How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms
How to Treat Keratosis Pilaris on Arms
Are your arms affected by a sudden red rash with tiny bumps, causing them to appear inflamed? Does the skin on your arms resemble Chicken Skin? If so, you are probably affected by a skin condition which goes by exactly that name – Chicken Skin, otherwise also known as Keratosis Pilaris or KP. It is a totally harmless condition, dreadful as it appears to the eye. Over 60% of the world's population is affected by it, especially women, more so if they are pregnant.
KP is basically a genetic condition, so if there is a family history of it, one is bound to be affected. However, an understanding of the underlying cause would help in prevention and treatment of this condition. The pores of the skin of affected persons, are blocked by the secretion of an excess of skin cell protein called keratin, which settles at the base of the hair in the follicles, causing the blood vessels below it to dilate and give the skin a reddish hue with tiny bumps.
Having understood the cause, it follows that the treatment would consist of external application of exfoliants or anti-inflamatory agents. Several creams and lotions are available in the market, common among them being :
- Vitamin A acid – Trade name : Retin A
This is to be applied on the affected arms 15-20 minutes before a shower and thereafter, the area is to be patted dry very gently.
- Combination of Benzoyl peroxide and Adapalene.
This is both and exfoliant and anti-inflamatory agent. It has to be similarly
applied on the arms.
- Triamcinolone, a corticosteroid, going under the name of Aristocort.
It works basically as an anti-inflamatory agent.
It is to be understood that all these external applications are to be done very gently, since any harsh treatment will only aggravate the problem.
Certain soaps and lotions containing sulfur or urea are also effective treatments.
An effective home remedy for KP is a paste of sugar and milk cream or yogurt or curd.
The lactic acid in the curd when applied to the skin, acts as an exfoliant, preventing the keratin from settling in the pores. The paste is to be applied 15-20 mins. Before a shower and patted dry thereafter. Vitamin E oil or cocoanut oil applied on the area after the shower, acts as a moisturizer and alleviates any inflammation. A diet rich in omega3 fatty acids, also helps in keeping the keratin production under check.
Questions and Answers
Article Tags:
treat keratosis pilaris on arms
Using chemicals to treat keratosis pilaris might not be the most cost-effective and practical way to get rid of the skin condition. Experts claim that there really is no way to get rid of the ugly chicken skin that is caused by keratosis pilaris. This skin condition is common among a big part of the population.
KP occurs as a result of the inability of the skin to exfoliate naturally, resulting in the dead skin cells accumulating at the hair follicles, blocking them and causing the skin to appear inflamed because of dilation of the blood vessels underneath.
Are you suffering from Chicken Skin? You would know if you have rough, reddish bumps on the surface of the skin, particularly on the outer sides of the upper arms, legs, buttocks, thighs etc: The skin practically resembles that of a chicken, hence the name.
KP is the result of ineffective natural exfoliation by the skin. In such cases, the dry skin cells deposit a substance called keratin (skin cell protein) on the surface, and the pores of the skin tend to get blocked when the deposits are excessive, thus causing dilation of the blood vessels and giving the appearance of red bumps on the skin.
Are others in the family also affected by the same condition? Does this condition aggravate in the cold season? If so, you would most probably be suffering from Keratosis Pilaris or KP as it is commonly known.
In Neuro-scientific medicine, applied studies more popularly generally known as translational research. It aims to supply plausible diagnostic, preventive or treatment strategies. This research practice is anticipated to create technologies, drugs and methods aimed at prevention and treatments for diseases
Sports tape, elastic therapeutic tape or athletic tape is a strip of cotton with acrylic adhesive used for treating injuries related to sports, athletics as well as other physical disorders. It is porous, non-elastic and lightweight but it also has a high tensile strength which makes it ideal for giving compression and firm support for the body.
Every time I stroll through a herbal or scented garden, I'm entranced by the way it calms my stress and relaxes my anxious mind. It's almost as if Nature laid the plants out especially for me. Parks and gardens are as old as civilization itself. In fact, even Adam and Eve are said to have had their own garden to explore.
Ma Huang is also known as ephedra. The acrid, slightly bitter and warm herb has been used in TCM to promote urination and sweating, and rid of cold, sooth wheezing asthma, etc. as it calms dyspnea, asthma, cough, etc., by enhancing the functions of lung and bladder channels.
Melatonin with valerian is considered to be a top notch pill which can surely assist a lot in getting rid of various sleep disorders and it is primarily utilized for better sleep when you are going through insomnia. Sleep is very important and one should get a proper sleep every night in order to stay perfectly alright in all perspectives. Life can surely excel in a better way if a good and healthy sleep is attained every day though people who are unable to get it on regular basis have to go thr
Natural remedy is proved very effective for asthma and it gives quick relief also. There are various methods of natural remedy for treating asthma during pregnancy.
Do you have severe foot pain in the morning, after or while walking, after running, sitting or sleeping? You may be suffering from a common painful foot condition known as plantar fasciitis Do you want to know about Natural and Alternative remedies for plantar fasciitis?
You can get rid of emetophobia by curing your nausea and vomiting. When you have complete relief from nausea and vomiting, you can be free of the fear about it and gradually you can come out of emetophobia.
Are you suffering from fatigue and sleep disorder and widespread pain? You may have fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes pain, stiffness and tenderness of the muscles, tendons and joints. Take heart, you can get rid of this condition and get natural relief from fibromyalgia by using natural remedies.
Discuss this Article
