Scrubbing keratosis pilaris???

many people who have had successes with kp have said that they scrub theirs hard in the shower before applying creme afterwards but i find that it irritates mine and brings it up really red and then because of this i tend not to do it!


should i persist??

Scrubbing keratosis pilaris???
Please see the web ages for more details on Keratosis pilaris. Consult a dermatologist.
Reply:I don't scrub really hard - but I do use a washcloth to "sloth off" the dead skin and keep my skin in better shape.
Reply:NO! after reading the following I would suggest you stop!! If it is on your face it is delicate compared to other areas of your body. Scrubbing persistently on any area will cause irritations and scarring. Your face and eye area especially are very delicate. The information below says milk baths would help because of lactic acid in the milk. What I suggest you do then is get a roll of cotton wool. Tear off a piece big enough to cover you face. Tear a hole where you eyes go, mouth goes and nostrils are. Either spray it with milk, or soak it with milk. Warm it if it is a cold day. Lay it on your face as you go for a soak in the bath. Try and experiment with foods high in lactic acid....such as.....cream cheese (Phillidelphia)......clotted cream......and yoghurts to see if any or all of them help. You could spread them on, wrap in cling film (Ceran wrap/Glad wrap) and let it do it's job before washing it off in a bath. But PLEASE stop scrubbing unless you have been told to do so by a qualified DERMATOLOGIST!!!!








There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris, however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent. The condition often improves with age and can even disappear completely in adulthood, though some will show signs of keratosis pilaris for life. Treatments are largely symptomatic and must be repeated. Regardless, exfoliation, intensive moisturizing cremes, lac-hydrin, Retin A and medicated lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids or urea may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin. Milk baths may provide some cosmetic improvement due to the lactic acid — a natural alpha hydroxy acid in milk. Sunlight may also be helpful but increases risk of skin cancer. Small amounts of vitamin A can be used orally but only with exteme caution due to potential for liver damage. Check with a Dermatologist or Family Doctor before taking extra vitamin A due to the vitamins' potential toxic effects.





Scratching and picking at KP bumps causes them to redden (if they do not already appear red), and in many cases will cause bleeding. Excessive picking can lead to scarring. Wearing clothing that is looser around the affected areas can also help reduce the marks, as constant chafing from clothing (such as tight fitting jeans) is similar to repeatedly scratching the bumps.





Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. Instead, the hair grows inside the follicle, often encapsulated, and can be removed, much like an ingrown hair, though can lead to scarring.





Food allergies may also exacerbate the condition, causing hyper-keratosis pilaris, gluten being a common culprit (source: physician's (MD) oral presentation).





A list of foods containing lactose:





Lactose-Containing Foods





(Product+Serving Size+ Lactose in grams)





Sweetened condensed Milk (undiluted) 1 cup = 30


Evaporated milk (undiluted)1 cup =24


Yogurt (low fat milk) 1 cup =15


Low fat or non fat milk 1 cup =12


Whole milk 1 cup =11


Yogurt (whole milk) 1 cup =11


Buttermilk 1 cup =10


Ice milk 1/2 cup =9


Ice cream 1/2 cup =6


Whey, sweet dry 1 Tbsp =6


Ricotta cheese 1/2 cup =3-6


Half 'n half cream 2 Tbsp =1.25


Light cream 2 Tbsp =1


Whipping cream 2 Tbsp =.75


Cottage cheese 1/2 cup =3


Orange sherbet 1/2 cup =2


American cheese 1 oz =2


Blue cheese 1 oz =1


Mozzarella cheese 1 oz =0.8


Cream cheese 2 Tbsp =0.8


Whey, sweet liquid 1 Tbsp =0.8


Swiss cheese 1 oz =0.5


Cheddar cheese 1 oz =0.5


Butter 2 pats =0.1

sage