Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition with no known cause. It's characterized by rough red bumps on the upper arms, thighs, or buttocks that appear as small hills or rolls of thickened skin. The bumps are usually thickest on the arms and thighs. Keratosis Pilaris tends to appear in young people; the patches most commonly appear in teens and young adults and disappear by the time a person reaches his or her mid-20s.
People with Keratosis Pilaris often have some degree of inflammation in the skin underneath their keratinized epidermis. In some cases, this inflammatory response is what causes the bumps to appear. But in other cases, it's just an effect of the keratinized skin's protective outer layer being shed with age, which can cause bumpiness along with inflammation.
Treatment is all about smoothing away the bumps. Therapy can eliminate the bumps, improve the texture, eliminate acne-causing plugs and improve the overall appearance. Chemical exfoliation needn't be fraught with irritation, redness or discomfort.
Since keratosis pilaris is genetically predetermined, it may not be curable but should be controllable. There is no reason to passively take a wait and see approach. After all, there's no guarantee that you'll outgrow it. And while most with KP may not realize there really is something they can do about it, KP can really traumatize some sufferers.
Glycolic acid is the best and most effective treatment for Keratosis Pilaris. Most OTC glycolic acid treatments go up to 20 percent. We recommend starting with cleansers and creams with a concentration of no more than five percent because higher concentrations can be too drying for most people.
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Glycolic acid helps remove the dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface of your skin, which can make keratosis pilaris worse. Glycolic acid is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). It is derived from sugar cane and other plants. The chemical can be used as a topical treatment or administered in a clinical setting.
Glycolic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in sugar cane and fruit. Because it is derived from natural sources, glycolic acid is often considered organic and safe for use on your skin. But always do a patch test before using any new product to determine if you are allergic to it.
Keratosis pilaris may improve with age, but treatment can help reduce the appearance of redness and roughness on your skin. Glycolic acid may be an option to help treat this condition. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat keratosis pilaris on your arms or legs.