The Treatment Methods to Remove Follicular Hyperkeratosis

KP is a problem that we all hope to avoid. These little red bumps that are also known as "chicken bumps" bring about a cosmetic disaster in addition to being uncomfortable and itchy. Many people confuse them with acne when their redness is pronounced, but they proliferate in greater numbers than acne and have a smaller "bump" size. Roughly 40% of us will have to experience this skin condition throughout our lives. It is even a higher percentage when you limit it to the teenage years. Statistics have shown that it is 50 to 80% of teenagers who undergo this skin condition as a result of the hormonal changes that stem from puberty.

Keratosis pilaris comes in three main forms. One is keratosis pilaris rubra. This is the kind of KP that shows up as red, inflamed bumps on the arms, head, and legs. Then there is keratosis pilaris alba. This has no redness or irritation to it but does make the skin rough and bumpy. Thirdly there is the highly undesirable keratosis pilaris faceii which consists of the reddish rash on the cheeks.

The overproduction of keratin within the skin is the root cause of keratosis pilaris. Keratin in a natural protein the body produces that is necessary for proper skin health provided it is within a certain amount. However in excess amounts, it surrounds and entraps the hair follicles within the pore. This is what causes the process of hard plugs forming which goes by the label of hyperkeratinization. While there are cases whereby individuals can suffer from KP year round, it is mainly a skin condition that rears its ugly head throughout the winter season.

Fortunately there are remedies that will alleviate the symptoms of follicular hyperkeratosis until they are all gone. However there is no cure that will make it go away forever. When a treatment for keratosis includes the acid form of vitamin A or Tretinoin, studies have shown it to be an effective KP reduction application. These creams are usually sold under the name of Retin-A and are also used to treat acne. They decrease the amount of keratin in the skin while increasing the cell turnover rate of the skin's outer layer.

An alternative treatment is the prescription medicine of Triamcinolone. This usually goes by the name of Aristocort. It is a synthetic cortiscosteroid that is compounded as a cream. This medicine is also used for the treatment of the dry skin condition of ezcema. This will also reduce the amount of keratin within the pores that then allows for the bumps to decrease in size and lose their red color.

The majority of doctors agree that the most effective KP treatments will be a mix between a moisturizer combined with ingredients that increase turnover of cells within the basal membrane of the skin. There exists a biological skin cream that has been proven within a peer reviewed scientific journal to perform both these duties to make for an effective KP remover.BY: Jennifer Levine

Natural Remedies For Keratosis Pilaris - Getting Rid of Chicken Skin

Having rough patches of skin on some of your body parts could be an unpleasant experience. Although these rough patches of skin caused by keratosis pilaris are not harmful, you might find the need to do something to get rid of it. Keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition that is brought about by keratinization. This simply means that the protein or keratin that is metabolized by the body and finds its way into the skin's inner layers form keratin plugs that hamper the hair follicle's way through the pores. When the pores are clogged, it results in folliculocentric keratotic papules. In ordinary language, these papules are referred to as chicken bumps or goose bumps. These are not contagious or medically dangerous. No other complications have been found to be caused by these papules. In fact, the appearance of these papules is often observed to dissipate through the years beyond adolescence. In some rare cases, these papules reappear later on in life but are nothing more but unsightly or unpleasant skin texture.
Getting rid of chicken skin is not quick. Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition which is actually believed to disappear on its own. But, there are actually easy ways to improve the appearance of skin with keratosis pilaris. There are natural remedies for keratosis pilaris that anyone who is experiencing it could easily do in the confines of his own home. Most of these natural remedies could be made from ingredients that are available in most home pantries. These natural remedies, however, should be used for long periods of time for its effects to be markedly visible. Among these natural remedies are formulations for cleansers, exfoliants, and soaks. Here are some of the recommended remedies for keratosis pilaris:
1. Olive oil and sugar exfoliant - Mixing equal parts of olive oil and sugar can give you an effective exfoliant that you can use in order to slough off the keratin plugs as well as other dirt particles from your skin.
2. Salt and water scrub - Mixing salt with water can also be an effective exfoliating formulation. Gently scrubbing the skin with this formulation can also help clear keratosis pilaris. Be careful, though, not to scrub vigorously as this could further damage your skin.
3. Vitamin E oil soak - Adding several tablespoons of Vitamin E oil to your bath water could help seal in the moisture in your skin and improve the appearance of your keratosis pilaris. Soak in this Vitamin E oil infused bathwater for about twenty to thirty minutes. Do not bathe or shower too long as you can strip your skin off too much oil and cause more dryness and irritation.
4. Apple cider vinegar wash - In some cases, using apple cider vinegar to wash the area affected by keratosis pilaris could take the place of using lactic acid washes and creams. Sometimes, products containing lactic acid could irritate the skin. This natural wash could serve as a more effective alternative.
These are just some of the natural remedies for keratosis pilaris. Although there is no real cure for this skin condition, these natural remedies as well as others that may be recommended by dermatologists and skin doctors could serve well in trying to improve the skin's appearance and texture.

By Smith Johny