Your doctor may prescribe a topical medicine, such as lactic acid lotion (AmLactin or Lac-Hydrin), salicylic acid lotion (Salex lotion), retinoic acid products (Retin-A or Differin), urea cream (Carmol 10, 20, or 40), or alpha hydroxy acid lotion (Glytone). [5] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Some of these treatments are designed to remove dead skin cells, while others prevent the buildup of cells in your follicles. Your doctor may also prescribe a steroid cream (such as triamcinolone 0. 1%), which can reduce redness. [6] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
Your doctor can also examine your skin and determine if it’s safe to apply a peel, or apply additional treatments to make the peel more effective. [8] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Another option is photodynamic therapy (PDT). Basically, this treatment uses light combined with a photosensitizer that you apply to your skin to work on the condition. However, using it for keratosis pilaris is an off-label use, so it may not be covered by your insurance. [11] X Research source While laser and light-based therapies may improve the appearance of your skin, they won’t actually cure keratosis pilaris or related conditions.
For more severe keratin disorders, oral vitamin A treatments, such as isotretinoin, may be helpful. [13] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source However, these medications can have serious side effects, so talk to your doctor about the possible risks.
Limit your time in the bath or shower to about 10 minutes.
Avoid bar soaps, which can be drying. Stick to milder cleansers, such as an unscented, moisturizing body wash. [16] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Dermatology Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists Go to source
Reserve pumice stones and other harsh exfoliants for really rough areas, such as your feet.
Apply your moisturizer while the skin is still damp, just after showering. Many of the medications used to treat keratosis are drying. Always moisturize after applying an acid lotion, retinoid, or urea cream or ointment. If you’re having trouble with dry skin, pick a moisturizer that includes an oil or fat to help moisturize your skin. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Rough or tight-fitting clothes can also irritate keratosis bumps, causing redness and inflammation. Try to wear light, loose clothing to minimize irritation. [22] X Research source
Put a portable humidifier in your room or other areas where you spend time, or attach a humidifier to the heating system in your home. If you need to test the humidity, you can find hygrometers at your local hardware store. They look and work basically like a thermometer. Some humidifiers come with a hygrometer attached.
Change out the water every day if possible. To change out the water, unplug the unit. Pour out the water. Dry out the reservoir, and then refill it with clean water. Clean it out completely every 3 days. Unplug the unit. Make sure the unit doesn’t have mineral deposits by using hydrogen peroxide on it (3%). Rinse it out afterwards.
Depending on where you live, you may also be able to install a central unit that humidifies your whole home. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
