- Published on Monday, July 22 2013 09:41
It stands for (Ker-uh-TOE-sis-pi-Lairis.) KP,also follicular keratosis, lichen pilaris or chicken skin is a common, condition that has the appearance of rough, red, bumps on the skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the arm though the forearm can also be affected, and can also occur on the thighs, hands, tops of legs, sides, buttocks, or any body part except the palms or soles of feet. Sometimes the lesions will appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne. If you don’t have this condition, odds are that you know somebody who does.
Keratosis pilaris affects roughly 50% of the world’s population. KP is more common in children and adolescents; 50 to 80% of children have KP. Adults, don’t feel neglected KP affects 4 out of every 10 adults too. Women are also slightly more prone to developing keratosis pilaris. Most people with KP are unaware that not only there is a designated medical term for the condition, but that there are treatments that can help. (Tip #1: Your doctor or nurse can usually diagnose this condition by just looking at your skin. Tests are usually not needed.)
When speaking to Dr. Resnik, he informed me that Keratosis pilaris is hered
itary, inherited as an autosomal dominant gene. All it takes is a single gene from either parent to find yourself with less than perfectly smooth skin. But not everyone can point a finger at who’s to blame since only 30 to 50% of KP patients have a positive family history.
KP may not be very pretty to look at, but it is medically harmless. It’s caused because excess skin cells build up around individual hair follicles. Sometimes, a hair is unable to reach the skin surface and becomes trapped underneath. Inflammation within each hair follicle can cause pinpoint red or brown polka dots to form beneath each miniature mound of keratin.
Since keratosis pilaris is genetically predetermined, it may not be curable but can be controllable.
Treatment is all about smoothing away the bumps. Therapy can eliminate the bumps, improve the texture and improve the overall appearance. Chemical exfoliation does not need to be irritable, cause redness or discomfort.
Glycolic Acid Cleanser: Here at Resnik Skin Institute Dr. Resnik suggests you use Our 10% Moisturizing Glycolic Cleanser. This cleanser is a rich, soap-free formulation utilizing glycolic acid to gently exfoliate, cleanse and smooth the skin. This gentle formula contains a blend of antioxidants including, Liposomal, Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea extract in combination with Co-Q10.
Urea Spray: After cleansing the area you are to spray Our Urea Moisturizing Spray. This is one of those special little known ingredients used by Dr. Resnik to dramatically soften the roughest of skin concerns. It is an awesome additive in improving the appearance of KP, by softening and dissolving dry thickened skin helping to restore lost moisture beneath the skin surface.
Body Lotions: Resnik Skin Institute also suggests following up with our body lotion 15% Glycolic Body Lotion, which is quickly absorbed. Containing vitamins A, C, and E help condition and moisturize the skin. Other skin creams containing urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, tretinoin, or vitamin D are also excellent for use after your shower. (Home Remedy Tip: Coconut Oil…who would have thought that what is delicious in curries also works in the shower.) Try exfoliating first with your Glyco 10% cleanser and finishing with “virgin” coconut oil. Coconut oil does what’s necessary: it soothes inflammation, reduces redness, moisturizes, and sanitizes. Most of this is attributable to the lauric acid in the oil. Its unique fatty acids are easily absorbed for deep moisture, and it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties. It absorbs fast into the skin in a silky way, leaving you soft, moisturized, and smelling downright delicious.
Scrubs, Rubs and Peels: It’s true that scrubbing at dry, bumpy skin can make it a tad smoother. But it doesn’t entirely smooth KP away. Nor does it erase the little pink polka dots. But try incorporating a series of microdermabrasions or scheduling a series of chemical peels with me and I can certainly jumpstart your way to smoothness, especially as we get nearer to sleeveless weather. Maintenance is the best way to maintain silky smooth skin.
If you have questions on this blog or any other previous blog on our website please contact me at Lina@drresnik.com
Until next month,
Lina, your Beauty and Skincare Guru