Keratosis Pilaris: Why it happens and its DIY Home Remedies

Keratosis Pilaris: Why it happens and its DIY Home Remedies

Keratosis pilaris or Chicken Skin is a skin condition that causes rough patches and small, acne-like bumps on the skin. It is caused due to genetic disorder of keratinization of hair follicles. It is mostly seen on the outer sides of the upper arms, thighs, face, back, and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris is normally associated with many other conditions, including atopic dermatitis, ichthyosis vulgaris, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and malnutrition. In this article, we have given simple DIY home remedies to cure this problem at home.

What causes Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic disorder whereby the hair follicles are clogged and raised into skin bumps often red and swollen. The name is derived from keratin where Keratin is a tough, fibrous protein found in fingernails, hair, and skin. The body may produce extra keratin as a result of inflammation, as a protective response to pressure, or as a result of a genetic condition.

Keratosis Pilaris treatments using DIY Home Remedies

These are a few home remedies that help in healing the problem of keratosis pilaris.

Carom Seeds Remedy

• Take 3 tsp of carom seeds and crush them properly.
• Take an equal amount of jaggery.
• Mix both of them together.
• Make little balls of the mixture (in a size of a grape)
• Every morning, take one ball with fresh water.
• Within one week all the skin bumps will go away.

The infected person should not bathe harshly. It will result in the further spread of itching, redness, and swellings on the skin.

Mint Remedy

• Take some amount of mint leaves.
• Mix it in water (During winters you can boil it)
• After straining this water add 1 tsp of sugar.
• Consume it daily in the morning and evening.
• The occurrence of keratosis pilaris will stop.

Precaution(s)

There are certain ways to prevent yourself from Keratosis Pilaris such as:

• Intake of a healthy diet: Consuming vitamin-rich food along with dairy products reduces the deficiency of keratin. These are Eggs, 
• Avoid shaving or waxing: As it may lead to further spread or redness.
• Avoid coconut oil as it may clog the pores and make the situation worse.
• Avoid use of Vaseline: Using petroleum jelly with water, cold cream, urea cream, or salicylic acid (removes the top layer of skin) to flatten the bumps. 
• Avoid use of Apple Cider Vinegar: It is also an astringent and exfoliating agent. Therefore, it unclogs the pores and shrinks them which prevents keratin build-up in the hair follicle.
• Don’t avoid sunbath: During the winter try to sit in the sun while in summers take sunbath in the early morning (with SPF)
• Use medicated creams: That contains urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxyl acid, salicylic acid (This helps in loosening up the dead cells)
• Take warm baths: It will help in unclogging pores and smoothing the skin.
• Exfoliations: Do daily exfoliation to improve the appearance of the skin.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes: To let your skin get enough oxygen

Medical Treatment

The medical treatment for keratosis pilaris takes time to clear the skin. Normally the treatment continues for about 4 to 6 weeks where the actinic keratoses are removed by freezing them in liquid nitrogen. This is done through the application of a substance. This substance causes blistering and peeling off and when this old dead skin sloughs off. The new fresh and healthy skin starts appearing. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment for Keratosis Pilaris.

FAQs

Q. What is the best keratosis pilaris treatment?

We have provided two of the most effective DIY natural remedies as mentioned in the above article. By doing those home treatments for a continuous period of time you will definitely get relief from itchiness and skin bumps. 

Q. How to manage keratosis pilaris on the face?

As facial skin is the most delicate area of the body therefore it must be handled with utmost care. Here are a few steps to treat keratosis pilaris on the face:

• Exfoliation: By exfoliation, the dead skin cells get removed from the surface. Avoid harsh scrubbing. 
• Chemical Exfoliator: Apply a skin care product (keratolytic) to remove excess dead cells. Do not overuse it as it may result in dry and irritated skin.
• Moisturize: Apply an oil-free cream to prevent clogging of the pores.

Q. How is Keratosis pilaris different from Urticaria?

Keratosis Pilaris occurs due to the genetic conditions of skin hair follicles whereas Urticaria are red, itchy welts that are caused by a skin reaction. These welts vary in size and appear and fade repeatedly throughout time. 

Q. Which vitamin deficiency is responsible for the cause of Keratosis Pilaris?

Vitamin C plays an important role in the production of collagen (the protein responsible for skin) and is used to repair the damage on the skin. When Vitamin C is low in the body it can result in Keratosis Pilaris. 

Q. What will happen if you pop the keratosis pilaris?

One should avoid picking, scratching, or popping the keratosis pilaris because it will result in irritation. In some cases, the area of your affected skin may become darker (hyperpigmentation) or lighter (hypopigmentation) than the surrounding skin. 

Q. Can you get a tattoo over keratosis pilaris?

Yes, one can get a tattoo over the keratosis pilaris skin but must consider the condition of the scars. If the scars are fresh and contain a pus-like structure, then it is highly dangerous as it may further lead to infection.  

Q. How does sugaring help with keratosis pilaris?

If you have Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin), you may need to free your hair for sugaring. You can use a fibre brush or hair extraction tool to free your hair from the dead follicles. 

Q. Does retinol help keratosis pilaris?

Yes! Retinol not only has the ability to minimize the scars but when it is used properly (gently), It is an easy way to exfoliate keratosis pilaris problem areas. As it encourages cell turnover that helps to unclog those hair follicles. 

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