FitSugar

What to Do About "Chicken Skin"?

BellaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 07:00:11 PDT

I love playing the role of DearSugar, even if it is just for a fleeting moment, so when team member alliallialli wrote in, I just had to reply:

Hi Bella! Seeing as about one half of the population supposedly has keratosis pilaris, but what the heck are you to do about it? One member left a comment on my profile page about a lotion from Sephora that works, but it's a tad expensive and I don't live near a Sephy...I was wondering if you could shed some light on the subject?

Keratosis pilaris, is a genetic condition of bumps on the skin, which often looks like goose bumps or acne. Commonly known as "chicken skin," the bumps can be inflamed, rough, bumpy, and/or rashy.

There is no known treatment for the condition, but it tends to reduce with age. To make less noticable: prevent excess dryness by using a moisturizing, mild soap-free cleanser, then exfoliate with a light buffer. Finish off by applying a lotion with alpha hydroxy, glycolic, salicylic, or lactic acid, and of course - don't scratch or pick. Coconut oil is said to help, too. Prescription treatments are available, if needed.

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You Asked: Should I Worry About These Bumps on My Arm?

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 03:00:00 PDT

You're asking and I'm answering.

Dear Fit,
I've noticed these tiny reddish bumps on the backs of my arms. They don't hurt or anything, but I'm embarrassed because they look and feel so gross. Any idea what it is? I don't think it's acne because my face has always been pretty clear. Whatever it is, how can I get rid of it? Please help since I want to wear tank tops without worry about these darn bumps.
- Bumpy Barbara

It sounds like those bumps are making you self conscious, and when it comes to conditions of the skin, I do always think it best to visit a dermatologist. However, your bumps look like a common skin condition known keratosis pilaris, sometimes referred to as "chicken skin." This condition is quite common; about 50 percent of the entire population have this type of bumpy skin.

If those bumps are indeed keratosis pilaris, I have some suggestions and an explanation of the causes so just

read more. Normally as you go about your day, your dead skin cells are supposed to just flake off. With this condition though, those dead skin cells plug up your hair follicles. The bumps look like tiny red or white pimples, and they have a dry, sandpaper feel. Even though they shouldn't hurt or itch, they can understandably make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin. If your arm bumps are in fact keratosis pilaris, using a good moisturizer on the area twice a day that contains salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy can be an effective treatment. Taking hot showers, allowing your skin soak up the water a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves is also a great trick for keeping the bumps at bay. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes continuous effort and maintenance in order to keep your skin free of these bumps.

Why Didn't Anybody Tell Me: Dry Arms

babysugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:00:08 PDT

Some new moms have skin that feels like a cold defeathered chicken. As a mom–to–be, I developed a rash of bumps to the backside of my upper arms. Embarrassed about the condition, I confided in my pregnant buddy who told me she was dealing with the same thing. I consulted a dermatologist who diagnosed the condition as keratosis pilaris. KP is a common skin disorder that is characterized by "chicken skin" or bumpiness on the surface of the skin. He said that many pregnant women develop KP while pregnant and it worsens when nursing due to further dehydration. Unfortunately, there's no sure remedy, but it does help to apply creams like TriCeram ($30) or KP Duty Derma Doctor ($36) right after you get out of the shower while your skin is still wet.

This time I am prepared and ready to handle my poultry–like limbs. So far, I am on a much smoother path to happiness.

Irritated About Bumps on Your Arms?

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:00:00 PDT

As long as I've known my best friend, she's been complaining about these tiny red bumps on the backs of her arms. She thought they were some kind of acne, like what you get on your back when you workout, so she went to her dermatologist to find out.

It turns out that it was a common condition called keratosis pilaris - a complicated name meaning bumpy skin. Actually 50% of people have it, so if you don't have it yourself, you probably know someone who does. It can be on the backs of your arms, your tush, and your thighs. The dead skin cells that are supposed to just flake off, get plugged up in the hair follicles. They look like tiny red or white pimples that have a dry, sandpaper feel. They don't hurt or itch, but they can make you feel self-conscious about baring your skin.

What can you do about these bumps? Use a good moisturizer twice a day - one containing salicylic acid, urea, or alphahydroxy might be your best bet. You can also take hot showers, let the skin soak a little, and then gently exfoliate using loofah gloves. A dermatologist can also prescribe a topical retinoid cream (made from vitamin A), which may help promote cell turnover and prevent the hair follicles from getting plugged in the first place. Whatever you do, I'm sorry to say that it takes constant maintenance - if you stop, the bumps will come back. Since they're harmless, I wouldn't worry about them too much.

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