Keratosis pilaris is a commonly occurring follicular skin ailment, characterized by the appearance of dry skin and/or irritated or inflamed papules. These bumps on the skin give it its nickname of 'chicken skin' or 'goose bumps.'

An excess of keratin, plugging the hair follicles, causes the papules. Unfortunately, it is not known what causes the excess production of keratin. Keratosis pilaris has a genetic component and dry skin might also contribute to its appearance.

Keratosis pilaris can appear in a number of ways. Keratosis pilaris rubra describes the manifestation of red, inflamed bumps. Keratosis pilaris alba refers to rough, dry skin with bumps and no irritation; they are not painful. Warty or scaly papules are categorized as keratosis follicularis.

Keratosis Pilaris Treatments

A doctor might prescribe topical immunomodulators, corticosteroids, retinoids or urea as a keratosis pilaris remedy. Prescription strength corticosteroids can be used on affected skin if over the counter solutions are ineffective. A thin layer of corticosteroid cream or ointment should be applied two to four times daily to the affected area. Just as with any hydrocortisone ointment, extra precaution should be taken in its use as excessive application can lead to the inhibition of collagen production and lead to thinning or weakening of the skin. Corticosteroids can cause lightening of the skin on your face. Some of these keratosis pilaris cream treatments can also discolor both skin and clothes.

Urea treatments might be prescribed to treat rough and dry skin. However, consider that urea is created to remove nitrogen waste from the body before pursuing this type of treatment.

Topical retinoids can also be prescribed as a solution to keratosis pilaris. Topical retinoids speed up the rate at which follicular epithelial cells are replaced. Apply a thin layer to affected skin at bedtime. Make sure not to put it on more than 20% of your body as adverse side effects include extreme redness, dryness and peeling. You can find lower concentrations of topical retinoids or as an emollient cream to reduce the degree of these adverse effects. To assist your body in becoming accustomed to the strength of the treatment, apply initially every other day and work up to daily. Additional side effects include burning and pruritus, but these typically disappear within a few weeks. As retinoids are teratogenic, women planning on becoming or who already are pregnant should not use this form of treatment. Also, avoid making contact with the eyes and mouth and stay out of the sun.

Topical immunomodulators can also be used as a last resort. Immunomodulators used in keratosis pilaris therapy act to inhibit T cells, which result in minimizing inflammation. Application is usually instructed as twice daily. If your remedy consists of an immunomodulator and moisturizer, remember to apply the moisturizer afterwards. Protect yourself against sunlight and UV rays when you leave; don't go outside uncovered. Initial side effects include skin irritation due to a warming or burning sensation; these effects typically subside before the end of the first week of treatment.

A plus with immunomodulators is that it can be used by young children, even as young as 2 years old. They also do not weaken or thin the skin like corticosteroids. Although not fully research, until instructed safe, pregnant women and those with immune deficiencies should avoid this type of treatment.

Keratosis Pilaris Natural Treatment

There are a number of natural treatments to fight keratosis skin. Improve your skin by ridding and keeping your body free of toxins; try a cleansing or detox program followed by a change in diet. Make sure you are consuming enough essential fatty acids and vitamin E to ensure your body's ability to shed toxin-filled skin.

In conjunction with these healthy changes, find an all-natural keratosis pilaris lotion. Salix Nigra (Willow) Extract and/or Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder are good natural alternatives to look for in a natural keratosis pilaris remedy. These ingredients work to naturally dissolve keratin, thereby eliminating the hard keratin plugs that cause the formation of papules.

These ingredients are safe for treating keratosis pilaris in children as they do not contain the harsh chemicals used in prescription treatments.