Keratosis pilaris is one of the most common skin disorders that results in coarse patches as well as tiny, acne-like bumps, frequently on the thighs, arms, buttocks and cheeks. The bumps caused as a consequence of keratosis pilaris are white or red in color, and generally does not hurt or cause any itching. This is not a serious skin condition and can occur at any age, though it is mainly seen in women during pregnancy and puberty.
Keratosis pilaris is generally caused as a result of production of excess keratin in our body, which is a hard protein that guards our skin from various detrimental substances and infections. The over production of keratin obstructs the opening of hair follicle, in turn, causing patches of bumpy, rough skin. It may pop up in association with other skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis or with other genetic diseases.
The symptoms of keratosis pilaris include rough, dry and sometimes itchy skin; small white or red bumps usually on the legs, upper arms, buttocks or cheeks. It generally worsens in winter when the humidity levels are low and the skin is drier. In various cases, the bumps may cause scar and inflammation, particularly on the face.
Here are some remedies to cure keratosis pilaris.
1. Baking Soda
This is an outstanding homemade exfoliant that eliminates the dead skin cells and deep cleans the skin pores. Take sufficient amount of water and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir it well to prepare a fine paste and apply it on the affected area. Scrub for a few minutes and then wash it with water. Repeat the same process on a regular basis until you get rid of these bumps.
2. Oatmeal Bath
This remedy keeps the skin well moisturized and puts a stop to the keratosis pilaris. Add a handful of powdered oats to lukewarm water. Mix well and immerse yourself in that water, for a minimum of 15 minutes. Take shower and pat your skin dry using a towel. Carry out the same process 3 times a week to get relief from the keratosis pilaris.
3. Sugar and Sour Cream
A mixture of sugar and sour cream contains lactic acid which eliminates the build-up of keratin; thus, helps clear the keratosis pilaris. Mix together 2 tablespoons of sour cream and a teaspoon of granular sugar. Mix it well and apply it as a face pack. Massage this in the circular motions. Repeat the process regularly to ward off the keratosis pilaris.
4. Vitamin A Capsules
Vitamin A has retinol, a derivative which is used to prevent the plugging of hair follicles and promote cell turnover. Deficiency of vitamin A often results in a number of skin conditions, including keratosis pilaris. Vitamin A helps heal the damaged skin and rebuild the skin tissues. Break one or two vitamin A capsules. Squeeze off the oil from the capsule(s) and apply it directly onto the skin. Rub it softly for a few minutes, and subsequently leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat the procedure till you get absolute relief.
- Or else, you can also eat fruits such as papaya, leafy greens, carrots, liver, eggs, strawberries, pumpkin, grapes, tomatoes, etc., that are rich in vitamin A.
The presence of lactic acid in yogurt decreases the dryness of the skin and provides respite from the excess deposition of keratin. Take about 3 to 4 tablespoons of yogurt and apply it on the problematic area. After 15 minutes, take a bath with lukewarm or cold water. Clean the skin softly using a soft towel and repeat this process on a regular basis.
6. Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Alpha hydroxy acids are mild natural acids. Obtain any product that has alpha hydroxy acids and apply it on the infected skin. Rub it softly for a few minutes. This smoothens and deep cleanses the bumps of keratosis pilaris. Or else, you may also use creams and lotions that contain glycolic acid as primary ingredient.
7. Cold Water Fish
Cold water fish such as tuna, flaxseeds, salmon, walnuts, mackerel, etc., contain omega-3 fatty acids that heal the keratosis pilaris at a faster pace. Therefore, eat cold water fish in your daily meal for a minimum of 3 weeks to eliminate the root cause. If you don’t like fish, then you can also consume fish oil supplements regularly.
8. Milk Baths
As milk contains lactic acid, it softens the skin and minimizes the bumps. Put a few cups of whole milk into your bath tub. Mix it well and bathe with this water for a few minutes. Carry out the same procedure regularly to fend off the disorder.
Another useful remedy is aspirin. It pacifies the irritation and redness caused by keratosis pilaris. Crush a few aspirins into a fine powder. Combine with an equal amount of water and apply it as a mask on the affected area. Rub it softly and allow it to stand for a few minutes. Wash it with cold water. Use the same process repeatedly, until you feel completely relieved from the keratosis pilaris.
10. Olive Oil
Olive oil has been known to solve numerous skin problems, particularly keratosis pilaris. Being rich in vitamin E, it decreases the bumpiness and dryness of the skin. Apply adequate amount of olive oil on the affected parts of the body frequently.
- Alternatively, you can also prepare a body scrub using sugar and olive oil. Pour some amount of warm water and stir it well. Apply this prepared scrub on the infected skin and rinse it off after scrubbing.
11. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is high in fatty acids and acts as a moisturizer. Additionally, it also contains anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that pacify the inflammation, which in turn, reduces the redness. You can apply coconut oil in the form of sugar scrub or by mixing it with apple cider vinegar.
- Coconut Oil Sugar ScrubGrab one part of brown sugar and one part of white granulated sugar. Mix them with two parts of extra virgin coconut oil. For extra moisturizer, you may add a teaspoon of honey or vanilla extract. Now, apply this scrub onto the area affected by the keratosis pilaris. Rub it softly for a few minutes. Wash it with water and repeat the same process for a regular interval of time.
- Coconut Oil with Apple Cider VinegarTake both coconut oil and apple cider vinegar in equal amounts. Mix them together and then place in a mixing jar. Blend some honey or any other emulsifier. Apply it on the keratosis pilaris and allow it to stand for a few minutes. Use it often.
12. Apple Cider Vinegar
Owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, apple cider vinegar (ACV) is very useful in preventing all kinds of infections. In a small bowl, take adequate amount of organic, raw apple cider vinegar. With the help of a cotton ball, apply it on the problematic area.
- Or else, add 1-2 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in your bath tub and take a bath with this water. Repeat till the symptoms alleviate.
- ACV with Sugar and Coconut OilCombine ½ cup of grapeseed oil or coconut oil and ½ cup of sugar. Mix it thoroughly, apply and rub softly for a couple of minutes. Subsequently, wash it off.
13. Lactic Acid or Urea
Apply products that are rich in urea (such as Eucerin, Nutraplus) or lactic acid (such as Lac-hydrin, AmLactin) two times in a day. These products will eliminate extra keratin from your skin.
Sunlight can either recover or worsen the situation. If you are suffering from actinic keratosis, then make sure you don’t expose yourself to excessive sunrays. Nevertheless, sunlight has always been essential for health, therefore, first allow gentle sunlight to fall on any other part of the body, and if you feel that it is not causing any harm, then expose yourself to sunlight more often.
Beta-carotene is very helpful in preventing the excess production of keratin. Consume 2 to 3 carrots on a daily basis. Alternatively, drink a glass of carrot juice two times a day. Carrots, being well-off in beta-carotene, remove the production of keratin in the body.
16. Ammonium Lactate Lotion
It has been believed by a lot of people that lotions made from ammonium lactate works wonders for keratosis pilaris. Being inexpensive, these lotions are easily available and extremely useful in treating various skin problems.
Herbal Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris
17. Witch Hazel
Witch hazel is known for curing several skin problems, including keratosis pilaris. Due to its cooling properties, it is very useful, especially for bumps caused due to hair removal or dry skin. Apply it on the affected skin area, or else, mix it with a thick moisturizer to speed up the healing process.
18. Milkweed (Euphorbia peplus)
Slash a small stem of euphorbia peplus plant. You will see a drop of milky-colored juice on the broken stem after a few seconds. Apply the sap onto the affected area. Use it two times a day.
19. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is useful in clearing all the bumps that are caused as a result of the skin diseases. Simply massage some oil on the lesion. This will provide the needed moisturizer as well as cure the ailment. You can also use this oil by mixing it with any of your favorite lotions.
20. Herbal Moisturizers
In order to avoid keratosis pilaris, it is essential to keep the skin moisturized. Use oils such as green tea oil, lemon oil, cocoa butter, and camellia oil.
- Improve your digestion. Weak digestion system leads to poor immune system, several skin conditions and allergies.
- Eat foods that are rich in vitamin C and vitamin E every day. You may also take the supplements of these vitamins.
- If you are living in a dry, cool area, keep your skin moisturized every time. Use a moisturizing lotion or lubricating cream.
- After having shower, make sure you pat your skin softly with a towel in such a way that a little bit of moisture is left on your skin.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Use a wash cloth or loofah to exfoliate the skin.
- Abstain from eating junk food.
- Avoid dry, cold weather. Humidity and low temperatures dry out your skin, making it rough.
- Refrain from taking extremely hot showers or baths as they can make the skin dry.
- Do not scrub or remove plugs from your skin, as it may worsen the condition.
- Don’t use lotions and soaps containing sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial mineral oil, fragrance, dimethicone and parabens.
- Avoid utilizing tap water, as it contains chlorine, lead and nitrates. Drink only distilled pure water.