Keratosis Pilaris

[Shantel Hampton]

I was diagnosed with this condition a couple of months ago.  First the doctor had me on 2 different creams several times a day, and that did not work.  Then I started using a loofah sponge and a moisturizing body wash along with some cream with Retin A in it, and that helped more than anything.  I also use over the counter lotion (Am Lactin) after I shower.  this seemed to help somewhat.  I have been in the sun a few times over the last month, and my legs have completely cleared up!  But the bumps are still on the back of my arms, and nothing helps!
Any suggestions?  All these lotions and creams aren't doing anything, and i know the sun isn't the greatest solution for my legs, but i am so glad they are clear.  this condition was preventing me from wearing shorts, etc.  i am so self conscious about it!  it's just not very attractive!  Can you help?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Shantel:

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary condition, in which bumps of keratin protein accumulate in hair follicle openings, generally behind the upper arms and on the outer legs.  I have had the best success in people like you whom the bumps bother to have them apply Am-Lactin (or its prescription twin, Lac-Haydrin) after a shower, followed by 20-30 seconds with a loofah or Buf Puf.  Regular repeating of this for 1 or 2 months generally helps, though of course the procedure has to be done again over time, because the skin keeps producing these darned bumps.

That's why you have to be so careful when choosing your family!

Dr. R

[E Gray]

I have just been diagnosed with Keratosis Pilaris on my arms too.  I have tried AmLactin and it made the breakout on my arms worse.  I only used the AmLactin for 4 days before I stopped due to the breakout.  My sister said that it might need to get worse before it gets better.  Should I keep using the Am-Lactin even though it's made the breakouts worse to see if it helps after 6 to 8 weeks?  My Dermatologists perscribed Lac-Haydrin - he said it was the same as Am-Lactin.  Should I try Lac-Haydrin to see if it works better or is it exactly the same as Am-Lactin?  And if I'm breaking out with these little red pustules how is moisturizing going to help?  It seems like it too oily and thats why I'm breaking out.  Help!

Thanks.

[Shantel Hampton]

If the Am-Lactin is not working, i would'nt use the lac-haydrin.  niether one worked for me either.  the only medicine/cream that did anything for me was a new cream that had pure retin-A in it, but it's VERY expensive, so i only used the samples the Dr. gave me and that was it.  but it worked.  but if you have insurance, go for it.  
the only other thing that has worked for me is getting some sun.  and i know that's a dermatologist's nightmare solution, but it has worked for me, so i do it.
trust me, i know how annoying this problem is, but check with your Dr. about the new medicine i talked about, he'll probably know what it is - i just can't find the exact name for it.

[anthony]

The cream you are referring to is Tretinoin cream?  I got two of them and I have 1 left, it works but not well, the big bumps still come back, but it peels your skin and works over time, the only darned thing about it is that when you run out of the cream (goes out in 20 days) the bumps return, so if you run out you're gypped.

[jennifer]

I have the same condition as everyone else seems to have and the
only thing that i've seen quick results with is Neutrogena's on the spot treatment which comes in a small tube at the drugstore.  I'm not sure why it works so well but after even one
application the bumps decrease in size.  It has a low dosage of benzoil peroxide in it which seems to help. It's worth a try-even
works great for facial acne.

[E. Wafler]

My 10 year old daughter also has Keratosis Pilaris on her cheeks, and upper arms.  She is very self-conscious about them now that she has reached this very self-aware age.  A couple of years ago our dermatologist prescribed a "smoothing cream" that never really helped. She swims almost daily (but uses sunscreen)and gets some sun on these areas, but this hasn't helped either.  Anything new on the Dermatological Horizon since you answered these other people?  Thank you very much.

[Frank]

Keratosis Pilaris or Foliculitis (folliculitis). Mine sounds more like Kertosis Pilaris since it started on the back of my arms also.
I had the same thing growing up (and still do). I can't remember not having them. It started just a little on the back of my arms when I was a toddler and as I grew older it spread slowly over the years around my body. My body hair is very light not hairy at all. It seems to appear where the body hair starts to appear. I am now 31 years old and it has appeared a little everywhere except my head, neck, hands, lower legs and privates. I don't think it would spread as much on females since guys spring hair from all over as they grow older. I went to half a dozen doctors growing up to try to find out what it was. Growing up I explained the rash to my peers as not enough vitamin C, too much milk, to much sun, not enough sun,... most of these were the doctors explanations.  Everyone's body has flaws and the sooner you realize this the more comfortable and happy you will be. I remember being very embarrassed about it and running around in a long sleeve shirt during the summer. I wish I would have adopted this philosophy sooner but no matter what my attitude is I'm always open to suggestions. I will give the alpha-hydroxy acid cream a try this time. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, the sun and salt water at the beach does seem to make the rash almost disappear for a short time. Over the years the skin seems to slightly scar giving the appearance of small freckles. I wish everyone luck.

[Frank]

Keratosis Pilaris or Foliculitis (folliculitis). Mine sounds more like Kertosis Pilaris since it started on the back of my arms also.
I had the same thing growing up (and still do). I can't remember not having them. It started just a little on the back of my arms when I was a toddler and as I grew older it spread slowly over the years around my body. My body hair is very light not hairy at all. It seems to appear where the body hair starts to appear. I am now 31 years old and it has appeared a little everywhere except my head, neck, hands, lower legs and privates. I don't think it would spread as much on females since guys spring hair from all over as they grow older. I went to half a dozen doctors growing up to try to find out what it was. Growing up I explained the rash to my peers as not enough vitamin C, too much milk, to much sun, not enough sun,... most of these were the doctors explanations.  Everyone's body has flaws and the sooner you realize this the more comfortable and happy you will be. I remember being very embarrassed about it and running around in a long sleeve shirt during the summer. I wish I would have adopted this philosophy sooner but no matter what my attitude is I'm always open to suggestions. I will give the alpha-hydroxy acid cream a try this time. Thanks for the suggestion. Also, the sun and salt water at the beach does seem to make the rash almost disappear for a short time. Over the years the skin seems to slightly scar giving the appearance of small freckles. I wish everyone luck.

[Kathy]

my daughter has this condition and I have seen a big improvement with a dietary change. I think wheat may be the main culprit, but I'm still in the "finding out" phase.  I was wondering if anyone else has had success with dietary eliminations?