Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, lichen pilaris, and follicular keratosis, is an autosomal dominant genetic follicular condition. It is characterized by rough and red bumps on the skin.
Causes
According to Mayo Clinic, keratosis pilaris is caused by keratin buildup on the skin. Keratin is a hard protein that defends the skin from harmful substances, debris, and infection. In this condition, the keratin forms a scaly plug, which blocks the opening of the hair follicle. Rough and bumpy skin results from the number of plugs that have formed at the opening of the hair follicle. While the exact root of keratin build-up is treated as idiopathic, the condition may take place along with genetic diseases and other dermatologic conditions like atopic dermatitis.
Epidemiology
Keratosis pilaris involves approximately half to 80 percent of all adolescents and about 40 percent of adults, as per EMedicine. According to the publication, most people with the condition do not know that the condition actually has a medical terminology and that it can be managed. Moreover, keratosis pilaris is usually common in children and adolescents, so it is described as a condition of childhood and adolescence. It usually becomes more pronounced during the adolescence stage, but is usually goes along with age. When it comes to familial links, about 30 to 50 percent of patients have a positive family history. It is also noted that autosomal dominant inheritance with variable penetrance is a factor.
Signs and Symptoms
Keratosis pilaris may be cosmetically displeasing for a person who has the condition. As per New York Times, the symptoms include bumps that feel like very rough sandpaper, small bumps that resemble goosebumps on the back of the upper arm and thighs, skin-colored bumps with a size similar to that of a sand grain, and mild pinkness around the bumps. According to the publication, the bumps may appear on the person’s face that they may be mistaken as acne
Home Remedies
The following are the home remedies for keratosis pilaris.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the agents a person can use to counter keratosis pilaris. As per Top 10 Home Remedies, the vinegar has astringent properties that aid removes the clog in the skin pores. To prepare, the person mixes apple cider vinegar and water and applies the resulting mixture on the affected area. The application is left on for few minutes, before it is rinsed. An alternative is to mix half cup of each of apple cider and coconut oil. Next, a tablespoon of soy lecithin is added. The resulting ointment is applied on the affected skin every day. A teaspoon of raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar can also be added to a glass of water and is consumed one or twice a day.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is another remedy for keratosis pilaris. According to Natural Living Ideas, it serves as a skin-friendly scrub that smoothens the rough bumps. As per the publication, the person just mixes it with water or milk and applies the resulting mixture on the affected areas. The oatmeal is rubbed with a circular motion for a few minutes, before it is rinsed. As an option, the person can gather some oatmeal in a Muslim cloth and use it to rub down the body. Then, a moisturizer is applied after washing off the oatmeal residue.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can also be used as remedy for keratosis pilaris. As per Home Remedies For Life, baking soda exfoliates dead skin cells, as well as other debris that block the skin pores; thus, it helps decrease the skin bumps. To prepare, as per the publication, two to three tablespoons of baking soda and water and combined and applied to the affected area. The mixture is gently scrubbed for three to five minutes and is then rinsed with water. The process is done regularly for optimal results. Also, two tablespoons of table salt can be added to the mixture.
