The cause is not known, although heredity probably plays a role. Also, people with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have keratosis pilaris.

The plugs or bumps that occur in keratosis pilaris make the skin feel rough (like chicken skin) and dry. Sometimes the plugs resemble small pimples. Generally, these plugs do not itch or hurt and cause only cosmetic problems. The upper arms, thighs, and buttocks are most commonly affected. The face may break out as well, particularly in children. Plugs are more likely to develop in cold weather and to clear up in the summer.
If associated with eczema, keratosis pilaris may improve with treatment of the underlying eczema.

Treatment of Keratosis Pilaris (KP):

Treatment is not needed unless the person is bothered by the appearance of the disorder, which if it occurs on the face may well be the case. Following a complete, daily, natural skin care regime is the main treatment.

Moisturisers that contain salicylic acid, such as Wildcrafted's Papaya Day Creme, should be part of your skin care regime. Keratosis pilaris is likely to come back when treatment is stopped.

If KP is associated with eczema, follow the same skin care regime to treat the eczema and keratosis pilaris at the same time.

 

Skin Care Regime For Keratosis Pilaris:

Keratosis pilaris tends to occur where the skin type is dry, thus following the regime outlined below should improve the condition if followed religiously and on an ongoing basis.

 

Step 1:
As explained above, do not wash using soap, as it dries out your skin! – Instead, use an exfoliant, such as the ‘Skin Renewal Gel’ from Wildcrafted Herbal Products, followed by Wildcrafted’s Hydrating Cleanser to keep your skin from drying out unnecessarily.

The Skin Renewal Gel uses finely ground pumice, grains, Yellow Clay, finely ground Oatmeal and Tea Tree Powder to gently remove superficial dead skin cells and surface impurities. The combination of essential oils of Neroli and Chamomile, soothe the skin, leaving it clean, smooth and feeling fresh and invigorated.

The Hydrating Cleanser is formulated for Normal to Dry, Mature and Sensitive skin types. Wildcrafted’s Hydrating Cleanser contains essential oils of Rose, Chamomile and Geranium with Glycerine and oils of Coconut, Almond and Shea Nut Butter to cleanse, soothe and hydrate the skin.

Rose and Chamomile are soothing and calming to the skin, while Geranium tones and improves the general appearance of the skin. The combined actions of glycerine and coconut, palm and almond oils have a hydrating effect on the skin and maintain moisture in the skin, preventing dryness.

This special formulation makes Wildcrafted Hydrating Cleanser perfectly suited for dry, mature and sensitive skin types and should be used before toning and moisturising as part of a daily skin care regime.

 

Step 2:
Apply a toner to prevent loss of moisture from your skin – Many people often neglect this step, yet it is a very important, especially if you have dry skin. Toning lotions, such as Wildcrafted’s ‘Milk of Roses Toner’ provides essential oils and herbal extract that help to close the opened pores and prevents loss of moisture.

Milk of Roses Toner calms, hydrates and tones your skin, without drying or irritating effects, through the actions of Rose, Calendula, Glycerine, Witch hazel and Aloe Vera. Wildcrafted’s Milk of Roses Toner should be used after cleansing and prior to moisturising the skin, to remove any remaining cleanser and prepare the skin for the moisturising phase of your daily skin care regime.

 

Step 3:
Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. – This cannot be stressed strongly enough. Moisturising will not only nourish your skin, but it will help to reduce loss of moisture even further, thus preventing dry skin, as well as repair damaged skin.

Wildcrafted’s Papaya Day Crème, for example is a good illustration of using essential oils and herbal extracts to re-hydrate the depleted skin and nourish it to help protect is from loss of moisture.

Wildcrafted’s Papaya Day Crème is a creamy moisturiser for dry and mature skin types. Papaya fruit and Mango Butter are blended with Vitamin E, Wheat germ, Sesame and Coconut oils to restore and hydrate the skin while essential oils of Frankincense, Patchouli and Neroli soothe and calm dry, sensitive skin. Wildcrafted Papaya Day Crème should be applied daily, after cleansing and toning for best results.

 

Other Important Considerations To Consider When Dealing With Keratosis pilaris:

Diet: Your diet should not contain processed foods, fast foods or foods high in fat and saturated oils. Eat primarily fresh, unprocessed foods rich in variety. Your diet should include: Fish, a wide variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as whole grains and nuts

Water: The intake of adequate amounts of water daily needs to be at least 2-3 litres per day. Coffee and tea, as well as alcohol should be avoided and replaced by fruit juices or just plain water.

Personal care: Do not use commercial soaps, as they are too harsh on your skin and change the skin's normal pH, destroying the protective acid mantel of the skin. Instead, using the Skin Renewal Gel, which acts both as an exfoliant and mild cleanser will leave your skin clean and your skin's acid mantel in tact.

By following the advice provided above, you should be able to positively affect keratosis pilaris, however, if the condition continues, consult your health care professional.

 

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