Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a common skin disorder with rough patches and small

bumps found on arms, cheeks, thighs, legs, and buttocks, giving the appearance of
chicken skin. KP, although not painful, is similar to acne and bumps can become red,
inflamed, dry, or chapped, also known as keratosis pilaris rubra faceii.

The KP occurs when keratin in dead skin cells plugs hair follicles and causes bumps
to appear on the skin. Typically, KP is worse during the winter season and affects
those who are overweight and women during puberty, pregnancy, and child birth. It
is not contagious disease and tends to disappear over time. Although there is no
cure for KP, there are home remedies that assist in treating KP.

Home Remedies for Keratosis Pilaris:

KP responds best to a multi-therapeutic approach. Try two or more of the following
methods to effective treat KP.

1. Baking Soda:
Baking soda is an excellent exfoliator which removes dead skin cells and deeply
cleans pores.

Method:

 Mix 2 – 3 tablespoons of baking soda and water.

 Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 3 – 5 miutes.
 Rinse with water.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
 Note: Alternately use salt or commercial exfoliators.

2. Vitamin A Capsules:
Vitamin A contains retinol, a derivative that promotes cell turnover and prevents hair
follicle plugging.

Method:
  Squeeze the oil from one or two vitamin A capsules.
 Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
 Leave for 15 – 20 minutes.
 Repeat regularly for best results
 Note: Eat fruits containing vitamin A like carrots, papaya, grapes, strawberries,
and tomatoes for added results.

3. Alpha Hydroxy Acids:

Alpha hydroxy acids are mild, natural acids. Lactic acid, found in milk and yogurt,
gently exfoliates skin to remove KP. Glycolic acid, made of fruit acids, is also a
popular skin care product.

Method:
 Apply a lotion or cream containing alpha hydroxy acids to the affected area and
gently massage for 3 – 5 minutes.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
 Note: Alternately use a lotion or cream containing either beta hydroxy acids or
glycolic acid.

4. Coconut Oil:
Coconut oil contains unique fatty acids that are easily absorbed and moisturize skin
deeply. Its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties work inside and out by
reducing inflammation and redness.

Method – 1: (Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub)

 Mix 1 part of each white granulated sugar and brown sugar with 2 parts of extra
virgin coconut oil.
 Apply to the affected area and gently scrub for 2 – 4 minutes
 Rinse with water.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
 Note: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or honey for added moisture.

Method – 2: (Coconut Oil with Apple Cider Vinegar)

  Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar and coconut oil with a teaspoon of
honey.
 Apply to the affected area and leave until dry.
 Repeat daily for best results.
 Note: Alternately rub coconut oil on the affected area before taking bathing.

5. Yogurt:
Yogurt contains lactic acid that reduces skin dryness and reduces excess keratin.

Method:
 Apply 3 – 4 tablespoons of yogurt on the affected area 15 minutes before
bathing.
 Repeat regularly for best results.

6. Exfoliation:
Exfoliation smooths and eliminates bumps, eliminating acne and improving overall
appearance. Make a paste of baking soda, water, salt, lactic acid (milk, yogurt,
buttermilk), mild acids (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar) and apply it to the affected
area.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar:

Apple cider vinegar has anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent infection and
cleanses the skin, healing KP quickly.

Method – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)

 Use a cotton ball to apply raw, organic apple cider vinegar to the affected area.
 Repeat daily for best results.

Method – 2: (Apple Cider Vinegar with Coconut Oil and

Sugar)
 Pour a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar on a washcloth.
  Wet the washcloth with water to dilute the vinegar.
 Wash the affected area while bathing.
 Mix 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of coconut oil or grapeseed oil.
 Apply to the affected area and gently massage for 3 – 4 minutes.
 Rinse with water.
 Note: Alternately add 1 – 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your bath
water.

8. Moisturize:
Moisturizing softens skin and KP bumps. Use lemon oil, green tea oil, camellia oil, or
cocoa butter to deeply penetrate the skin and treat KP. Also use commercial lotions
like Jergens, Vaseline Intensive Care, and Lubriderm to hydrate skin and treat KP.

9. Oatmeal Bath:
Oatmeal baths keep skin moisturized and prevent KP.

Method:
 Add a handful of powdered oats to lukewarm bath water.
 Bathe in the water for 15 minutes.
 Repeat three times weekly for best results.

10. Sugar and Sour Cream:

Sugar and sour cream contain lactic acid that removes keratin buildup and clears
KP.

Method:
 Mix a teaspoon of granular sugar and 2 tablespoons of sour cream.
 Apply to the affected area as a face pack and gently massage for 3 – 4
minutes.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
11. Cold Water Fish:
Cold water fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel contain omega – 3 fatty acids that
quickly heal KP. Eat cold water fish three times weekly to prevent and treat KP.
Alternately take fish oil supplements on a regular basis.

12. Olive Oil:

Olive oil treats many skin problems as it is rich in vitamin E and reduces rough, dry
skin.

Method:
 Mix olive oil and sugar.
 Apply to the affected area and gently scrub with warm water for 2 – 3 minutes.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
 Note: Alternately apply olive oil directly to the affected area.

13. Diet Plan:

Diet is reflected in your heath. Eat these foods to help to treat KP.

 At least 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables.

 Foods rich in vitamin A and E like carrots, mangoes, pumpkins, papayas,
tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, and strawberries.
 Foods rich in Omega – 3 and 6 fatty acids like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds.
 Herbs like calendula, chickweed, burdock, marshmallow, and slippery elm.

14. Aspirin:
Aspirin treats KP by soothing inflammation and redness.

Method:
 Grind a few aspirin to make a powder and mix with water.
 Apply the paste to the affected area as a mask and gently massage for 2 – 3
minutes.
  Leave for 5 – 7 minutes and rinse with cool water.
 Repeat regularly for best results.

15. Milk Baths:

Milk contains lactic acid that softens skin and minimizes bumps.

Method:
 Add a few cups of whole milk to lukewarm bathwater.
 Bathe in the water for 15 minutes.
 Repeat regularly for best results.
 Note: Alternately apply milk to the affected area 15 – 20 minutes before
bathing.

Tips:
 Use a loofah, washcloth, or an exfoliating cream to gently wash your face with
mild soaps twice daily, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
 Always applying moisturizers that contain urea, salicyclic acid, and propylene
glycol to soften skin after washing.
 Natural body scrubs remove dry skin and reduce redness. Gently scrub 3 – 5
times weekly. Vigorous scrubbing will irritate the skin and make KP worse.
 Avoid allergens and pollutants such as chlorine-treated water, pet dander,
mold, dust mites, fluoride, harsh detergents, chemicals, smoke, perfume,
laundry detergents.
 Expose yourself to sunlight a minimum of 15 – 20 minutes daily. Vitamin D
deficiency can cause dryness and lead to KP. Remember to use sunscreen
lotion.
 Stay hydrated by drinking at least 8 – 10 glasses of water to flush unwanted
toxins from the body.
 Avoid trans fats commonly found in hydrogenated oils and margarine. Eat more
nutritious food easily absorbed by the body that strengthen the immune
system.
 Use a humidifier when sleeping to keep air moist and reduce dry skin.
 Pat wet skin with a towel instead of rubbing as this with further irritate KP.
Have you tried any of these methods? Do you know any other methods to treat
keratosis pilaris? Share your experience with us!