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What is Keratosis Pilaris? | |
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Keratosis Pilaris FAQ
What does Keratosis Pilaris look like?
Keratosis Pilaris looks like small, rough, pimple-like bumps around the hair follicles, usually around the upper arms.
Who does it affect?
KP does not discriminate by race, but usually affects more women than men.
At what stage in life is Keratosis Pilaris more apt to appear?
Fortunately, KP diminishes with age. 50% of cases appear in the first decade of life, 35% in the second, 12% in the third, and 2% in the fourth.
Which products are most effective in treating Keratosis Pilaris?
The most effective over-the-counter products to treat Keratosis Pilaris vary from person to person. If traditional scrubs and exfoliants aren’t as effective as you’d like, try Summers Laboratories' Keralyt Gel, which incorporates 6% salicylic acid, and has been shown to be one of the more effective therapies in many cases.Afirm 3x contains the highest strength of retinol on the market, yet it’s exceptionally gentle. We recommend this to patients with more tolerant skin.
My skin is sensitive. What do you recommend?
Every one of our patients responds differently to the various medicated moisturizers, retinoids, hydroxy acids, and abrasives. One of the most popular all-around products we recommend is the Keratosis Pilaris Kit from Glytone, which contains an exfoliating body wash and a body lotion, both of which will greatly reduce the unsightly bumps associated with Keratosis Pilaris.
Should I get laser hair removal treatment?
Laser hair removal has been suggested as a solution for KP since it causes the openings of the hair follicles to become filled with hard plugs. Unfortunately, extensive Keratosis Pilaris is particularly resistant to therapy. Laser hair removal requires pigment to target the follicles of the fine, or villous, hairs which would be targeted for removal. Villous hairs generally have little or no pigment, so laser therapy cannot target them well. Modern medicine does not yet have a safe and effective way of destroying these villous hair follicles.
Should I consider microdermabrasion?
Microdermabrasion can be helpful to treat Keratosis Pilaris, particularly when incorporated into a regimen containing medicated moisturizers.
My daughter has Keratosis Pilaris, but is embarrassed to see a doctor. What should I tell her?
Some of our clients are so self-conscious about their Keratosis Pilaris, they have expressed a reluctance to see a dermatologist. The dermatologist will not belittle or think poorly of her for having this common malady.
Should I exfoliate with a loofah before I moisturize?
Since skin types and conditions vary with each person, exfoliating with a loofah may help or hurt, depending on the particular person. Consider Summers Laboratories' Keralyt Gel in conjunction with your exfoliating regimen.
I’m pregnant and I love MD Forté’s Hand & Body Cream. Is this safe to use?
This product is very popular with our clients and is safe to use during pregnancy.
I was prescribed Lachydrin, but my dermatologist said I should try AmLactin products. Besides being a lot cheaper, how do the products compare?
AmLactin products contain prescription-strength concentrations of lactic acid, a naturally-occurring alpha hydroxy acid. Any of the AmLactin products would rival the prescription medication in Lachydrin.
My dry skin and Keratosis Pilaris comes and goes. Is this normal?
Keratosis Pilaris typically waxes and wanes over time. This is normal and can be controlled, once again, with the proper skin care regimen.