Treatment for Keratosis Pilaris

Updated on July 24, 2008
P.D. asks from Chalmette, LA
15 answers

Has anyone had success treating children with keratosis pilaris (KP for short)? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

3 moms found this helpful

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M.K.

answers from Tyler on

there is really not a great treatment for this...
My daughter has this and we do use a steroid cream to help a little is called mymyx. Try just using dove soap, aveeno, california baby. Thats what I use for my daughter. also use detergent ALL free and no fabric softeners. we have gone to a derm. and this is what I was told. Also, it has helped my daughter to take showers instead of bath so she is not soaking so much which can trigger it more.

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C.W.

answers from Dallas on

Our son is 2 1/2 and we've gone to a Dermatologist for it. We've seen some improvement, it hasn't totally gone away, however his skin is smoother. We are using the HydroFoam and Eletone and CeraVe Moisturizing Cream and CereVe Cleansing for the bath. We've also used Salex and that helped some also. From what I've noticed is you have to be consistent each day with putting on the foams, and lotions. We haven't always been consistent. I notice the best treatment when we are consistent.

Our son has it on his arms and upper legs.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.O.

answers from Dallas on

I have it on the back of my arms at 44 and had it when I was a kid. It never goes away. It gets better when I keep up the Aquaphor and allergy meds. Worse in the heat and when my skin is dry.

When I was 5 or 6, my mom took me to the doctor and he pricked with a needle 10 or 20 of my little bumps. It was the an awful experience and it didn't get rid of them, so don't buy into that treatment for your child.

Here is more info on it from a someone else who has it.
http://www.epinions.com/content_970694788

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R.W.

answers from Dallas on

Me and My 2 1/2 yr old son have it on our arms and he has it on his thighs. I have been to 3 doctors and each one has a different cream or cleanser that is just too expensive for us! I do agree that it probably would clear up with a diet change overtime...prob would take a while and pretty hard to do that with a toddler. It doesn't seem to bother him and mine never itch...I do put lotions on 3 times a day. Let us know if you find any affordable alternatives!

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S.C.

answers from Dallas on

My two daughters had what I thought was KP, but our doctor told us that most often that it is a lack of fish oils in the diet. They have both started taking omega-3 and the bumps have gotten much better. They are 13 and 16 years old, so I am not real sure how you would get the right dose for a 2 1/2 yr old. But maybe adding fish to the diet would help. I pray that you get an answer that will help.

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R.Y.

answers from Dallas on

There is no treatment but exfoliation and hydration. Typically it goes away but not always. Hydrate immediately after a bath with Eucerin

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S.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have it on the backs of my arms and have been using Eucerin Intensive Body Repair Cream (available anywhere by the regular lotions) and taking Vitamin A & Flaxseed Oil supplements. The cream has worked for me! It's about $6 & worth a try!! Good luck!

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C.W.

answers from Wichita Falls on

Call a clinical nutritionist. I go to one here in Wichita Falls who is awesome! Her name is Dr. Donna Smith and she can be reached at ###-###-#### or by email at ____@____.com (although they are in transition with the computer equipment so if you don't get a response right away, call!). Her website is www.advancedclinicalnutrition.com. I know she can help you... and anyone else out there suffering from this or ANY other ailment! She has clients all across the country so it doesn't matter where you live. She is only one of a very few in this country who has the specialized training in clinical nutrition needed to help the body heal itself. CALL HER!

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

Try Boudreaux's Butt Paste found at Wal-mart.

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L.S.

answers from Dallas on

I've had it all these years too, but despite what that article says, it's not a pain. Yeah, my skin's bumpy -- more so some days than others. I think sun exposure helps a little actually. But really, other than a loofa and some moisturizer -- there's nothing you can really do. I've been to dermatologists over the years and their take is -- you just live with it. Not sure how severe your child's is. My son has it too. Good luck!

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

I have had Keratosis Pilaris since I was a kid - and unfortunately the dermatologist back then didn't really know what it was. I wasn't actually diagnosed until I was almost a teenager. Over the years there have been stages where it is better or worse - the summers tend to be better than other seasons - but it ALWAYS comes back. It is really more of a nuisance than a true health concern, however, as a teenager I was VERY self conscious about it because I had it on my arms and my legs. There is a prescription cream that has helped me - Lac-Hydrin - but nothing "cures" it. It is itchy sometimes, but I think for me at least, that the appearance is what bothers me - not the itchiness. It is likely a lifelong struggle. I think there are other prescriptions out there as well for it, but some of them have side effects that actually worse than the KP itself! Good luck with your little one!

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M.R.

answers from Dallas on

I have had it since I was a kid and Never knew what it was. I just thought i had extra dry, sensitive skin until I saw it online and noticed that my kids have it too.

My oldest has it on his upper arms and side of his face and my younest has it on arms, legs plus ezema and extra sensitive skin.

I have it arms, legs and it never goes away no matter what you do. It's something unfortunately you just have to live with. Argh!
Lots of lotion helps a little.
Hope this helps.
M.

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C.G.

answers from Dallas on

Our family physician told us that taking an omega 3-fatty acid and vitamin D supplement (available in fish oil) will help.

Also, sounds like there could be some dietary links, such as dairy and gluten.

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S.S.

answers from Wichita Falls on

I use a salycilic acid shampoo and lotion - the shampoo is about $7 a bottle, the lotion about $5 - both OTC. Salycilic acid is a Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA for short) - it sloughs off the skin without causing irritation.

S.

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