How to Cure Keratosis Pilaris Rubra
Keratosis pilaris rubra (KPR) is a variation of keratosis pilaris, a common skin disorder that affects children and adults. About one-half of the population has one of the keratosis pilaris variations, according to dermatologist Dr. Audrey Kunin. KPR is characterized by small bumps on the skin that are red and inflamed. Most of the reddened bumps appear on the arms, legs and buttocks. There are no other symptoms of the disease except for its noticeable appearance. Currently, there is no cure for KPR, but there are effective treatments to manage the skin lesions
Instructions
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Use several products to treat the disease. Dr. Audrey Kunin suggests using many products to manage the lesions. She has found that using different types of products yields the best results. To treat KPR, a person must moisturize and exfoliate on a daily basis. Also use anti-inflammatory products.
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Exfoliate the skin. Exfoliation deep-cleans the pores and removes dead skin cells. Commercial scrubs like St. Ives Apricot Scrub are effective, as are homemade scrubs. Make a paste of baking soda and water or a paste of dry oatmeal and water. Apply to skin, massage for a minute and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
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Use natural acids. There are many natural acids that can act as an exfoliant to clean and smooth the KPR bumps. Apply milk, lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the affected areas. There is lactic acid in milk. Lemon juice has citric acid. Vinegars all have ascetic acid. Another option is alpha hydroxy acids. These are fruit acids such as glycolic acid, which is used in many skin lotions and creams. You can also buy glycolic acid in concentrated form from beauty counters or online.
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Apply vitamin A to skin. Vitamin A is a well-known skin vitamin. Retinol, which is used in prescription drugs to treat keratosis pilaris rubra, is a derivative of vitamin A. According to the Mayo Clinic, retinol is useful for "promoting cell turnover and preventing the plugging of the hair follicle." Break open a vitamin A capsule and apply the content to the skin.
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Lubricate the skin. Moisturizers can smooth and soften the bumps of keratosis pilaris rubra. There are an infinite number of body lotions and skin creams on the market that can be used to soften the skin. Some contain vitamins E and A, and others have essential oils like lavender or rose. A person can also apply essential oils like lemon balm oil directly to the skin, which can moisturize and exfoliate the skin.
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Use anti-inflammatory products. There are many natural remedies that can reduce inflammation. Aloe vera is a good choice. Dr. Kunin recommends green tea oil for treating KPR. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties that can heal the inflamed lesions of keratosis pilaris rubra.
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