Not everyone is familiar with the chicken skin problem—except those who suffer from it. Keratosis pilaris is when excess keratin (protein from the top most layer of the skin) accumulates and plugs the hair follicle.
The result is an array of reddish bumps that look like tiny pimples that may require aesthetic treatments by a dermatologist. Keratosis pilaris can occur any time after the age of 10 and worsen around puberty.
The areas that are most likely to develop keratosis pilaris include the back of thighs and the arms. Many people also see them on their backs as well.
There is a certain group of people that is more prone to develop this skin condition, and these include: pregnant women, people with eczematous or dry skin, and overweight people. This condition can also occur due to natural overproduction of keratin due to genetic trait.
What to do about this condition?
Because this condition occurs due to clogging of follicles, exfoliation of skin is a good method to get rid of the excess keratin. Such people also have a tendency to have dry and dehydrated skin, and thus moisturizing the skin is also beneficial.
Prescription medication for keratosis pilaris includes anti-inflammatory agents that help soothe inflamed skin. However, there are many natural ingredients as well that can exfoliate the dead skin, provide moisture to it and get rid of excess keratin.
Home remedy for keratosis pilaris:
Nature is full of ingredients that are beneficial for the skin. Here is a recipe for treating keratosis pilaris, that gets rids of excess keratin on the skin and also moisturizes it adequately.
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/8 teaspoon citric acid: citric acid will balance the pH that baking soda makes alkaline. Non-GMO citric acid is better for the recipe.
- 1 tablespoon Himalayan sea salt: this salt is a bit granular and helps exfoliate the skin thoroughly without irritating it. The gentle exfoliation it provides is balanced by the nourishing minerals that this sea salt contains.
- 1 teaspoon turmeric acid: turmeric is a great anti-inflammatory agent in both oral and topical forms. It also aids in exfoliation—which is the mainstay of the treatment.
- 3 tablespoon unrefined coconut oil: not only does this act as a binder for the recipe, it also is a key ingredient. Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which breaks down the excess keratin and prevents it from accumulating it in the pores.
- 1 tablespoon carrier oil like sweet almond oil: carrier oils help essential oils function better and absorb into the skin.
- 10 drops lavender essential oil: it decreases inflammation and soothes the skin.
Combine these ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Store this in a jar and preserve.
This recipe can be applied daily or a few times per week for best results. Apply this cream on the affected area, rub thoroughly and then rinse. If you continue to get breakout with coconut oil, then follow the cream with a gentle soap. Or add olive oil instead of coconut oil in the recipe.
If you do not find relief from keratosis pilaris with this home remedy then consult a professional to find the right combination of topical therapy for you.
Book an appointment with top dermatologist in Faisalabad, Karachi and Islamabad through oladoc.com, or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 for assistance to find the RIGHT professional for your concerns.
