The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Exfoliate Daily
Posted by H-town Kr (Houston, Texas) on 04/25/2012
★★★★★
A better remedy to get rid of the bumps and to not deal with the smell of ACV is to exfoliate everyday. Get a natural loofah and buy an exfoliating gel or liquid soap (one that has oatmeal or walnut bits in it) and exfoliate in the shower daily. You will need to scrub well and it will be a bit rough on your skin. Apply non scented lotion afterward to soothe your skin. If you do this daily, your KR will improve. It will take at least a month to notice the difference but it really works. I've had KR for over 20 years.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Happylittle Helen (Norfolk, Uk) on 03/16/2012
★★★★★
I am using the remedy on one arm and not the other as an experiment and am noticing a difference after only 24 hours so am very hopeful this will be my saving grace! Thank you for the recipe.
Fish Oil Supplements
Posted by Saz (Nuneaton, United Kingdom) on 03/07/2012
★★★★★
I got the same results from using fish oil supplements. I have had KP since I was about 13 and have tried changing washing detergents, a multitude of shower gels and moisturisers. Nothing worked. Then I started taking fish oil for nothing other than its health benefits and found as an added bonus it cleared up my KP!
Gentle Sanding
Posted by Jennifer (Detroit, Mi) on 02/23/2012
★★★★☆
I am going to try Apple Cider Vinegar and coconut oil on my daughters who both have bad cases of KP. We have been using a foot sander to gently exfoliate their arms and legs once a week. This very cheap method is the only thing I have found that actually gives them smooth skin. They cost about $2 at any drugstore. It does not take away the red spots. It does help them feel better about the texture of their skin. I highly recommend for those with a heavy case. I have used KP Duty and other creams from our dermatologist but gentle sanding is the only thing that has actually helped us.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dale (Fairfield, Ct) on 02/04/2012
★★★★★
After several years of research, I have come into the agreement that keratosis pilaris is primarily the manifestation of chronic autoimmune inflammation or allergic reactions in response to various substances of certain foods. The particular set of causes can differ from person to person. I suggest doing an elimination diet that involves one or more of the following: dairy, soy, grains, wheat, protein. I recommend first reducing your total protein intake, avoiding animal proteins, and restricting the consumption of gluten grains for a good while. At the same time, eat softer foods that are easier to ingest. Do try to detoxify and cleanse a little more as well. If possible, you should definitely seek out doctors that can perform thorough testing for a multitude of sensitivities and intolerances. Finally, see what amount of local food you can obtain or grow yourself. I wish you success.
DMSO and Aspirin
Posted by Ana (Tamuning, Guam) on 01/27/2012
★★★★★
My Keratosis Pilaris (alba) is barely perceivable after only two applications of 70% DMSO mixed with aspirin (a beta-hydroxy acid. ) Fast results! I am so happy!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Len D (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 01/26/2012
★★★★★
Just had to write: I was doing some research on what was causing crusty white patches on my hands. I find out it was solar keratosis (too much time spent in the sun).
Anyways, I found this apple cider vinegar (ACV) site and discussions regarding "healthy skin" and decided to give it a try. Got some apple cider vinegar and started to drink it with 1 tsp in 1 cup of water and started sipping during the day. I noticed three days later, the keratosis spots had diminished by 80%. They are now just light brown spots that resemble skin (and not crusts). I'm a believer.
The only caution I have is after every sip I rinse with clear water. The apple cider vinegar (being acidic) and teeth don't play nice together.
Fish Oil Supplements
Posted by Am (Jackson Hole, Wy) on 01/13/2012
In Response to Dm from Princeton's comment about laundry detergent. Over the past ten years, I've heard during visits to 3 dermatologists that laundry detergents might be a culprit in the cause of KP. For 7 or so years, I've used only the "free and clear" versions of laundry detergents & fabric softener/dryer sheets without added dyes of frangrances and have seen no relief if my KP. If KP is caused by laundry detergent, then perhaps it's a more essential ingredient of detergent that causes it that still remains in the "skin friendly" laundry detergents.
Witch Hazel
Posted by Renae (Pottsville , Pa) on 11/01/2011
My daughter has KP too... We've been to the derm so many times to be told she has to just live with this. I've done research and found these remedies on my own. African Black Soap to detoxify her skin. This is a "wonderful" product for any skin blemishes. It even is great for moms with crows feet!! I use it every time I shower!!! Then we use Neem Oil, which is stinky, so we only apply it once on the weekends for 30 minutes to her arms. We have seen a GREAT improvement after 2 years of seeing NOTHING help.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Jay (Toronto, Canada) on 11/01/2011
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I noticed that my kp went away totally when I was raw! Unfortunately, raw did not agree with me and left me with a slew of other health issues. But 2 great benefits I had were my kp totally disappearing for the first time in my life and my eyesight getting better - my eyeglasses prescription improved!
Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax
Posted by Cassandra (Halifax, Ns) on 09/04/2011
★★★★★
Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax for KP
I have Vitiligo & have been trying his recipe for curing it using borax and hydrogen peroxide. Since I know KP (keratosis pilaris) is more often than not a parasitic condition, and I know the mentioned chemical combo is used on dogs and cats for demodex mite infestation, Ive applied the solution to the sides of my face and backs of my arms each night before bed. I dont rinse it off. So far it has been extremely effective! Not much has happened with the Vitiligo spot, but I will keep you posted on both!
P.S I also drink 500ml of hot water and ACV every morning upon rising.
Detoxification
Posted by Renee (Chicago, Il) on 08/20/2011
★★★★★
I'm of fair complexion with dry, sensitive skin so have suffered with keratoses pilaris, eczema, cracked skin on hands during winter and various rashes at different times in my life. I've found that when my diet is clean (free from foods and beverages high in fat, additives and preservatives) my skin tends to be clear also. I supplement my diet with a probiotic in capsule form daily, which also seems to help prevent colds and gastro-intestinal maladies by boosting the immune system through balance of the intestinal flora and keeping yeast (fungus) in check. I also use ginger, chili powder, cumin, turmeric, garlic and onion regularly in my cooking.
When I was in my twenties, I went for a series of 11 colonics over ten weeks. I was amazed that the keratosis pilaris on my buttocks had completely disappeared and my skin, as smooth as silk. It was clear that the detoxification of my system through the colonic regimen had created the desired effect. Hope this helps!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Vocrc (Sacramento, California) on 07/06/2011
★★★★★
I have used the recipe mentioned:
4 oz of organic coconot oil
1 table spoon of soy lecithin (emulsifier)
4 oz of organic apple cider vinegar
It has worked very well for me. I found the Coconut oil and ACV at Trader Joe's. I bought the soy lecithin at a vitamin store near my house. All the products cost me about $15. I melted the coconut oil in the microwave. 4oz is about 1/2 a cup. I mixed the products and left it in a plastic container under my bathroom sink. After I shower I use a cotton ball to apply the mixture to my skin. If it is relatively warm in your home the mixture will not solidify- otherwise you may have to throw it in the microwave for a few seconds to make it a liquid again. It will smell (due to ACV) until it dries and then the smell goes away. I use this every morning and the Keratosis behind my legs has vastly improved! You do not need to moisturize afterwards because the coconut oil hydrates your skin. Good luck...
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Erin (Nashville, Tn) on 06/13/2011
One of the biggest culprits in keratosis pilaris is actually retinol (vit. A) deficiency. Many people have defective bata carotene conversion (this is genetic) and don't convert beta carotene to retinol as a result.
Good food sources are egg yolks and liver or you can take cod liver oil or a natural vit. A supplement. Topical creams containing retinol or vitamin A are also effective.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Brian (Barrie, Ont Canada) on 06/01/2011
Dr Hulda Clarke in her books, notes that most skin afflications are parasite based. Im wondering if Black walnut tincture would help, it can be bought or made, if you would like Dr Clarkes amazing book I will email freely to anyone. Another good rememdy for skin afflictions is Ozonated Olive Oil. Best of Health and Luck to all who reside here!!!!!!!
Brian
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dazy (Harwich, Ma) on 05/21/2011
I can't wait to try this. I'm also a believer in mind/body connection. Louise Hay suggests that skin problems are connected to anxiety, fear, old buried guck, being threatened. It is curious that my KP didn't flare up until I entered a new situation in life which provoked fear/anxiety. Looking forward to trying the remedy in conjunction with positive affirmation (and addressing the situation). Will report back on my progress.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Meagan (Marshall, Tx) on 02/11/2011
Ironically, I found the BEST remedy for this. UV light. I used to lifeguard in college, and my KP was never a problem, as long as I was sunning every day. That was about 10 years ago and I have not lifeguarded or really been in the sun much-even recreationally. I recently began going to the tanning bed (5-7 min. At a time, 3 times a week). Not to fix my KP, but to get a tan... and my KP has almost completely cleared up! It was markedly better after 2 weeks of UV exposure.
I haven't been able to shave my legs for over a year b/c the KP is so bad on my legs... Needless to say-hubby wants me to keep up the tanning sessions-if only to keep the bumps away!
This is not a treatment I have read about or anything-just something I've discovered after living a life with KP... Sun exposure or tanning bed exposure works wonders!
Fish Oil Supplements
Posted by Ds (Usa) on 02/02/2011
I agree the chemical stuff is not helping, but I think KP is one of the symptoms of overgrowth of yeast (and/or improper fat digestion, since B5 helps) and consequent mites (they like the yeast).
The reason it improves in the summer is because the mites (demodex) don't like light of any kind, especially the healing sun. Also, the sun improves our immune system. And I think a lot of our issues reflect a lack of Vitamin D. We weren't meant to be indoors all day long.
On a metaphysical level, it's almost like we have a subconscious "death wish. " We're living these lives filled with products (so many poisons) and activities that go against LIFE, a natural life. I can't help but see these mites like maggots, eating away at us, like our stress and misery are eating away at us. I believe when we aren't truly happy (consciously and subconsciously), and most of us aren't, we speak to the Universe with a desire to leave this world. And so one way many of us manifest that "wish, " is to get sick--and slowly die, maggot-like bugs eating at us all the while... We look old way before that should be.
So many things we need to change.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Margaret (Toronto, Canada) on 12/29/2010
Hi Juan,
I've heard people say that when they clean up their diets, Keratosis Pilaris disappears. What do I mean by cleaning up your diet? Eating zero processed foods. No sodas. No fast food. No margarine/ corn oil/soybean oil. No pop-into-the-microwave meals. Make everything from scratch using the healthiest ingredients you can afford - organic fruit and vegetables, grass-fed meat, eggs from truly free range chickens, olive oil, good quality butter etc. These are dietary changes that are good for everyone, not some fad diet, so you really can't lose. If it doesn't fix your Keratosis Pilaris, it'll probably benefit in you in other ways. You can't lose. Good luck!
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 12/29/2010 392 posts
Juan:
If I had a difficult to solve skin problems I always used a 50% DMSO with tannic acid. If a 50% dmso is prepared in a 100 cc then I would add 1/4 teaspoon of tannic acid, then apply on the skin between 5 to 10 times a day, unrinsed. It tends to deactivate a lot of proteins that caused the problem by denaturing them.
Ted
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Juan (Anon, Usa) on 12/27/2010
★☆☆☆☆
Hello Ted,
I have had Keratosis Pilaris on my arms for the longest time and I've tried everything everyone recommends but none of it works (ACV, VCO). Do you have any ideas on what can possibly help to remove the bumps all over my arms?
Thanks and Happy Holidays,
Juan
Multiple Remedies
Posted by K (Denver, Colorado) on 07/16/2010
I think that while detergents may be a minor cause of KP, the winter/summer issue has to do with the exposure to sun. Dermatologists have long known that sun exposure helps minimize the appearance of KP. I think that KP is a result of dietary problems and also our skin care routines. We use harsh soaps which dry out the skin and increase the alkalinity making it more susceptible to bacteria. Then we use all these oil free moisturizers, and so our bodies tell us we need to produce more oil and as a result our bodies produce these little oil plugs in the hair follicles. I have recently started using a combination of 1 part extra virgin olive oil to 1/4 part cold pressed castor oil and massaging it on my upper arms for five to ten minutes before I get in the shower. The olive oil is a carrier oil and moisturizer while the castor oil helps to break up the oil plugging the hair follicles. I then wipe off as much oil as possible with a warm wet washcloth while in the shower. I have stopped using all soaps and instead just use the oil combination. After my shower I apply just a couple of drops of jojoba oil as a moisturizer. My skin all over feels softer and smoother and the feel and appearance of my KP has significantly decreased.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pauline (Cheshire, Uk) on 07/14/2010
Hi Jean
The recipe is from Kathy's post on Curing Broken Capillaries (thanks, Kathy of Dubois! ) She gives a detailed description on how to make it so you might want to read her post. It's an acquired taste but it helps if you think of the good it's doing! I had to chop the peel into tiny pieces up with kitchen scissors just before eating and mixing into my breakfast fruit and yoghurt. I started off just eating a tsp but now I'm eating a heaped tbsp.
The recipe is:
3-4 organic oranges or a mix of oranges and lemons (this includes the peel too)
1 tablespoon of sea salt or pink salt
1/4 cup whey (from organic yoghurt with active cultures)
1/2 cup of filtered water (I used Evian)
1/4 cup organic honey
I put the sliced fruit into a clear jar (the type used for home-made jam, poured the liquids over and let it ferment for 3 days before transferring to the fridge. The first lot was okay but the second grew some mould on the peel that was above the liquid. It was very hot at that time so 2 days would have been better.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jean (Cerritos, Ca) on 07/13/2010
Pauline, could you please tell me what the orange/lemon mixture was that you mentioned and the amounts of each. Thank you, Jean
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Pauline (Cheshire, Uk) on 07/13/2010
★★★☆☆BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
We used sea buckthorn for a family member whose Keratosis Pilaris (KP) had spread over the entire back and upper arms. Within two weeks of applying seabuckthorn wash and cream, it flared up dramatically, covering front, shoulders and thighs. This is the third week and it's now clearing up. I recently realised through reading Earth clinic that I may have both rosacea and KP which worsen during stress. I'm using sea buckthorn and the orange/lemon recipe (Kathy of Dubois) as Ted recommended orange peel oil for rosacea. Also taking l-lysine 500mg and vit C 2500mg with 1/8th tsp of bicarbonate of soda twice a day though I'm not sure if this is enough. It's a work in progress. I still have signs of rosacea (visible veins, redness, large pores, blotches) but overall, the skin now has a 'purity' or dewiness to it. My husband keeps asking what I've done to my skin as I look younger.
For the KP on legs, I also use one drop of 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide in a squidge of aloe vera. Although the KP was still visible, the skin instantly felt smoother on the very first application. For the last week, I've been on the sea salt cleanse and this has really helped improve the texture of the skin and the red veins in my eyes. Think the mites have set up home there! Exercise definitely helps. I've had to stop jogging for a while but it did clear the skin. We eat about 60% raw, aiming for 75%. It's taken a lifetime to become ill so I suppose it will take a while to gain optimum health.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lasvegaslady (Las Vegasw, Nv, Usa) on 07/07/2010
★★★★★
I've been reading for hours on different remedies for different ailments I have. This one in particular caught my eye. I was diagnosed with keratosis pilaris over 10 years ago by a dermatologist who said there was nothing he or I could do about it. Stated it was "just something some women get" and that it was tied to hormones. He gave me a lotion-type prescription to use to make my skin not-so-bumpy, but it didn't work. I bought some products from a website that touted they could get rid of "chicken bumps". Initially I did feel and see a slight difference, but it didn't last. I was so self conscious about the way my arms looked and felt. It was so bad that whenever anyone touched my arms, they would always think I was cold and would try to rub them more to warm me up. To get over that, I stopped wearing short sleeved shirts, even when it was 100 degrees outside! Anyway, I tried this recipe and I PROMISE you it WORKS!!! The very next day after I made and applied the mixture, my arms felt smooth and touchable. Everyday when I get out of the shower, I spray on the mixture (I keep it in a small spray bottle) and rub it into my skin. I've been following this regimine for about a month now and I don't even notice the ACV smell. While my upper arms still look "bumpy", they feel totally smooth to the touch. I'm so glad I read this article and took a chance on trying the home remedy. Its summer time in Las Vegas, and I was burning up wearing my long-sleeved shirts... Now I have no problem going sleeveless again!!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Pip (Los Angeles, Ca) on 04/30/2010
★★★★★
I dropped dairy and grains and tried soap without parabens, which helped somewhat, especially avoiding hard cheese. However, after dropping Soy Lecithin from my diet my Keratosis Pilaris has cleared up very well.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 04/22/2010
★★★★★
I have seen keratosis pilaris completely eradicated in both my husband and daughter-in-law. It has been done through dietary changes. In the case of my husband, we have eliminated all dairy, eat mostly raw and take green juices every morning. But in the case of my daughter-in-law, I recommended she stop eating dairy. That was a big request for her since she was born and raised in Paris and absolutely loved cheese and yogurt. The main reason I suggested that was because she had a lot of stomach issues.
Well, it's been about 6 mo. since she's really done that and the other day she came to me to say she's noticed many changes in herself since she did that. Her stomach no longer bothers her which is a biggie and a tremendous relief to her. Interestingly, she was told that yogurt would help her stomach, so she would eat it when it hurt. The pain would stop temporarily but then it would return within about an hour.
The second thing she noticed was all the bumps on her upper arms disappeared. The reason she was coming to me was because they have recently returned but this time with white heads on them. She wanted to see if I had an explanation and what else she could do to facilitate her changes. I explained that often, detoxing will come in stages as the body cleanses deeper and deeper, detoxifying old stuff that our body has accumulated. She is only 20 so thankfully, there aren't too many years of accumulation! I also suggested to go gluten-free and drink green juices every morning. Well, she has embraced both of these and is seeing herself rejuvenated! I have to say her facial skin glows! She is a model so that is, most definitely, a benefit to her. She also said she feels lighter and is thinking clearer. She said she has no intention of returning to eating dairy after seeing these big changes especially the absence of constant stomach pain.
I hope this information can help someone else out there. There are answers...
Peace to all of you, Lisa
Castile or Goat Milk Soap
Posted by Lisa (Columbus, Oh) on 04/22/2010
★★★★★
For Keratosis Pilaris I have discovered that washing with castile soaps with a loofa works wonderfully. I've been using this soap for a few months now and the bumps on my arms almost gone. I have also used soaps made with goat's milk and they work very well also, but for me the castile soaps seem to work a little better. Rinsing in a little bit of cooler temperature water also seems to help.
Fish Oil Supplements
Posted by Dm (Princeton, Nj Usa) on 04/21/2010
I understand that there are many effective treatments and the natural lifestyle changes are the more effective ones. However, these are all treatments. I would like to officially propose what I currently believe to be the cause of/cure for keratosis pilaris. It seems to make clear sense that laundry detergents and such are the main culprits. If you think about it, just about everyone who wears clothing is constantly exposed to those harsh chemicals that are overused everyday. Why do you think kp is abated in the summer only to return returns in the winter, can appear only almost anywhere on the body, and occurs in places like Ireland and England? I have yet to read a single discussion regarding this chemical calamity of Western society that is hidden in plain sight. Would someone follow up on this?
Fish Oil Supplements
Posted by Sarah (Mableton, Ga) on 10/28/2009
★★★★☆
keratosis pilaris
I have had "chicken skin" since I was pre-adolescent and thought it would be a lifelong ailment. I started reading about the benefits of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids and began incorporating omega-3 fish oil supplements into my diet for general health reasons. To my astonishment, my KP cleared up within 3 weeks! The redness and bumpiness were simply gone. I later quit taking the supplements (sheer forgetfulness) and noticed that my arms felt bumpy again, but it's still not red and inflamed and itchy like it used to be. It's a good reason/reminder to get me back taking the supplements, anyway. The softgels I used were 1000 mg cold water fish oil and I took one per day.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Veronica (Las Vegas, Nv) on 09/21/2009
I have used coconut oil on my skin for years. I have eczema and C.O. helps moisturize and prevents infection because of it's antibacterial/antifungal properties.
My best cure for eczema is to avoid allergy foods and take Evening Primrose Oil, 3000-6000mg a day. Plus, I expose the rash to 15-30 minutes of direct sunlight each day. The sunlight must be in the morning between 7:30-10:30 am. The healing rays are strongest at that time and the harmful UV rays are minimal. (tanning booths work too.) This may sound like an odd treatment, but the sunlight prescription was the best advise a natural doctor ever gave to me. The sunlight will heal my eczema in two days with the E.P.O.!
The sunlight will also help with yeast/fungus/tinitus rashes too, because yeast is a fungus that grows in the dark and hates sunlight. If the rash diminishes but still persists you are probably dealing with yeast. Start using Lotramin AF daily. If it starts to go away, you ARE dealing with yeast/fungus for sure. You must use the Lotramin AF consistantly without a break until the stubborn fungus is gone - it might take two weeks. (Be careful not to cross contaminate your other oils/creams after you touch a yeast infection. Wash your hands thouroughly.)
happy healing!
Coconut Oil
Posted by J.C. (Champaign, IL. ) on 07/03/2009
Kay from Toronto: Your new rash sounds like yeast. Coconut oil has antifungal properties, as does the raw apple cider vinegar! You are most likely killing off yeast and experiencing "die-off". As frustrating as it is, continue on with the ACV and CO! Try rubbing the ACV on the new rash (dilute it or it might burn...I've used 1-2 tbsp ACV per 1 cup of water). It will help kill the yeast, as will the coconut oil. I've also heard taking biotin and Grapefruit seed extract helps minimize the die off reactions.
On a side note, I am so encouraged by all of your stories! I have battled KP my whole life. I feel so unattractive when my husband rubs my arms or back. He doesn't care but it is always something that makes me want to shy away. I am going to try it in the shower and in a mix. I will let you know how it turns out! Thanks!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/26/2009
FYI... All skin conditions stem from the GUT. You could be allergic to something you are eating. Finding out "WHAT" and eliminating it is helpful. Then "HEALING" the stomach lining is important. BEETS and OKRA are healing to the lining.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/26/2009
★★★★★
I too had a lifetime of "chicken skin" as its called on the back of my arms. I read here about the ACV and coconut oil. I was worried about your ingredients mix, as I thought I would smell like ACV if I applied it. So I take an empty and cleaned hand soap container, fill it with [...] Raw ACV and keep it in the shower. I wash my arms with the ACV. When I exit the shower I put organic extra virgin coconut oil (unrefined, unbleached) on my arms straight out of the container as a lotion. I now am constantly rubbing my SMOOTH ARMS, just feel to them, as I never had them without bumps before. It's a great feeling, and I will not be embarrassed to wear short sleeves anymore.
