Keratosis Pilaris

Other Names : KP, follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris, chicken skin
Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a common, autosomal dominant, genetic follicular condition characterized by the appearance of rough, slightly red bumps on light skin and brown bumps on darker skin. It most often appears on the back, outer sides of the upper arm (though the forearm can also be affected), face, thighs, and buttocks. KP can also occur on the hands, and tops of legs, sides, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Often the lesions will appear on the face, which may be mistaken for Acne.

Natural Remedies

• Apple Cider Vinegar and Coconut Oil : Simply mix equal parts organic coconut oil and organic apple cider vinegar (around ½ a cup) with 1 tablespoon of soy lecithin and mix together. You might need to put the coconut oil in warm water to encourage it to liquefy, but once mixed, use a cotton bud to smear the ointment all over the affected area and repeat daily. Sure, you’ll smell a little vinegar-y but the coconut oil counteracts most of it, plus your skin will be ultra-smooth in no time at all.
• Castile Soap : Basically a fancy name for a soap made with pure vegetable oils (rather than animal fat), Castile soap helps nourish the skin rather than dry it out. It’s also used to treat KP when used in conjunction with a gentle loofah. Simply apply the soap to the loofah and use soft, circular motions to remove the excess lumps and bumps. Follow up with coconut oil to hydrate the area and kill any bacteria.
• Goat’s Milk Soap : The lactic acid in the goat’s milk also doubles as a very gentle exfoliator. Exactly what you need when you’re trying to breakdown those keratin plugs. In fact, you could also use a goat’s milk moisturiser to ensure that the lactic acid is working overtime to slowly eat away those dead skin cells.
• Diet : Most skin conditions start in the gut, making all this hard external work only half the battle. If your KP is really bad, it might be time to make some tweaks to your diet as well. Start with the simple things like reducing (or preferably eliminating) as many processed foods as possible. Keep things clean, even just for a few weeks, to see if there’s any improvement. I also recommend playing around with dairy and seeing if it affects your skin. Either cut it out completely or switch to super high quality organic options instead. Finally, it’s time to up your greens. Indulge in green smoothies and juices, enjoy kale crisps and overload on the good stuff to help balance out your digestion and shift some of the old, toxic waste lying around. And take a probiotic to inundate your gut with good flora.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.