Keratosis Pilaris

Bumps, pimples and impurities are never fun. And they arenโ€™t especially pretty either.

Woman is touching her arm with Keratosis Pilaris
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Author Mads Timmermann

Mads has 14+ years of experience as a skin expert and has written/read this article.

Itchy, red bumps on arms and legs

Many struggle with red and itchy bumps on their arms and legs. Most think of this problem in connection with acne, but to be totally correct, weโ€™re talking about Keratosis Pilaris. These bumps are hard, cannot be popped, but make skin uneven and bumpy.

5 mistakes most people with bumps on their arms and legs make

Bumps on arms and legs โ€“ known as Keratosis Pilaris โ€“ are associated with many myths. Here are 5 typical mistakes made in treating Keratosis Pilaris:

  1. Popping the bumps
    A mistake most make with bumps on their arms and legs is trying to pop them. This method will not get rid of the bumps, but rather it will make the problem worse because of the irritation this method causes.
  2. Using scrubs
    Many start mistakenly using scrubs and peeling products to get rid of the bumps. Bumps on the arms are treated with scrubs especially often. Just as many use skin care products with abrasive grains to get rid of bumps on their legs and thighs. This is not a good way to treat the problem.
  3. Using scrubbing gloves
    Scrubbing gloves have also become very popular in the fight against bumps on arms and legs. However, this is a bad idea if you want to get rid of the irritating bumps. Neither scrubs nor scrubbing gloves are the solution!
  4. Using harsh skin care products
    Most have the perception that irritating skin problems require harsh treatment. Because of this, many people who suffer from bumps on their arms and legs begin using harsh skin care products to get rid of them. This is a big mistake!
  5. Using skin care with perfume
    Keratosis Pilaris is caused by irritation and clogged pores. Because of this, you should avoid skin care products that contain perfume, colorants or other ingredients that will only irritate the skin further and worsen the bumps.

Those were 5 typical mistakes made in treating bumps on arms and legs. There are many more, so be careful not to fall into the trips, and make the problem worse.

Andโ€ฆ Remember that bumps on arms and legs can be treated. Donโ€™t let the problem go on โ€“ it wonโ€™t go away on its own. It needs treatment!

Challenges with bumps on arms and legs

The biggest mistake in treating bumps on arms and legs is mistreatment. Or rather โ€“ ignorance about the problem itself. Most people mistakenly believe that bumps on arms and legs are acne.

Acne very rarely happens on arms and legs. If you suffer from bumps on your arms and legs โ€“ especially on your upper arms and thighs โ€“ then there is a big chance that it is Keratosis Pilaris. A skin condition that affects 25% of men and women.

Why do I get Keratosis Pilaris?

The reason is unknown. Experts think that it could be caused by an overproduction of keratin. Keratosis Pilaris is not contagious, and it is not dangerous, which means that there is not much research done on the subject. Keratosis Pilaris just isnโ€™t that nice to look at, and can be very bothersome for those whom it affects. But the problem can be treated!

How to treat Keratosis Pilaris

First and foremost, start by treating the problem, since Keratosis Pilaris doesnโ€™t go away on its own. Here are 5 tips to keep in mind when treating bumps on your arms and legs:

  1. Choose skin care without perfume and colorants
    Keratosis Pilaris is made worse by skin care products that contain perfume and colorants. Therefore, focus on minimizing unnecessary skin irritation โ€“ this entails laundry detergent and body care products too.
  2. Moisture, moisture, moisture!
    Keratosis Pilaris can be reduced by help of daily moisturizing. So remember to use a good body lotion each day after bathing to avoid drying your skin out.
  3. Remember moisture-locking ingredients
    Look for products with moisture-locking ingredients, as these ingredients help your skin retain moisture. This could be glycerin for example.
  4. Minimize friction
    Close-fitting clothing creates rubbing and friction against the skin. This creates irritation, which worsens Keratosis Pilaris, and will give you more bumps on your legs and arms.
  5. Salicylic acid
    The most important ingredient in treating bumps on arms and legs is salicylic acid, as it penetrates into your skin and fights Keratosis Pilaris.

Would you like to wear short sleeves? Do you want to be able to show your legs? And do you want to fight bumps on your legs, thighs, arms and upper arms? The Danish Skin Care series will help you! Amazing Body Treat is especially fantastic against Keratosis Pilaris.

Get Amazing Body Treat for Keratosis Pilaris here

And remember!

Keratosis Pilaris is not a virus, a bacteria or a dangerous illness that is contagious. Keratosis Pilaris is a frustrating cosmetic problem that can be treated.

Nutritional advice for Keratosis Pilaris

What you eat has very little influence on Keratosis Pilaris. However, a healthy, balanced diet is always good for your skin. So focus on a healthy diet with lots of vegetables.

Remember oils!

Not in your skin care, but in your diet. Oils care for your body from the inside โ€“ and moisture is extremely important in the fight against Keratosis Pilaris.

Donโ€™t get fanatical, but be careful!

Of course, you can use some perfume, if youโ€™d like to smell good. But be careful using perfume directly on the skin, as it will irritate and worsen Keratosis Pilaris.

Minimize dairy products

Cowโ€™s milk is for babies. Not adults! Cowโ€™s milk causes irritation in the body, and it is the only food that causes pimples. Milk can also be a direct cause of Keratosis Pilaris.

Get more information and help treating bumps on arms and legs

Do you want to know more about treating Keratosis Pilaris? Check out these guides:

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