Anyone have keratosis pilaris (KP)?

darkskyy · August 2010

I've had KP for years... as long as I can remember. (They're those little arm bumps that look like bad acne). Most of the time they don't bother me much, but since I've gained weight and am a little more self conscious, I'm extra aware of them lately.

I'm also in a bridal party in a month, and dreading the bridesmaid dress - it already doesn't fit, the other girls are like 110 pounds, and the strapless dress just highlights the arm bumps.

Most of the recommended treatments have all kinds of chemicals (I've never had success with those creams anyway). Has anyone had this problem and found a way to get rid of them? Preferably without the harsh creams (there's no way I would risk it during pregnancy). I just feel really crappy about them lately... Sad

shaysmom05 · August 2010

I'm sorry hon. I know it's hard to deal with. I don't have it, but my daughter does. The creams don't really seem to help her either. I've noticed that hers flares up alot when her skin is dried out or if she's been in the sun alot. We use Cetaphil soap on her. We're only allowed to bathe her every other day because it dries her skin out so badly.

I'd suggest using Cetaphil. You can find it in the makeup sections at Walmart that has all the face creams and stuff like that. Also, if you can, use a humidifyer. Alot of people don't realize that it helps with skin as well as breathing. Use a lotion that doesn't have dyes in them. I like Eucerine. We put it on DD after her bath times and early in the mornings. It helps to get rid of the redness and itching. HTH and GL!

grr_aargh · August 2010

My DD has it.

Here's the thing - it's a combination issue of the pores not cleaning themselves out AND being under hydrated. So our solution is several different things.

First, drink lots of water.
Second, once a week, use a salt-and-orange juice scrub (real salt. real orange juice. A little peel if you're feeling adventurous). Let it sit for a few minutes on your arms. If it burns, rinse right away. You can also use lemon. Anything citrus will have the exfolating properties of the citric acid.
Third, BEFORE YOU DRY OFF, slater the area in an oil - you can use baby oil, but we prefer almond oil in our house. You can also use Olive oil. Get about a quarter-sized puddle in your hand and use that on both arms. THEN dry off. THEN put on a skin cream.

good luck!!

shaysmom05 · August 2010

That's a really good idea. I'm gonna try that on DD.

darkskyy · August 2010

Thanks ladies I also just read that putting yogurt on it can help, because of the lactic acid. Guess I'll start raiding the fridge and see what works.

I desperately tried to get rid of it before my wedding and couldn't do it then either.

sevenonesix · August 2010

My chiropractor told me it's actually a deficiency in digesting Fatty Acids. I've had it my whole life and she said its also why its been hard to lose weight because the Fatty Acids gets stored in my skin instead of digested properly.

Her solution: An enzyme complex and Fish Oil... I'll have to get more info if you want it but I ended up waiting to take the enzyme b/c my OB said it had an ingredient in it that can cause the muscles to relax and he was worried about my cervix/uterus getting involved.

vlewis515 · August 2010

I've never heard of it but it doesn't sound pleasant. I'm sorry you have to deal with this, especially with a strapless dress

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