There is no cure for Keratosis Pilaris, but there are treatments. Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic skin disorder that affects 50% of the world population. It manifests itself in small red bumps most commonly found on the backs of the arms, thighs, buttocks and less commonly on the face cheeks. "KP" is a result of the aflicted person's skin's inability to shed dead skin cells. These skin cells adhere to hair follicles and result in pimple-like bumps. They aren't harmful, painful or itchy, but they are very annoying and can cause the afflicted person to be self conscious. The symptoms are generally worse in the winter as dry skin amplifies the effects of the disorder.


Steps

1. Seek the advice of a medical professional before trying any treatment. Only a professional physician can diagnose you with Keratosis Pilaris.
2. Try a lotion or cream containing Lactic acid, such as AmLactin cream. It's an over-the-counter cream and costs around $20-$25 depending on location and deductible costs.
3. Before you shower put some petroleum jelly (or Vaseline;they're the same thing) on the affected area. The steam of the shower will hydrate your skin while the vaseline protects.
4. Use an exfoliator (i.e. loofa, buff-puff, exfoliating gloves) and scrub the affected area in circular motion while showering.I have also found that if the bump are on your arms, you may skip this step entirely, but it depends on you.
5. After exfoliating, clean with a moisture rich non-comedogenic body wash.
6. Apply lotion to the area after you get out of the shower. The best lotions to use are lotions designed to treat acne that contain a small amount of salicylic acid (around 2%). Neutrogena and Aveeno carry such lotions. Apply the lotion twice a day. Also, try really thick lotion like bath and body works lay it on thick lotion.
7. Try soaking in an Aveeno oatmeal bath or sauna once or twice a week to soften and moisturize the skin.
8. Try adding a humidifier to your room if you live in a particularly dry area,
9. Although it is not recommended by doctors, a small amount of exposure in a tanning bed has been helpful to many sufferers. One only needs to be in the bed for 5 minutes or so to get the effects (and of course, burning is strongly discouraged).
10. Put lotion on as often as possible.

Tips

• Keratosis Pilaris frequently fades with age, if the sufferer is a child or adolescent.
• Keratosis Pilaris may also be caused by Lactose which comes from milk, so you might want to cut back on the milk or cut it out of your diet.

Warnings

• Do not pick! Do not scratch or rub dry!. This will lead to scarring, possible infection and increased redness.
• Tanning beds should be used sparingly and only to your comfort level. Sunburns incurred by tanning beds are just as damaging as sunburns caused by natural sunlight.