best to seek the advice of a dermatologist. Some of the treatments that are available are briefly outlined below.

1. Topical retinoids, such as tretinoin - usually applied weekly or biweekly for an initial period, these can be effective and well tolerated, however the result is only partial. The treatment is then followed up with a milder maintenance program.

2. Fading creams, such as hydroquinone, kojic acid, and azelaic acid - for cases of Keratosis Pilaris where there is persistent skin discoloration.

3. Physical treatments like microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, chemical peels, laser, and possibly even minor surgical procedures may also be helpful.

There are other methods of treating Keratosis Pilaris such as topical immunomodulators, photodynamic therapy, and isotretinoin, however, the use of these for the condition of Keratosis Pilaris are considered off-label therefore we have not discussed them here. If you wish to try them, you should speak to a dermatologist.

A Personal Experience Living with Keratosis Pilaris

Although Keratosis Pilaris has no symptoms, as a teenager growing up with the condition, it can be a cause for embarrassment and self-consciousness. For a long time, I avoided wearing sleeveless clothes and would often try to cover my arms with a shawl or wrap during formal functions.

Despite assurances from a dermatologist that it would improve with age, I noticed a worsening of the condition as I grew older. Although there is no universal cure for eliminating Keratosis Pilaris, I found the following to be helpful in reducing the severity of the condition and minimising its appearance:

- showering with a gentle exfoliating wash (something with the consistency the Rice Bran Scrub by the Body Shop).
- moisturising after every shower (more often if necessary or if in a dry climate - my condition improved somewhat when I moved to a more humid country).
- using a toner for my face (I never tried using it on my arms or legs, but the bumps on my face virtually disappeared after some time).
- getting a tan (skin flaws and blemmishes are not as obvious on darkened skin as opposed to fair skin).

I did notice a worsening of the condition when I was pregnant. Whether it was the pregnancy hormones or the fact that my skin was dryer when I was pregnant, I am not certain. The good news was that it eventually improved again after the pregnancy was over.

I have learned to live with Keratosis Pilaris and am no longer conscious of it even being there. Although it can be difficult to grow up with it, especially in a culture consumed by beauty and flawlessness, there are effective methods for reducing it, masking it, and covering it up.

In Conclusion

Keratosis Pilaris is a chronic condition and requires long-term management. Therefore it should be expected that treatment will be need to be ongoing to maintain the results. Because there is no one effective treatment for every individual affected by Keratosis Pilaris, it may also be necessary to use a combination of the treatments suggested above to alleviate this skin condition. As with any other medical condition, where the suggested at home remedies are not effective, you should seek the advice of your physician before proceeding with other treatments.

Learn more about this author, Shen-Li Lee.
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