Keratosis Pilaris or simply identified as “Chicken skin” is a chronic, genetic skin disorder that affects various people. It is described as scattered patches of small rough bumps on the skin generally in the arms, thighs and buttocks and sometimes in the face. It can as well be inflamed and red in color and can be mistaken for acne. It affects half of the whole world’s population but is more common in children and adolescents. Only 40 percent of adults have this skin situation while 50 to 80 percent of children are affected. As well, women are more likely to develop Keratosis Pilaris than men.
Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris
The most notable symptom of keratosis pilaris is its appearance. The noticeable bumps appearing on the skin resemble that of goosebumps or the skin of a plucked chicken. In excess, it can extend to the forearms and lower legs.
Other Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris with it include:
- Dry skin
- Slight pinkness or redness around bumps
- Itchy, irritable skin
- Bumps that can appear in different colors depending on skin tone (flesh-colored, white, red, pink, brown, or black)
- Sandpaper-like feeling of bumps
Causes of Keratosis Pilaris
Researchers still don’t completely understand the Causes of Keratosis Pilaris. But, they believe that the buildup of keratin forms plugs in the openings of hair follicles. Keratin is a fibrous structural protein found in your hair, nails and epithelial cells that make up the outermost layer of your skin.
Different people say keratosis pilaris is a hereditary thing, but we know from epigenetics that just because you have a gene for something, environment and the decisions you make about food and way of life can affect whether or not that gene expresses. So, to heal your skin or suppress the gene that will cause chicken skin to appear you need to work from the inside out by choosing the right foods and getting rid of what is not helping you.
Keratosis Pilaris Herbal Treatment
Keratosis pilaris is normally considered a cosmetic problem somewhat than a serious skin disorder requires medical intervention. But the roughness of the skin and its chicken skin-like look can be annoying. Worrying about it doesn’t help, but it doesn’t go away if you ignore it either. There are several home remedies and Keratosis Pilaris Herbal Treatment you can use to decrease this problem, if not cure it.
Oatmeal Bath for Keratosis Pilaris
Oatmeal is a gentle, skin-friendly scrub to smoothen out the bumps. Simply combine with water or milk and apply on the affected areas. Rub it on with a round motion for a few minutes and then wash off. This can be a messy affair, but it leaves your skin silky soft.
- Include a handful of powdered oats to lukewarm bath water.
- Bathe in the water for 15 minutes.
- Repeat 3 times in a week for best results.
Yogurt for Keratosis Pilaris
The attendance of lactic acid in yogurt decreases the dryness of the skin and provides respite from the excess deposition of keratin.
- Take three to four tablespoon of yogurt.
- Apply it on the affected areas.
- Let it dry for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Wash it off carefully using a gentle soap.
- Vitamin A
Vitamin A and its derivative retinol have confirmed skin benefits, particularly in the treatment of acne. They can help remedy keratosis pilaris too, by regulating keratin production and preventing the follicles from getting plugged with dead cells. Vitamin A can decrease inflammation in case of keratosis pilaris rubra face.
- Take one to two capsules of vitamin A.
- Take the content of the capsules and rub on the affected region using fingertips.
- Let it stay for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly.
Coconut Oil for Keratosis Pilaris
Coconut oil has anti-inflammatory properties that make it perfect for sensitive skin. It gets almost entirely absorbed into the skin, so rinsing with plain water to take away the sugar crystals should be enough.
- Take two tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Combine it with two tablespoons of brown or granulated sugar.
- Apply the paste on the skin and massage in round motion.
- Follow this remedy before or after taking bath.
- Wash off and wash with water.
Olive Oil for Keratosis Pilaris
Olive oil has been known to solve various skin problems, mostly keratosis pilaris. Being rich in vitamin E, it reduces the bumpiness and dryness of the skin.
- Take two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Combine it with three tablespoons of table salt.
- Rub this mix on the skin. Massage it for a few minutes.
- Wash it thoroughly with soap.
Related Article: Olive Oil – The Health Benefits