keratosis pilaris - anyone got any advice?

MrsG31

I know this is not a fitness or exercise question, but I was not sure where to put this. But since it involves looking good in sleeveless tops and bathing suits, figured this may the best fit.

I have keratosis pilaris, commonly known as chicken skin or chicken bumps, on my upper arms. I have had it all my life and I hate it. About 10 years ago a dermatoligist told me she could prescribe me a day & night cream to use, but it was expensive and you basically have to use it forever b/c there is no cure for it. So since I was young, broke, and getting married anyways I decided not to get the prescription.

Do any of you wonderful peeps also deal with this? Have you come across any inexpensive products that help? I remember they sell some stuff at Sephora but it was a little on the expensive side as well. I have read that there are certain ingredients in a lotion I should look for, but I have yet to find one with them. None of the articles I ever locate on the subject provide the name of a lotion and where you can get it! So if I could get some "real life" advice maybe I could finally DO something about it.

Thanks in advance!

uneik3

I got some stuff called DermaDoctor KP Duty from Ulta that was supposed to help. It's a body scrub and a separate moisturizer. I used them for about 4 months before my wedding, and it lightened it some so it didn't show up in photos, but it was definitely still there. I asked my dermatologist about it, and she prescribed a lactic acid cream for it, but I'm a doof and lost the prescription before I could fill it, so I can't tell you if that was any more effective.

MrsG31

Bump!

bokodasu

Huh, I've never looked for any special lotion. I follow the two-step procedure:

1) Never use any soaps, scrubs, detergents, or anything harsh or rough on the arms
2) Lots of lotion. Sometimes oil.

If you google "oil cleansing" - that works. It's a little more effort than I'll usually go to, so usually I just wash using a sensitive-skin lotion instead of soap.

(Edit: wash my ARMS, I mean. I'm not a total hippie, I do use soap.)

mokoko123

You want to use lotion with Sal Acid in it - AmLactin or CerVe SA are both OTC options at the local drug store that will help. (I am a Medical *kitten*'t for a derm and that's what we give)

MrsG31

You want to use lotion with Sal Acid in it - AmLactin or CerVe SA are both OTC options at the local drug store that will help. (I am a Medical *kitten*'t for a derm and that's what we give)

Thank you! After I posted this I found a blogpost of a woman who sore by pure coconut oil. I think I've seen AmLactin at Target! I am totally going to try these!

mokoko123

You're welcome - the idea behind the Sal Acid (which is Salicylic Acid btw) is to dissolve the dead skin and "stuff" that clogs your pores and causes the bumps. I would think any type of oil would be more clogging, but it can't hurt to try it.

fcevallos

Check out the RESIST Weightless 2% BHA body treatment from the Paula's Choice website. It's helped my KP quite a bit....my arms are so smooth now....you just have to use it regularly.

laserturkey

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! I got some of those kind of knit plastic scrubby gloves and I love them.

Also, I find that avoiding wheat helps a little, but that doesn't seem to be the case for everyone.

Any moisturizer that has fruit acids in it or salicylic acid is supposed to help, as well.

ALSO A CAUTION: Many of the lotions that help with this will bleach your bedding or clothes.

kylamaries

My derm prescribed Clinadamycin phosphate lotion which works wonders! It comes in a small bottle though, so I only use it as spot treatment. I also purchased Amlactin moisturizing body lotion but found that I became immune to it quickly. I typically use CeraVe foaming facial cleanser on my face, chest, and arms and I purchased a body bath brush from Big Lots that I use before I shower and at night to knock off the dead skin. The miracle worker was a pore perfecting toner; the name is getting starred out so I'll include the link (it's a walgreens page, I promise: http://tinyurl.com/c92bv7n). When I remember to use it, it lightens the redness overnight and if you knock off the dead skin and put on a thin layer of lotion, it's almost as though you didn't have keratosis pilaris at all!

maiaroman18

I've had it since I was a toddler. I exfoliate, use a body wash and lotion (both prescriptions, but there are body washes that are OTC) with salicylic acid, then use an alpha hydroxy lotion (amlacin is OTC).

KettleTO

You want to use lotion with Sal Acid in it - AmLactin or CerVe SA are both OTC options at the local drug store that will help. (I am a Medical *kitten*'t for a derm and that's what we give)

A cheap way to do this is to get an wipe with Salicylic acid (2%), a beta-hydroxy (Oxy or Clearsil). Wipe the affected area and let it dry. Apply a good, heavy moisturizer (CeraVe, Aveno Intense, etc.). It has done wonders for mine. Also I've been told sun exposure helps -- I struggle not to burn though.

MrsG31

Thanks everyone!

I was able to find some AmLactin at Walmart and switched to Dove Sensitive skin body wash. I am going to try some of the other things as well, like the exfoliating before showering and perhaps the pore perfecting toner. I am determined to get rid looking like I have a sunburn all the time!