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?
I have had some good success with Murad's Acne Spot and Pigment lightening gel. Here's the link to it (it's a really long link):





http://www.murad.com/ibeCCtpItmDspRte.js...





Something else you might try are some of the creams targeted toward pregnant women or women who have just had children--they help reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars and they may work for you as well. One product line is named Mustela. (www.mustela.com). If these work on stretch marks and other forms of scarring, I think they might work for you as well.





I think the most important thing is that you stop picking at the area--I know it's really hard not to, but if you haven't already stopped, no treatment will have very good success. :(.





The Murad gel worked on some surgical scars I had as well as some old acne spots on my shoulders. I hope this might help with your problem as well.





I don't want to see you feeling like you can't go out and do things because of your scars, though--just remember that the only important opinions are yours and those of people who love you. :) The people who love you will also not care about your scars, so please don't quit going to the pool and having a good time during warm weather because of this. We all have things we are embarrassed about, but don't let them rule your life! :) People just tend to stare at what they don't understand, but they don't mean to hurt your feelings--they're just curious.





I hope these treatments work for you, or that you find another one that will--but the most important thing is to live your life to the fullest. I say just walk in smiling like you own the place, and then people will notice your confidence--not your skin. :)





I hope this helps--best of luck to you!
Reply:I have it as well but not as bad, and I can't find anything out either... please let me know if you figure something out.
Reply:Retin A used regulary for at least 2-3 months usually works. There are many strengths and you may need to try more than one formula to find which one works best.
Reply:well, just look on the other side it could be worst at least you're not the only one i have the same problems during winter and summer. It's ok nobodys perfect.
Reply:In keratosis pilaris, horny plugs fill the openings of hair follicles. Multiple small, pointed papules appear on the lateral aspects of the upper arms and on the thighs and buttocks.


Keratosis pilaris occurs most commonly during childhood and produces small, rough spots (papules) that are typically skin-colored. They may also occur elsewhere on the body. Dry skin (especially during winter months) makes the condition worse. Keratosis pilaris tends to be inherited and may be associated with atopic dermatitis.


Keratosis pilaris rubra faceii is characterized by redness (erythema) and the presence of rough bumps (follicular spines) which may begin at birth, or during childhood or adolescence.


There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris; however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent.


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.


Consult a dermatologist.


Please see the web pages for more details on Keratosis pilaris.