What is keratosis pilaris in children and how can you treat it?
*This post is sponsored by Ameliorate but all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own
For those who have experienced bumpy skin or ‘chicken skin’, as keratosis pilaris is otherwise called, then you will know exactly what this article will be about. But what is keratosis pilaris in children and how can you treat it?
We will go through what keratosis pilaris is, what the symptoms are, what causes keratosis pilaris in toddlers and children, and how to treat the skin condition using a fantastic tried and tested moisturiser called the Transforming Body Lotion from Ameliorate* that is shaking the nation of keratosis pilaris sufferers due to its proven results.
More on that below!
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What is keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris is a harmless and very common skin condition that appears as small bumps on your skin, often in patches on your arms (sometimes just the upper arms), thighs or buttocks. They can appear in other places too and can last for a long time. The bumps can also be itchy, red, white, skin-toned or darker than your skin.
You may find that symptoms improve in the summer and worsen in the winter when it’s colder and your skin is dryer.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Contrary to what people think, keratosis pilaris doesn’t happen because of a build-up of oil or bacteria. It actually occurs when the hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a protein that is naturally occurring in your skin, hair and nails to help form a protective layer and strengthen the skin. There isn’t much evidence on why this protein builds up on the skin and causes keratosis pilaris.
Recent studies suggest that a deficiency in vitamin A, which is crucial for skin health and regeneration, could contribute to the severity of keratosis pilaris. The skin’s inability to shed dead skin cells efficiently leads to these rough patches, making ‘retin’ based treatments potentially effective.
Is keratosis pilaris contagious?
Keratosis pilaris is not infectious so you cannot spread it to anyone else or catch it from anyone.
What is it like to have keratosis pilaris?
Sufferers say it’s like having dry skin which is bumpy to the touch. Some parents say their baby’s skin feels like goosebumps. Keratosis pilaris on the arms can look red and inflamed and some people say they seem to appear where people can see the skin, so cheeks and legs too.
Sufferers can often feel self-conscious and are bothered by the appearance of their skin.
Is keratosis pilaris genetic?
Science suggests that family trends follow an autosomal dominant pattern which means each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting the condition. Research also indicates a link between keratosis pilaris and atopic conditions such as asthma and hay fever, suggesting that genetic predisposition to these conditions may also influence the development of keratosis pilaris.
Is there a cure or way to help keratosis pilaris?
There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris but there are ways to manage keratosis pilaris if the skin condition is bothering you by becoming itchy or inflamed. Your pharmacist can recommend certain creams or lotions to help your skin and whether you need to visit your GP or health clinic for medical advice.
The NHS have some dos and don’ts for improving the appearance of keratosis pilaris. These are:
- Moisturise your skin – having a good cleansing skincare routine can help
- Use mild and unperfumed soaps and bathing products
- Exfoliate/scrub your skin with a washcloth or mitt
- Have cool/lukewarm showers and baths
- Pat skin dry instead of rubbing after washing
- Do NOT scratch, pick or rub your skin
Keratosis pilaris can often (but not always) clear up during adult life.
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Why is there no cure for the skin disorder keratosis pilaris?
There is no treatment available for reducing the over-production of keratin in your skin but you can improve the condition temporarily using emollients or moisturisers. More on what you can do to manage keratosis pilaris below.
Moreover, the American Academy of Dermatology notes that while there’s no cure, understanding the underlying factors, including a potential vitamin deficiency and associated conditions like ichthyosis vulgaris, is essential for effective management.
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Keratosis pilaris in children
Keratosis pilaris typically begins in childhood and gets worse during puberty. Some people find that keratosis pilaris clears up in adulthood but not always. We’re going to go through what you can do to help your child manage keratosis pilaris.
Is there any keratosis pilaris treatment around which is effective?
Yes! And we will go into treatment in more detail below using a step-by-step skincare routine that can also be used for your child from the age of three.
For more stubborn cases, dermatologists might recommend retinoids. Topical treatments such as tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene help by promoting cell turnover and reducing the cohesiveness of keratinocytes in the follicles.
Step 1 – Cleanse
Cleanse using tepid showers/baths and use non-soap cleansers rather than soap, which can dry out the skin. Your GP will recommend a suitable cleanser for children.
“I love this [AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion], I always use it after my shower and paired with the exfoliator it produces amazing results.”
18/11/20 by NikiFr – VERIFIED PURCHASE
Step 2 – Exfoliate and Moisturise
Gentle exfoliation can help to remove dry dead skin, but make sure you exfoliate gently to not irritate the skin further. Creams containing lactic acid and/or urea are more effective than emollients and can be purchased over the counter or obtained on a prescription by the doctor. Other treatments can be used but are not offered on the NHS.
Treatment often involves a comprehensive skincare routine. The key to this routine is moisturisation, but not just any moisturizer will do. The Transforming Body Lotion from Ameliorate, containing lactic acid, is formulated to not only hydrate but also exfoliate the skin, tackling the accumulation of dead skin cells. However, for those looking for an alternative or an addition to their exfoliation process, salicylic acid offers a potent solution.
Salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, is renowned for its ability to penetrate deep into the pores and dissolve the keratin and dead skin cells that contribute to keratosis pilaris. By incorporating a salicylic acid-based product into your regimen, you can enhance the exfoliating efficiency, making it an excellent complement to the Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion. Together, they can provide a more comprehensive treatment approach, addressing both the surface and deeper layers of the skin.
It’s a groundbreaking solution that’s gained traction for its efficacy among those battling keratosis pilaris. When using products containing salicylic acid, it’s essential to monitor your skin’s response, especially if it’s sensitive, and adjust usage as needed to avoid irritation.
Physical exfoliation with a loofah can be effective, but gentle use is advised to avoid irritation. Furthermore, avoiding tight clothes can reduce friction and irritation, contributing to symptom relief.
Some home remedies and lifestyle adjustments, such as using humidifiers to add moisture to the air or choosing loose-fitting clothing to reduce friction, can also support skin health.
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion has been proven to be very successful at treating and managing keratosis pilaris
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is a UK first which is designed for keratosis pilaris that both exfoliates and moisturises the skin.
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* smooths away bumps, as well as softens and protects the skin for 24 hours.
Containing optimum levels of Lactic Acid, which is a naturally occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the Transforming Body Lotion exfoliates and renews skin cells while drawing moisture into the skin. The Hydrating Sweet Almond Oil softens and protects the skin while enhancing the natural moisture barrier.
The AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is clinically proven and dermatologically tested, and designed for rough, dry and bumpy skin.
The great thing is that the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is suitable for children aged three years and over and can be used on the face. Plus, 87% of sufferers agreed that the appearance of their skin had improved and felt softer and smoother! (The product was tested on 77 people with rough, dry, bumpy ‘ chicken skin’ (Keratosis Pilaris) in a four-week independent consumer trial).
“I purchased this [AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion] after it being recommended on a Facebook forum. I have had keratosis pilaris all my life. Felt like I tried everything and nothing worked. In summer I refuse to wear vest tops as I’m so embarrassed by them. My 5-year-old daughter has recently started looking like she has the same issue starting on her upper arms so I started to look again for something.
Well, I am so glad I found this product. Both of us have been using it for a fortnight and the results are amazing. Much smoother skin and the redness in some of the bumps have greatly reduced. Both of us are keeping up the skincare routine and seeing results! I actually think this might give me the confidence to actually wear a vest top this summer. Highly recommend.
29/03/21 by Diane – VERIFIED PURCHASE
For persistent keratosis pilaris, laser treatments like pulsed dye laser and YAG laser have been explored for their efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving skin texture, according to studies cited by the American Academy of Dermatology.
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Your questions
If you have keratosis pilaris how do you control picking it?
Picking your bumps will only cause irritation so it’s important to never pick, scratch or attempt to pop the keratin plugs. Control picking by exfoliating, cleansing and moisturising regularly to reduce the appearance of bumps and irritation.
I have keratosis pilaris. Will my child get it?
More than half of people who are affected by keratosis pilaris inherited the condition from their family, so it is deemed to be genetic. It is also much more common in adolescence and can be made worse in cold weather when the skin is lacking in moisture.
I’ve had keratosis pilaris on my face ever since I was born. Does anyone know of any treatments that could help make it less visible make the bumps less rough?
Yes! The AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* has been tried and tested and 87% of sufferers have noticed a marked improvement. Plus the lotion is suitable for the face.
I’ve had tiny raised bumps on my arms and chest for a while I can’t figure out how to get rid of them. Could it be caused by food intolerance?
There is no scientific evidence to support a link between food allergies, intolerances and keratosis pilaris. Some people believe that eliminating gluten from their diet improved keratosis pilaris, but there isn’t any scientific evidence to support this.
Having said that, if you believe your child may have an intolerance or insensitivity it’s worth checking it out with the doctor to see if eliminating/reducing the food group from their diet may improve symptoms. Make sure you see a medical professional to properly diagnose and treat the issue.
Does the arrival of keratosis pilaris on my nine-year old’s arms mean she will suffer from acne?
Not necessarily. Acne spots are filled with an oily substance called sebum rather than keratosis pilaris spots are a build-up of keratin, so the two are not linked.
How do you cope with having keratosis pilaris and without losing confidence?
The best way to cope with keratosis pilaris is to adopt a great skincare routine by cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising regularly, which has been proven to work. Try the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* as this is a tried and tested product that has been specifically designed for keratosis pilaris sufferers.
Will my keratosis pilaris go away with age? I am 16 and have had it for four years.
Keratosis pilaris has been known to get better by the age of 30, but not in all cases.
How do I cure keratosis pilaris on my butt and tailbone area?
Use a good skincare/moisturising routine and regularly ensure you remove and exfoliate the skin.
What is the best way for a teen to treat keratosis pilaris?
AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* is suitable from the age of three. Use non-perfumed soap and soft exfoliation to cleanse and exfoliate the skin. Then the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* can moisturise the skin which has been known to improve and even treat keratosis pilaris.
I have keratosis pilaris but its so bad that it gets itchy and it looks like really bad whiteheads. How do I get rid of it?
Again, use a good skincare routine to and avoid picking it as this could cause an irritation.
What are the best ways of getting rid of keratosis pilaris caused by shaving?
Keratosis pilaris isn’t caused by shaving, it is caused by a build-up of keratin in the skin. Use a non-perfumed shaving gel and always moisturise after shaving with AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion*
Switching from shaving to alternatives like waxing may help some people avoid exacerbating their keratosis pilaris, as it reduces the risk of causing additional irritation or lesions in the affected areas.
Can you get a tattoo over keratosis pilaris? How does that affect the quality of the tattoo?
You can get a tattoo, which won’t be affected, but you’re only tattooing over bumpy skin and it won’t treat the bumpy skin.
It’s important to note that with everything, keeping up a good routine is key. For keratosis pilaris suffers from all ages, this is a good skincare routine. So make sure you are cleansing using tepid water and an unperfumed cleanser. Exfoliate gently and moisturise use proven moisturisers like the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* which can help to treat and even help clear bumpy skin.
Start early with children so they are used to establishing a good skincare routine to improve chances of growing out of KP when they’re older.
For more information on the AMELIORATE Transforming Body Lotion* click on the link below and receive up to 25% off now!
Resources
- https://knowyourskin.britishskinfoundation.org.uk/condition/keratosis-pilaris/
- https://www.eucerin.co.uk/about-skin/indications/keratosis-pilaris
- https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/k/article/keratosispilaris(chickenskin)
- https://www.bad.org.uk/for-the-public/patient-information-leaflets/keratosis-pilaris/?showmore=1#.YLCfXPlKjg4
- https://www.naturesbest.co.uk/pharmacy/pharmacy-health-library/what-is-keratosis-pilaris/
- https://www.ameliorate.com/blog/keratosis-pilaris-hereditary/
- https://www.totalbeauty.com/content/slideshows/keratosis-pilaris-150505/page7
- Recent evaluator-blind studies, such as evaluator-blind study published in ‘J Dermatolog Treat’ in Aug and Apr, by researchers Pongprutthipan M and Saelim P, have shown promising results in the treatment of keratosis pilaris with newer methods like the pulsed dye laser and YAG laser, offering hope for those seeking alternative treatments.
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*This article is sponsored by Ameliorate
