Keratosis Pilaris Remedies
Discover Keratosis Pilaris treatment using inexpensive natural cures like apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, goat’s milk, coconut milk and borage oil. Although this can be been a frustrating condition to have and to cure, keratosis pilaris can be cured naturally. Another bit of good news about keratosis pilaris is that it is usually gone before someone reaches the age of 30.
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
A fairly common condition, keratosis pilaris affects the skin, causing rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, typically on the arms, thighs, cheeks and buttocks. Unlike typical acne, however, keratosis pilaris bumps are usually white and rarely red. The condition generally does not itch or hurt but can be difficult to treat. Inflammation, redness and scarring may occur.
Keratosis pilaris can occur at any age, yet it is most common in young children and typically disappears after age 30. This condition tends to appear worse in the winter. Because keratosis pilaris may resemble goose or chicken flesh, it sometimes goes by the unfortunate name of "chicken skin".
What Causes Keratosis Pelasis?
Keratosis Pelasis is caused by a buildup of keratin, a protein that forms to protect the skin from infection and foreign substances. However, when too much keratin develops, a scaly plug forms that blocks the opening of the hair follicle. As several plugs form, rough, bumpy skin is often the result. The exact reason for the buildup of keratin is unknown, but it may be linked to genetic disease, another skin condition or dry skin.
Natural Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris
While most cases of keratosis pilaris resolve naturally, treatment can shorten the duration of the condition. Keratosis pilaris treatment often requires the application of topical treatments including apple cider vinegar amd coconut oil. Fish oil and borage oil are other useful home remedies. Dietary changes such as avoiding dairy and drinking raw green juices may also be tried.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Virgin Coconut Oil
When used as topical treatments, ACV and coconut oil have been successful in treating keratosis pilaris.
Dietary Changes
Some feel that keratosis pilaris reflects an intolerance for animal proteins and casein, found in dairy products. It will require trial-and-error testing to determine which food(s) are causing the problem. Juicing raw, organic, green leafy vegetables is recommended.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish oil supplements have been a successful cure. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids are sprouted chia and flax seeds and black cumin seeds and oils. Borage is very good for the skin in general; it has omega-6 fatty acids and is included with fish oil in some supplements.
Additional treatment options include MSM, DMSO and aspirin applied to the site of the condition. Continue reading below for more many detailed tips from Earth Clinic readers.
Remedies for KeratosisPilaris
26 User Reviews | 7 YEA Treatment
Posted by Tms (Stone Wall, Never Land ) on 06/12/2013
Yesterday I read about putting ACV on your arms for Keratosis Pilaris. So last night I mixed up some ACV and water, exfoliated my arms well and then put it on. It burned my arms, and just made them more red. I have a moderate/severe case of it, and I really want it to go away. Is the burning/initial redness normal? I know I've only done it once, but I'm wondering if it will eventually help. I'm also drinking an ACV/baking soda/water mix. I want to wear a dress in 2 days and I need my arms to look better. HELP! PLEASE!
Replied by Chad
Georgia
10/09/2014
Replied by Lesley
Hesperia, Ca
10/14/2015
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.
Posted by Susan (Stroudsburg, Pa) on 01/26/2009
[YEA] 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.
Replied by Celina
Aliso Viejo, California USA
06/24/2009
Replied by Dazy
Harwich, Ma
05/21/2011
Replied by H-town Kr
Houston, Texas
04/25/2012
Replied by Loubuggly
Zanesville, Ohio
05/17/2012
Replied by Mommy Of E
Three Rivers, Mi
08/16/2012
Replied by Jenny
Gotenburg, Sweden
10/05/2012
Posted by Elaine (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) on 07/05/2007
[YEA] I have Keratosis Pilaris and I have read on how ACV can help this condition I have. I have tried oil pulling with sunflower oil for the last 3 months but I dont see much improvement with my keratosis condition. However, having tried applying ACV on my skin for only the last 3 days I can see improvements already! However, I need to know what is the RIGHT way of consuming ACV for health benefits, be it for skin conditions or even for weight loss. There seems to be too many methods of consuming ACV here, so Im kinda confused :( Thanks!
Replied by TK
NYC, NY
12/16/2008
Replied by Jenna
Kansas City, KS
03/26/2009
Replied by Lasvegaslady
Las Vegasw, Nv, Usa
07/07/2010
Replied by Tvm
Deltona, Fl
08/28/2010
Replied by Renee
Chicago, Il
08/20/2011
Replied by Maz
Milford, Michigan
06/27/2012
Replied by Seth
Redwood City, Ca
02/11/2016
Replied by Seth
California
02/11/2016
Posted by Julie (Sacramento, CA, USA) on 04/19/2007
[YEA] I have had keratosis pilaris for many years. I tried apple cider vinegar as suggested and I am amazed at the results. Its only been 4 days and the Keratosis is 80% gone. I also noticed that Im not having spastic colon episodes and for the first time in years I am not needed a sleeping pill to get to sleep. I do have a question if you can kindly answer..Is putting vinegar on food (i.e. popcorn) as helpful as drinking it??
Posted by Julie (Sacramento, CA, USA) on 04/19/2007
[YEA] I have had keratosis pilaris for many years. I tried apple cider vinegar as suggested and I am amazed at the results. Its only been 4 days and the Keratosis is 80% gone. I also noticed that Im not having spastic colon episodes and for the first time in years I am not needed a sleeping pill to get to sleep. I do have a question if you can kindly answer..Is putting vinegar on food (i.e. popcorn) as helpful as drinking it??
Replied by Vocrc
Sacramento, California
07/06/2011
Replied by Brie
Columbia, Tn
12/16/2011
Replied by Happylittle Helen
Norfolk, Uk
03/16/2012
Replied by Mary
Quebec, Canada
05/17/2012
Borage Oil
1 User Reviews | 1 YEA
Posted by Daisy (Auckland, New Zealand) on 09/23/2012
[YEA] borage oil has been helpful... Think it helps to cut out dairy as well - which I shall be doing. borage oil is GLA (omega 6) if you can't get borage oil, evening primrose oil is also GLA (omega 6).
Castile or Goat Milk Soap
2 User Reviews | 1 YEA | 1 NAY
Posted by Lisa (Columbus, Oh) on 04/22/2010
[YEA] 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.
Replied by Lou
Tyler, Tx
07/29/2012
Coconut Milk
2 User Reviews | 1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED
Posted by Nicole (Melbourne Australia) on 09/29/2013
Hi everyone, I've been doing a lot f research on the internet and found a few people saying they either switched their milk to coconut milk or used coconut milk soap and their Keratosis Pilaris (kp) has reduced by about 90% or completely gone. I've had kp for a long time and I've always had trouble drinking milk. I find it too heavy for my stomach but I am going to try coconut milk and I will let you know how I go. I apply coconut oil on my skin after I shower and that seems to help me a lot but there still is a lot of kp left and I want to find a way to get rid of it completely. I hope some of you will help me try this remedy and see if it works, wish me luck :)
Replied by Nicole
Melbourne Australia
10/26/2013
Coconut Oil
10 User Reviews | 2 YEA | 1 BETTER BUT NOT CURED | 1 WARNING!
Posted by Amazed (Australia) on 02/11/2015
[YEA] I just wanted to comment on the amazing results we have had using Coconut Oil for Keratosis Pilaris. My 10 year old daughter has had the bumps on her upper arms and just a small amount on her cheeks for as long as I can remember but as it was not too noticeable we have just always moisturised it but otherwise left it alone. Just recently seemingly overnight her whole face became covered with it. She was becoming quite anxious about it so we tried a few different things which only seemed to inflame it. After reading some other posts on this website I decided to give the Coconut Oil a try as we already had some that I use in cooking so I thought it couldn't do too much harm. I have to say this stuff is amazing for your skin. After just one application overnight there was over 50% improvement. We have been applying it twice a day now for just over a week and I would say about 95% of the bumps have gone. Her skin is glowing and smoother than it has ever been. Thanks to those who suggested it.
Replied by Timh
KY
12/11/2014
Posted by Grace (Pdx) on 11/17/2013
I researched and read that it a result of too much protein or dairy I'm going to stop both and see what happens, also vitamin A levels should be checked .I'm doing tea tree oil and coconut oil mixed and seeing some results. I wonder if it is liver overload. My Chinese medicine doctor says, " What is going on the inside of the body is being seen on the outside of the body ." Please sure that your using Organic virgin coconut oil made from FRESH coconuts dried coconuts have mycotoxins
Posted by Nicole (Melbourne, Australia) on 01/17/2013
[BETTER BUT NOT CURED] Hi everyone, I have suffered from KP since the age of 4 that's as far as I can remember, I had it all over my legs and for the past year I got it on my arms. I have now been applying organic extra virgin coconut oil cold pressed on my arms and legs everyday for the past 3 months and I have noticed a big difference. The red dots have gone especially on my arms I would say about 90% gone but I still have the bumps both on my arms and legs, there is an improvement but maybe I need to keep using it or maybe even ingesting it might help me more but I thought I would put it out there and I will write back in a couple of months and let you know if it's gone completely or not. I also use goat's milk soap and apply the coconut oil after my shower before bed.
Thank you earth clinic for all your help and good luck to everyone.
Posted by Kay (Toronto, Canada) on 11/30/2007
[WARNING!] Hi everyone. I've been ingesting and using 100% pure organic coconut oil since October 2007. I have excema and keratosis pilaris. I've found that my keratosis has gotten better, practicaly non existent, but my excema has worsened. I find that it is drying on my skin and I would need to keep moisturizing constantly throughout the day which is no good. Not sure if that is just because of the cleansing properties of the coconut oil and the toxins are just making their way out of my system or not .. but my excema has definitely not improved. in fact, i've developed a whole new kind of rash. kind of a blistery raised looking rash. I had to switch back to using Aveeno on my skin and just ingesting the coconut oil. Has this happened to anyone else?? Should I be drinking more water? I only take a teaspoon of the oil a day and drink aloe vera juice as well, twice a day. should I just continue to' take the oil and put it on my skin?
Replied by Susan
Stroudsburg, Pa
01/26/2009
Replied by J.C.
Champaign, IL.
07/03/2009
Replied by Veronica
Las Vegas, Nv
09/21/2009
Replied by Brian
Barrie, Ont Canada
06/01/2011
Replied by Jennifer
Detroit, Mi
02/23/2012
Replied by Rachel
New York, Ny
05/16/2012
Dietary Changes
5 User Reviews | 2 YEA
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 04/22/2010
[YEA] 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
Replied by Pip
Los Angeles, Ca
04/30/2010
Replied by Jason
Chico, California
01/16/2012
Replied by Dale
Fairfield, Ct
02/04/2012
Replied by Margaret
Lansdale, Pa
05/19/2013
DMSO and Aspirin
3 User Reviews | 1 YEA
Posted by Ana (Tamuning, Guam) on 01/27/2012
[YEA] 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!
Replied by Anthony
Philadelphia, Pa
01/27/2012
Replied by Mariz
Doha, Qatar
09/02/2014