Keratosis pilaris is a genetic disorder and skin condition that commonly occurs in both children and adults. It is caused by the keratinization of the hair follicle, which will create small, red bumps on the surface of the skin. Many people refer to this as chicken skin or goose bumps, and it affects up to 40% of the population. These bumps will normally be found on the upper arms and thighs, and they can often be located on the torso and cheeks. Most often, keratosis pilaris is associated with dry skin, and it can be further exacerbated by allergies and asthma.
Keratosis pilaris is actually more common in children than adults at 50% to 80%. Many people who have KP are not aware of the medical term for this condition because it does not pose any health risk, and the bumps are frequently confused with acne. Unfortunately, this skin condition has no cure, but there is treatment available to manage the bumps on the skin.
Keratosis pilaris is a condition that is normally detected within childhood, and it may become worse during puberty.
The good news for any children that may have keratosis pilaris is that it will improve with age, and many sufferers of this skin disorder will frequently outgrow it. 30% to 50% of the patients that have keratosis pilaris have a history of it in their family because it is a genetic condition.
Furthermore, KP can often become worse or better, depending upon the changes in the seasons. In the winter weather, there is less moisture in the air, so the skin tends to become drier and flakier to make the symptoms of this condition worse. In the summer months, it is often warmer and more humid, so the areas of the body that have keratosis pilaris will likely remedy themselves for a temporary period of time.
The truth of the matter is that the best way to treat this skin condition is with proven at-home remedies. This is much more preferable to using harsh over-the-counter products that often contain chemical ingredients. This is especially true for children who have KP because their bodies are still developing and chemical ingredients may be too aggressive for their sensitive skin. If your child is suffering from keratosis pilaris, the best way to treat this issue is with at-home ingredients that will gently exfoliate and moisturize the tender and swollen skin in this area. This is especially the case if keratosis pilaris becomes worse during puberty since a natural at-home remedy will give you the opportunity to quickly alleviate this skin condition.
Using at home remedies for KP is much better than spending money on products prescribed by a dermatologist that may or may not work. This is also the opportunity to benefit the skin from head to toe through natural remedies that can be created at home to nourish and treat the harmful effects that this disorder may cause in the skin.