatory calming ingredient niacinamide to soothe and repair inflammation," explains Dr. Levin.

Does KP Bump Eraser work?

Well, look to First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser to wipe away those imperfections, obviously not instantly, but with consistent use. "An effective KP treatment option uses exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid— [both found in] this FAB Body Scrub—but without being too irritating or drying.

Can you erase KP?

Don't you wish you could instantly erase KP once and for all? Well, look to exfoliating scrubs to wipe away those imperfections—obviously not instantly, but, with consistent use, rather quickly.

Is there a cure for KP?

Despite the fact that it occurs in about half of all adults, there’s still no one-size-fits-all treatment that works for everyone. And trust; I've tried every possible “cure” unlimited internet access could find. Even dermatologist Dr. Hadley King co-signs that: “There is no "cure" for this—KP is genetic and it will come back if you stop treating it. Gentle exfoliation, either physical or chemical, can temporarily improve the texture.”

Does glycolic acid help with keratosis?

SHOP NOW. In case you haven't noticed: The use of exfoliating acids is a major key in smoothing keratosis pilaris. "Glycolic acid is one of the most effective and reliable exfoliating ingredients to gently break up dead skin cells and loosen the impacted keratin in the hair follicles," says Dr. Levin.

What is the best treatment for keratosis pilaris?

Glycolic and lactic acids are both commonly recommended to treat KP, and for good reason: Both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) break down your keratosis pilaris bumps and smooth skin. The only diff? Glycolic—like this 10 percent-filled body lotion—is stronger than lactic acid, so it's a bit more potent (but also potentially more irritation). I usually rub this one over my arms and thighs in the morning, wait five minutes, then top with sunscreen (note: acid-filled products make your skin extra sensitive to sunburns, so you need to wear sunscreen every single day if you have KP).

How much lactic acid is in keratosis pilaris?

The formula is filled with 12 percent lactic acid that helps dissolve your keratin plugs while also moisturizing your skin.

How many people have keratosis pilaris?

Even though 40 percent of adults have keratosis pilaris to some degree—so you are very much not alone—I would wager only 1 percent of adults have it has severely as I’ve had it since birth. And as I've gotten older, it's only gotten worse, which means if a treatment exists, I can assure you I’ve tried it by now.

How to get rid of KP?

Again, nothing can truly get rid of your KP, but in-office laser treatments can significantly reduce the redness and/or the bumpy texture on your body or face. “I haven’t found any topical treatment to be all that effective for the redness, so if that’s the main concern for a patient, I’ll recommend IPL—Intense Pulsed Light—laser treatments, which target and constrict red vessels in the skin,” says Dr. Thomas. Patients usually need 3-6 treatments spaced a month apart, and treatments can cost $400+ per session.

Does keratosis pilaris go away?

Yes, keratosis pilaris often goes away on its own when teens go through puberty or as adults age into their 20s and 30s. Of course, you're looking at someone who failed both of those metrics, so it's not a guarantee. Luckily, with the right products, you can likely reduce the appearance/feel of your keratosis pilaris within a month, as long as you're hella consistent with a daily regimen (really).

Can you cure keratosis pilaris?

I know this isn't what you want to hear (and neither do I), but because keratosis pilaris is part of your DNA, you can't cure it or permanently get rid of it. I know. That's not to say you can't manage it, though—the most effective at-home KP treatments are a combo of chemical exfoliants to dissolve the bumps and rich moisturizers to soften skin—but these treatments are only effective as long as you use them. “As soon as you stop, your bumps will come right back,” says Dr. Thomas.

Does retinol help with keratosis pilaris?

Retinol isn’t as effective for keratosis pilaris as AHAs are, but this cream definitely helped neutralize my redness once I started swapping it in for my AmLactin one night a week. Lactic Acid for Keratosis Pilaris on the Face. The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%. Courtesy Image.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilari s, sometimes called “chicken skin," is a common condition that causes patches of rough-feeling small pimples to appear on the body. These tiny bumps or scaly areas are actually dead cells plugging up hair follicles and can be found most often on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, lower legs or buttocks.

What are the symptoms of keratosis pilaris?

The bumpy appearance resembles those seen in plucked chickens' skin, hence it's known as “chicken skin."

Keratosis pilaris causes

Keratosis pilaris is the result of a buildup in your pores from skin cells , keratin,and hair proteins.

How do I get rid of Keratosis pilaris?

Regularly using exfoliating skincare products is key, so choose body lotions that contain exfoliating ingredients like Glycolic acid or Salicylic Acid.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Aakash Gupta
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Keratosis pilaris is harmless and does not require any treatment. It often resolves on its own. Treatments, if any, may be aimed at reducing skin dryness.
Medication

Topical exfoliants: Creams to remove dead skin cells, moisturize and soften dry skin.

Lactic acid . Salicylic acid


Vitamin A containing creams: To prevent plugging or clogging of follicles.

Tretinoin . Tazarotene

Therapy

Laser therapy:To treat severe redness and inflammation.

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Use warm water to bath
  • Avoid harsh soaps
  • Keep the skin moist
  • Avoid wearing tight fitting clothes
  • Do not scratch the affected area

Nutrition

There is no proven data about what may help keratosis but a healthy diet helps maintain the overall skin health.

Foods to eat:

  • Foods rich in Vitamin A: Kale, spinach, beef liver, carrot
  • Essential fatty acids present in fish oils

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.

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