Fall and winter months are often the worst for dry skin. Some of us can get by with a few extra applications of our favorite lotion, but sometimes all the moisturizer in the world does not help rough skin conditions. If you have recurring rough patches or small bumps that appear similar to insect bites or acne on your face, arms, thighs or bottom, you may have keratosis pilaris.

This condition is often confused with acne or dry skin, but keratosis pilaris bumps do not itch or hurt. The condition is sometimes difficult to treat once you're diagnosed. The good news is that keratosis pilaris is rarely a serious condition and it has been known to resolve on its own by the time you reach the age of 30.

Keratosis pilaris occurs when you have an overabundance of keratin in your skin. Keratin fans don’t panic and throw out your favorite keratin shampoo and conditioner! Keratin cannot cause keratosis pilaris when applied topically. The condition occurs when the keratin is overproduced within the body. Keratosis pilaris is often aggravated in the winter months and sometimes confused with dry skin or acne. Unfortunately, no amount of moisturizing will eliminate the symptoms completely, but you can improve the appearance of your skin with a proper skin regimen.

If you think you may be suffering from keratosis pilaris, you should consult with a dermatologist. There are no laboratory tests available to diagnose the condition, so your doctor will base a diagnosis on the appearance of your skin and any information you provide. There are prescriptions available for those suffering from keratosis pilaris, but patients typically need to take additional steps to improve the appearance of the skin.

Here are some tips to keep KP symptoms under control:

  1. Avoid over-exfoliating or scrubbing the patches vigorously. The stimulation can worsen the condition. Our KP Duty Dermatologist Body Scrub is a great choice for a gentle but effective scrub made especially for those suffering from keratosis pilaris. After washing your skin, gently pat it dry with a towel.
  2. Shower in warm water. We know that it's tempting to take a steaming hot shower or bath on a cold morning, but extra hot water removes protective oils from the skin's surface. Use a moisturizing soap rather than one that contains antibacterial or deodorant detergents. Keep showers and baths brief.
  3. Apply a lotion or oil than includes glycolic acid and urea, such as our KP Duty Dermatologist Formulated AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin after you shower. It will moisturize and soothe the skin.
  4. Try using a humidifier at home. Remember, dry and hot air will aggravate the skin, so adding moisture to the air can help.

Finally, if you continue to see bumps or patches on your face and want to camouflage them, try a multi-purpose product like our DERMAdoctor DD Cream Dermatologically Defining BB Cream SPF 30. This will soothe blemishes, reduce redness, hydrate the skin and conceal imperfections.

By Jen Mathews
DERMAdoctor Staff Writer

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