What makes kp worse

Sun exposure with sunscreen may also quiet KP, which is why for some, it can be less of a cosmetic nuisance in the summer. The good news is that KP is pretty easy for a dermatologist to diagnose with just a visual exam — making it an ideal condition for convenient online dermatology visits , so that appointment waiting times and travel can be avoided.

Blog Back to blog. Most people first notice symptoms as children or teenagers, and KP is more common among young people than adults. KP can appear anywhere on the body that has hair follicles. The most common sites for KP include:. KP bumps occur when keratin, a protective skin protein, builds up and clogs hair follicles. A buildup of keratin is the immediate cause of KP. However, researchers are unsure why some people develop this excess keratin, and others do not.

People with dry skin, eczema , and skin allergies are more likely to develop KP than others. During the winter months, when skin tends to be drier, people prone to KP may have more outbreaks. Dry, cold climates can also make KP worse.

KP also appears to have a genetic component. Research suggests the tendency to develop KP is a genetically dominant trait , which means that people who have one parent with KP are at a significant risk of developing the condition themselves.

Other researchers do not agree that that KP is simply due to the buildup of keratin. A study looked at 25 people with a history of keratosis pilaris and found that the hair follicles affected by KP were coiled. This causes inflammation of the hair follicle, which then triggers abnormal patterns of keratin buildup. Despite this uncertainty, KP is not linked to any serious health concerns. KP bumps do not become cancerous. They are not contagious, and they do not typically become infected.

Left untreated, however, the bumps do tend to get worse and harder to deal with over time. Proper home management can relieve cosmetic concerns and prevent KP from worsening. KP is a harmless condition and does not require medical treatment.

As a result, it is fine for people to manage their symptoms at home. If the bumps are not bothersome, some people may be happy to do nothing at all. People with dry skin are more prone to KP. Dry skin is more likely to itch, and constant scratching can irritate KP.

Dry skin can also make the rough, scaly appearance of KP worse. Trying a cream designed for very dry skin or for treating eczema may help. People should apply the cream in a thick layer after a warm shower to maximize absorption. People with very dry skin should consider moisturizing several times a day, including any time the skin feels dry or itchy.

Keratosis pilaris is a genetic skin condition, and it runs in my family. KP is actually pretty common. Charming, right? Keratosis pilaris is actually a clump or buildup of keratin around the hair follicle, Lily Talakoub , M.

The clogged pores can cause inflammation or redness in the area, and they make the skin look and feel rough. Dry skin , cold weather , pregnancy, high levels of estrogen, shaving, or waxing can all make KP worse.

Growing up, my mother said to exfoliate and moisturize to treat the bumps—and by all means, do not pick at them. Doctors say the best way to treat KP is to exfoliate and moisturize—so my mom was right. For a mild yet effective treatment , Dr.

Wechsler suggests exfoliating with a brown sugar scrub, microdermabrasion a device that gently sands down and softens the skin , or urea gels. Follow that up with a moisturizer that contains lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid. And both doctors agree that picking at KP is a bad idea. Wechsler explains, but that only makes the condition worse. If you have an unconscious habit, give yourself something small to play with, like a rubber band or a scrunchy or a Rubix cube, and wear long sleeves so you have less access.

There is no cure for KP; all you can do is create a regular routine to keep the bumps in check. Because of my experience with KP, I have been informally experimenting with skin-care products basically my entire life, but recently dove back in with a vengeance, in search of that holy grail product that will help me manage this condition.

Here are eight products that have actually made a difference for me.