Skin in arms with dark spots/pimples from keratosis pilaris, please help?

I have several areas in the back of my arms that have dark acne like pimples from me picking the area due to keratosis pilaris.


The same problem is in other parts of my body and is getting annoying and embarashing. I avoid to wear a bathing suit and I dont wear sleeveless shirts anymore. I tried several creams and lotions with no results. I even went to a skin center that advertised phototherapy and after about 12 treatments I stopped since I didn't see any progress.


I am not sure if there is anything else out there for me to try.Any lotions/creams/treatments anything that you tried for your skin problems and worked. Any suggestion is appreciated.


Thank you in advance

Skin in arms with dark spots/pimples from keratosis pilaris, please help?
Hi,


I am a doCtor..


Hope this will help..





Keratosis pilaris is so stunnorn at times and just refuses to go off with treatment, but there are these options..





No single treatment universally improves keratosis pilaris. But most options, including self-care measures and medicated creams, focus on softening the keratin deposits in the skin.





Prescription medications used to treat keratosis pilaris include:


Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin). Available in a cream or lotion, 12 percent ammonium lactate reduces roughness and softens the keratin plugs. It won't, however, lessen the redness caused by the condition.


Urea (Carmol, Keralac). Urea moisturizes and softens dry, rough skin. It also helps loosen and remove the dead skin cells. Side effects include redness, stinging and skin irritations.


Topical corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatory drugs help decrease cell turnover by suppressing the immune system. Low-potency corticosteroid ointments are usually recommended for sensitive areas such as your face and for treating widespread patches. Doctors usually prescribe corticosteroids for short-term treatment or for temporary relief of symptoms. They aren't used as long-term treatments because of potential side effects.


Topical retinoids. Derived from vitamin A, retinoids work by promoting cell turnover and preventing the plugging of the hair follicle. Retinoids may be an effective treatment, but they can cause bothersome skin irritations, such as severe dryness, redness and peeling. Tretinoin (Retin-A Micro, Avita) and tazarotene (Tazorac) are examples of topical retinoids.





Using a medication regularly may improve the appearance of your skin. But if you stop, the condition returns. And even with medical treatment, keratosis pilaris tends to persist for years.





Although self-help measures won't cure keratosis pilaris, they may help improve the appearance of your skin. You may find these measures beneficial:





Be gentle when washing your skin. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of the plugs may only irritate your skin and aggravate the condition.





After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.





Apply the moisturizing lotion or lubricating cream while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol, chemicals that soften dry, rough skin.


Apply an over-the-counter product that contains lactic acid twice daily. Lactic acid helps remove extra keratin from the surface of the skin.


Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home. Low humidity dries out your skin.
Reply:I have the same problem. I found that Tree Hut's Shea Body Butter with Brazilian Nut is the only thing that works for smoothing and lessening those bumps. Use it right after you take a shower and your skin will be soft for the whole day or more. It doesn't dry out in a few hours like other lotions. You can find it at Wal-Mart by the facial cleansers and bath stuff. I don't know if it will help with the scarring that you already have, but it may help prevent future damage.