Follicular keratosis is the name that is sometimes used to refer to keratosis pilaris or KP. KP is an annoying disorder of the skin that is characterized by non-inflammatory keratin plugs that are hard and appear in the thousands. These plugs cover the follicles of hair and make the skin pebbled and rough in texture and appearance. Keratosis pilaris treatment is made harder if the plugs get infected as a result of tampering and scratching. This can eventually delay healing and can leave permanent scaring on the skin. The dark sores that are discolored look like acne that is burned-out and is very unsightly. Cures for this condition have not yet been discovered however there are keratosis pilaris treatments that can help you manage the condition.
Keratosis pilaris treatment requires consistent and disciplined management from home. The bumps will go away with consistent application of the medication but the moment you abandon the treatment, they return very fast without warning. Keratosis pilaris treatment requires the gentle use of body brushes which have bristles twice a day. You should scrub the affected parts of the body with an alpha acid that is hydroxyl in nature, a benzoyl or sulfur based acne soap.
Keratolytic topical supplements can also be used for keratosis pilaris treatment. They include lotions which have resorcinol or sulfur as one of their ingredients, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic or lactic acid gel. The use of Retin-A can also be very effective in keratosis pilaris treatment if it is used on a regular basis. The biggest disadvantage with Retin-A is that it is financially prohibitive thus many insurance companies will not cover the prescriptions of this drug for keratosis pilaris treatment.
Sunlight is also good for keratosis pilaris treatment because it causes peeling of the skin as a result of mild burning. The effects of sunlight on keratosis pilaris is similar to Retin-A or BPO other exfoliation creams used. The sun exfoliates the bumps temporarily. The only problem that exfoliation by sunlight has is that it leaves bumps which are darkened on the skins of people with color. This causes the destruction of the skins texture and ultimately premature aging. It might also lead to sagging of the skin and sun spots which are unsightly. The eventual outcome might be skin cancer if you are not very careful.
Caution should always be exercised when using the sun as keratosis pilaris treatment because of the dangers that the UV light presents especially to people who have very mild and soft skin.
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