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Re: keratosis pillaris and thyroid (Reply to this comment)
by ayele
I am an african american female and have had keratosis pilaris on my arms & legs since I was about 14, which made my teen years horrible. I have tried all of the creams from otc amlactin to rx creams, and they help somewhat but not completely. I have had my thyroid checked and it was 2.5. My doctor said it was normal, I had them check it because I constantly have large fluctuations in my weight (up & down 10-15lbs), right now my weight is normal. But nothing I do seems to make much of a difference with my kp. So in my attempt to have more “normal" looking skin, I am going to try a vi chemical peel done on my legs. I have read that the chemical peel has the best results. Since it is not a cure, it will need to be repeated 3 to 4 times a year, which can get expensive, but I figure with the money I have spent over the years on creams and prescriptions with disappointing results, I may as well try this one last thing. If this doesn’t work, then I guess I will have to find a way to love my kp legs & arms, (sigh). I will keep you posted.
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Jun 23 '09
3:32 pm PDT
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keratosis pillaris and thyroid (Reply to this comment)
by shayre
Okay, I have this keratosis pillaris as diagnosed years ago from my dermatologist. Yes, the creams didn't work, so I'm glad to hear of something that worked for you...and I'll try it. However, there is something that I figured out by chance that my dermatologist didn't know...and I don't know if many people do. I had finally been diagnosed with hypothyroidism (and PCOS) after years of complaining about fatigue. The new parameters are .3 to 3 and that still doesn't mean that it's normal for you. Normal for my body is 1.2 to 2. So, when my thyroid was finally regulated the keratosis pillaris went away. It stayed away until my thyroid got messed up again from having a baby 10 weeks ago.
Now I'm working on getting my thryroid regulated again with medication. The thryoid plays a role in all major body functions including the skin. Dry skin is a very common symptom of thyroid dysfuction. I wish that I would have figured this out sooner, as it would have saved me years of embarassment. So I'm passing this bit of experience and enlightenment on to others...hoping to help.
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Jun 22 '09
2:01 pm PDT
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Re: agreements with this (Reply to this comment)
by eden12012
I know exactly how you feel. I don't know anyone in my area that has it either and it does wear you down mentally. Especially since this a "need to be perfect in every way" world. The main thing i think about when i think about that is the fact that most people don't have it that are advertised, rather fat or other issues, and yet its like im a step behind trhinking "Well even if i was to as they say, it wouldn't change my KP. I could be skinny and it would still be there, people pointing fingers and asking questions, making you want to just hide in your house." The only time i really show my legs is in my house around my family since of course they know i have it. Its really depressing. On top of that, there's all these other suggestions on the comments which makes me wonder which to do you know? Thank you for listening. And on top of this KP i get hives even when i walk outside to the trashbin carrying a a heavy trashbag. I wonder if my "hystamine" problem as they put it is related to KP.... Thank you for listening.
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Jun 17 '09
12:20 am PDT
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Re: Thank You (Reply to this comment)
by eden12012
I'm 17, a girl, and have had it since i was around 9. I have been asked the same questions as well and i know exactly how you feel. I would just lie and say "yeah" or "Oh really? I didnt know my goosebumps could be so bad!" Stuff like that or similar. When i was in P.E, (stopped in 10th grade since 9th-10th was a requirement). and when i sweat, my skin would turn red, and flushed, since i have fair skin it appears that way, and people would ask "What is wrong with your skin, are you ok?" In a sense it looked like chicken pox i used to say, but really its hives, also why i can't really exercise, i get the bumps , which they call "prickly heat" and itch and feel completely miserable. I have had self esteem issues, especially when i would see my friends or other girls walk around in skirts and shorts, with perfect looking skin, i would feel so envious and i would feel depressed. What also sucked was any guy i would meet and happened to like me, when of course i happen to wear pants so they dont know i have this KP, they would tell me i have such a wonderful mind. Basically when i would continue the relationship, i would always think about, "I wonder if he will freak out, or i will become overwhelmed when he touches my skin and cry..etc." That's why i would not make myself available and havent had a boyfriend for two years. Any guy i was ever involved with has never seen my legs since i always covered up, or touched my arms really unless i quickly put on some lotion in hope. Now that i found this editorial, i feel hope you know? And willing to try it. Because yeah, ive been to my doctor too and refers me to a dermatologist, but i fear they wont help at all, though i still plan to go to see what happens. My appointment is this month, and all i think about is the day i can wear skirts and shorts without feeling extremely self conscious, and when i see commercials on t.v. when a guy is feeling a girls leg and its "soft." Thank you for reading this. I hope you comment back.
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Jun 17 '09
12:00 am PDT
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Re: KP treatment that worked for me (Reply to this comment)
by eden12012
Could you possibly tell me a step by step process you did? I would be most grateful thank you! I just read the editorial and, of course, desperate as I am, I was considering the following comment s as well. Yours seemed easier and practical, though i am still keeping in mind the editorial, but i would like to try yours first. Thank you for reading.
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Jun 16 '09
11:41 pm PDT
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new products (Reply to this comment)
by somuchbetter
i use dermadoctor KP scrub, it works pretty well. The lotion they have for daily use smells weird but it works pretty well too, but its kind of expensive. For everyday use, I have been using a new product called Eucerin Smoothing Lotion. My skin has not looked healthier!!
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May 24 '09
2:41 pm PDT
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Best KP Solution (Reply to this comment)
by kpallgone
I have had KP for 4 years now and got advice from a beautician who also struggled with KP in her 20s. A regular session in the Sauna(Helps to detoxify the skin) and steam bath(Moisturize and detoxify the skin) will do wonders for KP. I buffed up with my vitamins(Especially on Omega 3 6 and Vitamin E) and exercise 5 times a week ending with a sauna session alternating with the steam bath. Also make sure to drink a lot water and use a decent lotion to moisturize and stay away from sugary bits and fast food, as this will only worsen KP. My KP disappeared completely after 2 months and I reaped all the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. KP is more of a nutritional deficiency and can easily be treated with a healthier lifestyle.
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May 01 '09
5:52 am PDT
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Best KP treatment of them all (Reply to this comment)
by kpallgone
I have had KP for 4 years now and got advice from a beautician who also struggled with KP in her 20s. A regular session in the Sauna(Helps to detoxify the skin) and steam bath(Moisturize and detoxify the skin) will do wonders for KP. I buffed up with my vitamins(Especially on Omega 3 6 and Vitamin E) and exercise 5 times a week ending with a sauna session alternating with the steam bath. Also make sure to drink a lot water and use a decent lotion to moisturize and stay away from sugary bits and fast food, as this will only worsen KP. My KP disappeared completely after 2 months and I reaped all the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. KP is more of a nutritional deficiency and can easily be treated with a healthier lifestyle.
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May 01 '09
5:50 am PDT
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KP treatment that worked for me (Reply to this comment)
by darin2risk
Hello everyone,
Finally found what worked for me to treat / cure my KP. The solution is organic / natural soaps. Soaps with bare ingredients.
Wash yourself with a gentle scrub cloth with some of the organic / natural bar soap rubbed in it. Some organic and natural bar soaps tend to be on the dry side... but not this one... (Olive bar soap) http://fromthemeadows.com/item_1/ORGANIC-OLIVE-OIL-Bar-Soap.htm
The results are not overnight... you will need to do this for 2 weeks to notice amazing results.
I have always had KP on my arms and thighs and NOW without KP my limbs look so much better and even skinnier (esp. my arms).
In addition, my sister who has the condition 10x worse than I has noticed a tremendous difference too!
I'm guessing there is an ingredient in everyday soaps that irritate our skins. I urge everyone to try to go natural before they go more chemicall-y
Hope this works for everyone!
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Apr 04 '09
9:14 pm PDT
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KP Sufferer (Reply to this comment)
by daelkin
I am 45 years old and have sufferend from KP since I was a teenager. It had gotten better as I have gotten older but it's still there.
I am sorry to say that I passed it along to my daughters. My 12 year old daughter has it really bad on her back/upper shoulders. Some on her arms.
Treatments from the doctor have not worked on her. We did find that it improved int he summer but because of it's severity it took all summer to finally look good.
She is embarrassed due to wearing swim suits in the summer.
So we have resorted to the tanning. She just started. It's not my first choice but It has really effected her self esteem.
Tanning has helped mine in the past so I am hoping it will give her good results.
There is a prescriptin lotion that does help some. It's called Salex.
The combination of the tanning and lotion will hopefully produce results soon.
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Mar 30 '09
7:13 am PDT
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Thank You (Reply to this comment)
by angelanzy12
Well I'm only 15 and i'm suffering with this for about 5 years now. People I meet and my friends are always like 'you have a lot of zits on your arms!' or 'wow are you cold? you're covered in goosebumps' and sometimes i get the occasional 'wow your skin is so purple and red!' in the winter. I've tried a lot. I've been to the doctors and dermatologist plenty of times to see if there's a new medical advancement; but there never is. I've actually started tanning in hopes that the 'sunlight' will lessen the bumps, which it does somewhat, but not enough. But I'm going to try the acne stuff. I hope it works for me :) Thank you!
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Mar 24 '09
1:54 pm PDT
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keratosis Pilaris (Reply to this comment)
by beachgirl46
I have had this as long as I can remember, and I am now 39. It got worse with each pregnancy, eventually spreading down my arms and to my chest and back. I finally found something that works and is easy. I use Arbonne skin care and tried their lotion. It is called Arbonne RE9 body serum and lotion. I use it when I get out of the shower and have tremendous results. It is a 2 step process: first the serum and then the lotion. It is not greasy and doesn't smell bad, like all of those 'other' lotions/creams. The redness is gone and the bumps are 90% gone. If I tan once a week the results are even better. Since I only use this product on my arms and back it lasts several months, but is quite expensive. I believe that it is around $80.00, but well worth it. I have tried all of the Dr recommended stinky creams, and nothing works like this. I hope that this helps. Good luck!
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Mar 14 '09
10:18 am PDT
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KP Redness (Reply to this comment)
by emkat
I have been doing a lot of research on KP and folliculitis. I have had KP for as long as I can remember. The spots on my arms are not nearly as bad as the spots on my upper thighs and lower butt. My legs get the red bumps like others have mentioned. That is what got me researching folliculitis. I'm wondering if the red bumps are KP that turned into folliculitis, and if so, I'm thinking they could possibly be treated with an anti-bacterial soap. I've read that some people have had success with dandruff shampoos, and I know that dandruff is caused by bacteria. Maybe that is why it helps it go away. Has anyone else thought about this, or tried to treat the red bumps this way? I've heard that you can use listerine in place of dandruff shampoo, so I think I am going to try putting listerine on the bumps as well to see if it works. Then again, the alcohol might make it worse. I guess it's worth a shot.
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Feb 25 '09
2:08 pm PST
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My drug for KP (Reply to this comment)
by az82
i have been suffering from kerotosis pilaris since 15. i am now 26. i got it on my upper back and upper back arms. i got some above my knees too. i used Retin-A cream for a month. it helped alot but not near enough. Its very expensive indeed.
I ve seen a dermetologist recently and he prescribed me ROACCUTANE. From my research this medication is made for cystic acne. before seeing him, i did have some acne on my scalp, and some on upper back ( pluse the KP). I ve been only using this medication over a month. They acne is all cleared up but nothing else. He said ROACCUTANE is a stronger form of Retin-A and it takes 6-16 months to show its wonders depending on how much you take per day and duration.The more you increase the dose the less time it takes but increases the side affects e.g. dry cracked lips. I asked him if hes sure this will work for KP and he replied ''most likely''!! he said the reason most Doctors dont prescribe this drug for KP is due to belief that it increases depression and even suicide attempts..He believes that is not strongly proven and for me after taking it over 30days i haven't experienced any negative thoughts - only my deperession towards my skin condition such as why can't i wear short sleeves, hot dresses with low backs, and what do i do if my new boyfriend sees my secret :(
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Feb 18 '09
6:16 pm PST
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agreements with this (Reply to this comment)
by usedrock86
being 22 and having this disorder it gets kinda rough in this "need to be perfect" world.. the thing i noticed with my own happenings with this was my weight. i am by no means heavy set or over weight. i first started noticing signs when i was about 14. i didnt care what i ate and did whatever. the bumps appeared on my neck and arms and ive always had red cheeks. when i was 16 i started eating super healthy watching what i eat and working out non stop. dropped total body fat to a point where you could see my vanes in my arms very clearly. with that.. the bumps went away. i also tanned and it did work like you mentioned..
but now im a lot bigger and and weigh a lot more. this really opened my eyes on how to deal with it. i started scrubbings a lot more in the shower and ive already noticed change. i still have yet to try the lotions mentioned but am going to start doing right away. it's crazy for me cause im the only person i know that has this in my area, or that i know of, and it wears you down a bit mentally. but at least now i know how to treat it :)
so thank you
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Feb 16 '09
10:58 am PST
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This helps... (Reply to this comment)
by nessss
I started using a LUSH product called Aqua Mirabilis. Is is an exfoliating and moisturising scrub that leaves my Keratosis bumps smooth and moisturised all day. I have used hundreds of products and this is far the most effective I have ever tried. I don't need to use the exfoliating mitt or cream anymore (which just left my skin angry) or constant moisturisers, this does it all beautifully. It uses ground almonds to exfoliate and the Cocoa butter and Apricot oil stays on all day! If you don't live near a store (as I don't) then you can order online at www.lush.com. I wish I found it earlier!
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Jan 13 '09
9:36 pm PST
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What works for me.. (Reply to this comment)
by reviewer0001
I was told I had KP about 10 years ago. My dermatologist told me to quit using scented bath and laundry soaps and softener, to use hypoallergenic lotions, specifically Cetaphil, and prescribed the use of Urea Cream. Urea Cream is a potent skin tissue softener that can be purchased OTC at 25% strength. I use 40%, so it needs a script.
It definitely worked for me, at the time of diagnosis, I was a 29 yrs (male), had KP on my chest and upper back. I had no chest hair until I started on the UC, and 10 years later, the KP is kept under control and it softened my skin well enough to grow hair on my chest...thankfully not my back too!
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Dec 19 '08
11:26 am PST
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Hello ??? (Reply to this comment)
by pookeysmom
My daughter is now 17 and it sounds like she has this we have an apointment for the dermatologist, she has the issue bumps etc.. all over, plus even a scratch will take forever to heal and sometimes it will scar. Her eyes are dry her nails and toes are bad to. She feels like a lizard. It started when she was little and her doctor just kept saying lotion etc.. till she hit pubity it was not that bad, but now she really needs to see a doctor.I have been searching forever to find something even close and I read this and it was the closet I have ever came to her problem. There was one lotion that her doctor gave her when she was little that as soon as it absorbed into her skin she was screaming her skin was on fire, still to this day she cant wear perfume. Even the hair on her arms legs etc...dont grow right the pores look as you described and I swear she gets ingrown hairs on her legs etc..sometimes because it cant grow up and out properly. Does anty of my daughters symtoms sound familiar to you also??
Thank you
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Dec 03 '08
4:38 pm PST
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vitamin d? (Reply to this comment)
by ltattoo
do you think the tanning bed solution is due to a need for vitamin d? so many odd maladies, especially autoimmune conditions, are caused by a lack of vitamin d. they say it is epidemic. ~lt
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Nov 22 '08
11:45 pm PST
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A temporary cover up.. (Reply to this comment)
by nessss
I have been suffering with KP since I was born and i'm now 40. I have no cures though after reading this site I will be trying some of them. I too HATE wearing short sleeves in summer and never shorts. (I have it upper arms, fore arms, back, buttock, and really bad on my legs.. not so much the lumps on my legs but purple and red spots) I discovered a solution last summer that made me feel comfortable wearing short sleeves.. Physicians Formula: Multi-Coloured Corrector: Green. It comes in a powder compact and i'm sure and brand would work. The green corrects the red and your arms look more neutral than ever. (i do all the exfoliating and moisturising as well) I have 3 daughters and 2 of them have it bad and one slightly. My eldest daughter gets a professional fake tan to cover her red spots and it does a good job. My poor youngest has it real bad in her eyebrows as well. hope this helps some of you who want to wear short sleeves again.
PS make sure it's powder and not green correction cream as that clogs around the lumps yuk!
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Nov 04 '08
4:54 pm PST
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Be Careful using Salicylic acid, won't work for all! (Reply to this comment)
by ashez0520
I of course have KP as well. I didn't know it until one day I decided to search the internet for what the red dry bumps all over the backs of my upper arms were (I was always aware of them but just never looked it up). I'm now 20. I also noticed them on my face, specifically to the sides of my chin, the only difference is they are not red. Just bumps that are always there, and are definitely not acne (gross as she said, but if i squeeze at them just get small amount of hardened keratin). Recently it's becoming more prominent on my legs, upper first, and now even lower! To the point that every time I shave (every other day) it gives me similar to a razor burn, regardless of the cream or razor I use, and I end up with the red bumps. I did tonnns of research on KP at first too, hoping to find ANYTHING that other suffers had said had worked. I read this article, and it seems salicylic acid is really promoted as working along with heavy exfoliation and scrubbing. I just want to inform others that this will not work for everyone, and will actually make it much WORSE for some people, specifically if you have really sensitive skin like I do. (I'm not just speaking from my own experience but also other research I've done). Salicylic acid DRIES your skin out majorly; it works by chemically (the acid) exfoliating the top skin levels, which is supposed to help open up the clogged hair follicles, thereby releasing the keratin plugs. But if your skin is pretty sensitive like mine, any acid like this will only make it worse, drying and essentially burning the skin. I had a horrible reaction on my face, it just burned and burned and itched to the point I had to use medicated itching cream just to get some relief. This may not happen at all to you, but just be wary if you have sensitive skin; salicylic acid is exactly what it sounds like: an acid. I have still to find another remedy... -sigh- :(
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Oct 17 '08
12:54 pm PDT
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UK? (Reply to this comment)
by x_diandi_x
All this info has been great!!
Does anyone know anywhere were i can buy any product that will help my KP from the UK?
http://www.dermadoctor.com/product.asp?AID=5960&productid=850
Am really looking for this product, but from the UK.
Thanks
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Oct 05 '08
4:06 pm PDT
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Laser hair removal as a solution? (Reply to this comment)
by migo9703
Hi,
I'm 43 and have KP, especially on my thighs. I dread shaving my legs because it makes me "break out" with inflamed red bumps that look terrible for days. Nair tends to have the same effect. I'm considering laser hair removal just so I don't have to deal with it. Has anyone tried that? I'm wondering if the laser would have any impact on excess keratin production.
Thanks.
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Sep 18 '08
10:27 pm PDT
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Re: what worked for me (Reply to this comment)
by liltarap55
I too have horrible red blotchy bumps all over my upper arms AND my forearms. I also get it really bad on the back of my neck near my hairline and a little on my upper inner thighs and hips. I have had this condition for about 5 years now (I am 26), and I have tried EVERYTHING to get rid of them. It started spreading from my upper arms down my forearms about 3 years ago. The thing that has really helped me is showering twice a day and scrubbing the affected areas with a moisturizing body wash on a loofah (I like Dove Cream Oil; $6.49 for a large bottle at Wal-Mart). When I get out of the shower, I immediately use Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Cream (comes in a jar, NOT a lotion bottle and is about $10 at Wal-Mart). It has the weirdest texture, but it keeps my bumps feeling smooth all day (I apply it in the morning and at night before bed). Doesn't really help the redness (can't find ANYTHING that does), but I don't get all weird when my husband touches my arms. I have been applying avocado oil onto my legs directly after my shower as well (around $9.99 a bottle at any health food store), and have noticed a HUGE improvement in the bumps on my thighs (works better than coconut oil for me and my hubby just loves how smooth my legs feel). Also, if you have KP on your legs, DO NOT shave! You will only make it worse and cause your KP to become like open sores. Use depillitory creams like Nair. My personal favorite is Veet. It's a shaving cream-like hair removal cream that comes with a "bladeless" razor. You apply the cream to your legs, wait for 5-10 minutes (depending on how coarse your leg hair is, how sensitive your skin is, etc.), then hop in the shower and "shave" your legs with the bladeless razor (it scrapes all the remaining hair off of your legs). My legs are always silky-smooth and it does not cause my KP to flare up. It is also quite a lot cheaper thatn buying razors (about $7 for a bottle/razor package; I get about 6 uses out of it). As for my neck/hairline situation, I use Neutrogena Body Clear bodywash on it in the shower, and then apply benzoyl peroxide to it after I get out (I think I use a 10% solution; $3 at Wal-Mart). Everybody has a different reaction to different products, so it's just trial and error. The key is to be very consistent with keeping the bumps moisturized. I also noticed that my skin will stop reacting to certain products after an extended period of use. Good luck on your journey! I wouldn't wish keratosis pilaris on my worst enemy....
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Sep 15 '08
1:29 pm PDT
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what worked for me (Reply to this comment)
by lisacham
on a whim, i bought Jason brand organic body wash. I had kinda given up on caring about my KP, although I do have some backup prescription lotion, Keralac, on reserve for when it gets really bad. So anyways, after a couple of weeks of using the body wash I noticed that my KP had cleared up. It might have to do with the fact that there is no SLS on the product. Who knows, just thought I'd pass the info on for others to try it out!
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Sep 07 '08
4:36 pm PDT
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Re: UGH! (Reply to this comment)
by jessekat
My little girl is two and recently was diagnosed with KP. Our pediatrician said to exfoliate, wash only with Dove soap and use Eucerin or Cetaphil lotion. She had it on her upper arms and thighs. I tried it for myself and it worked. After doing this for a month with her, it almost seems worse and has spread to her forearms as well. It is pitiful. When I bathe her, I use those spa gloves that exfoliate and she says, "You get off the bumpies mommy?" It just makes me want to cry! My sister and I both have it, but always thought it was acne and never saw the dermatologist. I continue to use the treatment our doctor recommended until her next appointment when maybe we can try something else. Just wanted you to know you are not alone!
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Sep 07 '08
1:43 pm PDT
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Can't see it, but sure can feel it! (Reply to this comment)
by sfbrady
I'm guessing this is what I have on the backs of my upper arms and tops of my thighs. I've had it as long as I can remember (I'm 64!) but I have no red rash with it. (I have freckles, though, which may help conceal it.) The biggest factor for me is I am so reluctant to have anyone touch me. But what is also strange is that it seems to get better in the winter and worse in the heat and humidity of summer! Also, it's usually better when I wake first thing in the morning. Instead of a loofah or puff, I have actually used a pumice stone, but with a rather gentle amount of pressure. It does help, but just be careful not to overdue it. I also think drinking a lot of water makes a difference. Again, just my experience.
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Aug 28 '08
2:59 pm PDT
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were exactly the size of the sample tube. (Reply to this comment)
by susiewho
4o!! Your advice was fabaulous you did a great job researching a treatment thats do a ble. My son has some sort of problem with his skin that doctors haven't solved (and we come froma Medical family, figures)! His are red bumps all over his back and arms/legs and they are itchy. I'm going to forward this to him and see if he's willing to try it just to see if it works
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Aug 06 '08
5:03 am PDT
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HAIR, SKIN AND NAILS vitamins. (Reply to this comment)
by jenya_z
Hello all,
I have had KP on my upper arms, which would be worse in the winter time due to lack of sun, it would get better in the summer, but never went away. I tried different scrubs and lotions, and then I just stopped paying attention to it and wore longer sleeves. I started taking ANDNREW LESSMAN HAIR SKIN AND NAILS VITAMINS about 7 months ago, I noticed the improvement of my hair, nails and my skin as well, and I didn't realize until recently that my KP is gone and my upper arms are very smooth and don't have any redness, I had a tummy tuck and was so concerned with my scar healing very nice, I believe that those vitamins do the trick, that I completely forgot to pay attention to the arms. I LOVE those vitamins and recommend them to anybody, I got them on e-bay for better value.
Hope it helps somebody. You could read reviews on why these particular vitamins are better then the others.
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Jul 24 '08
11:56 pm PDT
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Re: sunless tanner? (Reply to this comment)
by emersonto6
Please let me know if this works for you so I can try the brand of self tanner you used. I have tried several of the lower priced self tanners and ended up exactly as you fear...orange with red dots. LOL!
Keep us posted please.
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Jul 09 '08
11:10 pm PDT
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