Friday, July 9, 2010

Pointless Red Bumps on Arms/Legs? Keratosis Pilaris and what to do about it

Just in time for summer.  According to Wikipedia, about 40% of you know all too well what I'm talking about.  Those red bumps on your arms and maybe legs (barring other skin conditions or allergies) are probably the effect of keratosis pilaris.  This pointless skin condition is caused by the overproduction of keratin, which ends up plugging hair follicles, which form hard/red bumps on your skin.  If this sounds like you, worry not, it's treatable.  Many of you can clear it right up by simply changing the way you shower.  I put minimal effort into mine and it is usually barely noticeable.

To my knowledge, there is no cure for keratosis pilaris.  This is not terrible because it's purely cosmetic and few people get even so much as an itch out of it.  But why let it run rampant?  Get it cleared up and enjoy your awesome new skin.  The first thing to do about it is exfoliate while in the shower.  You should be doing this anyway, but...  An abrasive cloth, loofah, or bath mitt does wonders.  I use one of these because they are cheap and last seemingly forever, while loofahs and abrasive sponges tend to fall apart on me.  It was less than $5 and I've been using it for months.  Heavy use of things like shea butter or other rich creams, butters, or oils may help.  The use of supplements like fish oil may also clear it up for you.  Stop treating it and it will start to come back.

For more information on this subject, a support forum is conveniently located for you here.

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