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Keratosis Pilaris

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Dietary Changes for Keratosis Pilaris

noel (merced, CA) on 02/10/2024
5 out of 5 stars

Dietary changes might be best in my opinion. I still have a spot on my scalp but it feels like its getting smaller even though I stray from the diet from times. After watching Dr. Berg video on follicular keratosis, he recommends: Vitamin A (important) vitamin E, D & K also. Have your doctor check your nutrient/vitamin levels. There are also urine tests you can buy on amazon to check urine bile levels. He also goes on about insulin resistance being another suspect. From personal experience in my own health journey, my nutrient deficiencies were caused by fatty liver or liver not functioning 100% which leads to malabsorbtion. Other things that lead to malabsorbtion are low stomach acid and low bile production from sluggish gallbladder which both can be caused by processed foods & low stomach acid. So try to cut all grains and seed/vegetable oils & packaged foods from your diet. Supplement with omega 3 as your ratio may be low. You need to be sure 3 things are functioning optimally: 1. stomach acid/digestion 2. Gallbladder/bile storage & regulation 3. Liver/bile production. if one of these three isnt working right, you will have all kinds of problems from malabsorbtion. In my case ALL THREE organs were drastically underperforming due to my soda pop and beer addictions that gave me fatty liver. I was in bad shape and all the doctors told me was I need to lose weight. I was already 140 pounds dripping wet. I had acid reflux and they gave me pills which just made my stomach acid even lower. One sign of low stomach acid is acid reflux. Most doctors will prescribe antacid for acid reflux and this is the opposite of what is needed for most people. Acid reflux is usually sign of LOW stomach acid. You can rectify this with 3-5 grams Betaine HCL taken ten minutes before mealtime but you really need to get to the core problem of what is causing low stomach acids. If you dont have Betaine HCL you can try drinking a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar prior to eating. if the acid reflux/bloating isn't present, your stomach acid may be fine, then you can look at the gallbladder or liver. If you eat a lot of sugar, carbs, high fructose corn syrup, you can almost guarantee your liver may have fat deposits so stay away from those sweets & carbs. Research foods that stimulate bile flow (beet flow) without causing liver fat. I know you just want to get rid of the acnitic keratosis, but the keratosis in my case was just the tip of the iceberg - a symptom of a more severe underlying health issue that needed to be addressed which cannot resolve if you keep a poor diet. Good luck.

Castor Oil Packs for Keratosis Pilaris

Lynda ( California) on 01/21/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Re; Bells Palsy and Keratosis pillars:

I was using castor oil on my face for Bells Palsy. I applied it on my face with cotton ball and covered my face with plastic on each side (left opening for nose so I could breath) then put a"moisture" heating pad that you warm in microwave over my face for 20 minutes every night. Can't be sure if it's helping my Bells Palsy but after literally years and years of going to doctors for kreatosis polaris and using suggested home remedies, the castor oil "completely" cured my Keratisis polaris within in a couple of weeks. I first noticed within a couple of days it was resolving. I've had the condition for at least 10 years.

Vitamin D3 and Magnesium Malate for Keratosis Pilaris

Paloma (Lakewood, Ca) on 12/18/2017
5 out of 5 stars

For a while now I've been meaning to buy a better quality magnesium and ditch my crappy magnesium oxide. I had been taking magnesium and D3 for my psoriasis (that will be a different post altogether). Recently when I finally bought some Magnesium Malate and started taking it, I noticed that my keratosis improved.

D3 can be harmful without Magnesium and Vitamin K, so I take all three.

I try to make it my daily routine, but realistically, I remember to do this about 4 times a week:

- 2 capsules 1000 iu D3 (From Trader Joe's. Capsules, not tablets.)
- 1 tablet 425 mg Magnesium Malate (I switched from Magnesium Oxide.)
- 1 tablet Vitamin K (I take Vit K only in the occasion I don't get enough from food sources.)

After a few days of taking this, I noticed that my keratosis on the back of my upper arms went away. A few days after that, my chronic hives on my forearms went away too.

The keratosis on my upper arms didn't bother me. It was more the burning hives that were a concern, but it's an added bonus to have smooth upper arms again.

If I would forget to take my supplement trio, the keratosis would return only after a day or so.

Niacin for Keratosis Pilaris

Erin (Durham, Nc) on 06/10/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I really hope anyone with keratosis pilaris sees this post because niacin had been a game changer!!!

I have had this "chicken skin" for as long as I can remember. It's hasn't been ruining my life, but it is annoying. However, I recently accidentally discovered a cure: Niacin!

I try to take it regularly because, well, I actually like the way the flush feels. It just feels like it's healthy.

Recently I just happened to notice that my chicken skin was gone. Then I went on vacation and forgot my Niacin. No biggie, but my chicken skin came back. Then when I got home and took the Niacin, it went away again.

I've actually done 3 "experiments" since then (a few months ago) and I've gotten the same results:
Niacin = smooth upper arms
No Niacin = Bumps

I'd say start low, but not too low - it seems to me that as you build up B3 in your system, you flush less. I am trying 1000mg/day, and that seems to be maintaining, but I'd say start around 100, and EMBRACE THE FLUSH!

I've always been a little envious of girls with smooth skin, but now I have it, too, and it's really nice!! I also find that sun helps with the chicken skin but it takes longer to work.

Seriously, if you have this condition, try Niacin. I'm curious to see how many other people it helps!!

L-Lysine for Keratosis Pilaris

Lindsat (Sydney ) on 06/02/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I have been taking L lysine for dyshidrotic eczema on my fingers - it has worked wonders, but no doctors or pharmacy seems to know about it! As a bonus, it seems it has also cleared my KP!

Coconut Oil and Dry Brushing for Keratosis Pilaris

Mina_mtl (Montreal) on 01/22/2017
5 out of 5 stars

I have found coconut oil very helpful for KP, which I've had for over 20 years. I use virgin, cold pressed, organic CO directly on the skin after showering. I also eat a spoonful a day, usually melted into my coffee. After doing this for about a year, plus a number of other dietary changes (please see my first, big post if you want details), my KP is 80-90% reduced. But I saw positive change almost right away, including reduction in redness, itchiness, and bumpiness. Dry brushing increased the positive effects for me. At first I had to dry brush every day (to help shed the dead skin) but now I only need to dry brush 2-3x/week. I still eat and apply coconut oil every day.

Keratosis Pilaris Triggers

Kristina (Pittsburgh, Usa) on 08/31/2016

Hi,

My son has KP on his lower part of arms and upper parts of legs, he is 10 years old, he had this for a long time. I took him to dermatologist and was recommended regular out of the counter moisturizers :/ especially in winter time, when skin gets more dry. But it never went away completely.

Then this year we went on vacation overseas to Armenia, we spent 2 months there. Guess what? All his skin was nice and smooth by the time we got back to the States!

I was shocked! Now my question is maybe local water makes it worse? or the wheat? or dairy?

While on vacation he ate everything fresh and organic, drank water from the faucet which is very good there. Showered with same water. So I do not know what exactly causing this Keratosis pilaris but I am so curious to find out.

Oil Pulling With Coconut Oil Helps Keratosis Pilaris Temporarily

N A (Tempe, Arizon) on 08/29/2016
4 out of 5 stars

WORKS TEMPORARILY

I have a very light case of KP. I tried applying various remedies right onto my skin, but they would just soften the bumps for the day. Exfoliating just made my skin more irritated. I eventually learned about oil pulling and tried with sesame oil. The strong flavor made me gag if I did it after meal (because I didn't have time to do it before the meal). After getting organic, cold-pressed coconut oil, I found that I could oil pull before and after a meal no problem. After about week of daily swishing, I noticed that the bumps in one of my patches were starting to go down. I've been doing this for about a month, if I skip oil pulling for more than two day the bumps start to rise up again.

Sunlight for Keratosis Pilaris

Nicole (Melbourne) on 11/17/2015
5 out of 5 stars

I went to see a dermatologist overseas while I was on holidays visiting some family. She said that keratosis pilaris will go away with plenty of sun exposure and it will get better with age. My 3 younger cousins have it very bad but every summer they go to the beach and try to get burned (not a good idea) but what I noticed is that their kp was completely gone and they had super soft, super smooth skin.

I also noticed, because I'm so white that after I got burned pretty badly my kp also went away for a little while, it came back once summer was over but it wasn't as bad as the back of my legs that didn't get much sun exposure.

I'm not saying go out and get burned but I have noticed that sun exposure helped me and my cousins a lot with keratosis pilaris.

I've had good results with coconut oil and grape seed oil but nothing as good as my experience with the sun.

Good luck everyone.

Grape Seed Oil Helping Keratosis Pilaris

Nicole (Melbourne) on 03/31/2015
5 out of 5 stars

I found a page on facebook where a person found relief from kp with grape seed oil. So I went out and got 100% pure grape seed oil and started to apply it on my skin after the shower everyday before bed (so I don't walk around during the day all greasy) After 5 days of doing this I have noticed a huge improvement. You don't need to be dripping with oil you just need enough to cover your skin. Coconut oil was very helpful with my kp but I noticed a better improvement with grape seed oil.

I will also be doing a coffee scrub to help with my cellulite once or twice a week. I have noticed that coffee scrubs also help my kp but this time I will be mixing the ground coffee with grape seed oil. I use more oil in the mixture to help the coffee grounds stick to my skin, I rub it in for 5 minutes and I leave it on for 20 minutes to help with cellulite. If you don't have cellulite then you can just mix brown sugar with grape seed oil and use that as a scrub.

Grape seed oil has also helped lighten uneven or hyperpigmentation in skin and has also helped people with acne and dark under eye circles (remember you don't need too much of it, maybe only 3 drops for your face).

I've also noticed my kp gets worse when I drink soft drink so I've only been drinking water and tea :)

I wish you all the best of luck with finding a treatment or better yet a cure. Maybe even taking grape seed extract supplements could help but I hear it's a blood thinner so that might not be good for us women if you know what I mean.

It's only been 5 days so I will get back to you and let you know how I go. Thanks for your time. I hope I've helped :)

Coconut Oil for Keratosis Pilaris

Amazed (Australia) on 02/11/2015
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Bentonite Clay for Keratosis Pilaris

Chad (Georgia) on 10/09/2014
5 out of 5 stars

Apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay have been like a miracle for my bumpy arms. Cured in less than two applications. I maintain with 1 /wk applications.

Re: Wondering About L-Lysine for Keratosis Pilaris

Nicole (Melbourne ) on 07/01/2014

Hi everyone. I heard that L-lysine has worked wonders for people with rosacea but it has protein in it so can that make your Keratosis Pilaris worse?

I have both these skin conditions and I was wondering if anyone has tried L-lysine and found that it made their kp better or worse? I would really like to try it for my rosacea. Please help. Thank you in advance :)

Re: L-Lysine and Vitamin C for Keratosis Pilaris and Rosacea

Nicole (Australia) on 06/29/2014

Hi there. I have both rosacea and kp. I've heard a lot about vitamin c and l-lysine being a natural remedy for rosacea. I was wondering if it would work the same for keratosis pilaris or can it make it worse. I would like to try this remedy, but I'm scared it will make my kp worse. Please get back to me if you have an answer. Thank you in advance :)

Vitamin E Cured Red, Sandpaper Skin on Forehead (Keratosis Pilaris)

Josey (Oklahoma) on 03/23/2014
5 out of 5 stars

A couple of months ago my forehead began feeling like sandpaper and had a redness to it. I tried apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, Vaseline, sesame seed oil and etc. Nothing was working. I even gave up and tried Cortisone cream. Didn't work. I found nothing online that would even tell me what it was, much less the cure. Then I thought to take a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze out half of the capsule and spread it on my forehead each day, and within a week it was gone.

Re: Vitamin K for Keratosis Pilaris

Nicole (Australia) on 03/20/2014

Hi there, I have keratosis pilaris all over my arms and legs. I was wondering if anyone tried vitamin K and got any good results. I was trying msm sulphur and I did notice my kp clearing up, however it was making me vomit so I've stopped it now. Coconut oil has worked great but I want to know if Vitamin K is worth a try. Thank you

MSM for Keratosis Pilaris?

Nicole (Melbourne Australia) on 11/13/2013

Hi everyone, I have heard about msm sulphur being a treatment for rosacea so does anyone know if it can do that same for keratosis pilaris (kp)? If Ted or anyone could give me an answer that would be great because I have heard some people found there kp got better but some people have gotten worse and I have rosacea and would like to take this supplement to treat my rosacea but I'm worried it will make my kp worse. Thanks for all your help.

Coconut Milk for Keratosis Pilaris

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 :)

Keratosis Pilaris Remedy: Lipospheric-C w/Lecithin

Redcairo (Miami, Ok, USA) on 07/14/2013
5 out of 5 stars

I began making my own Lipospheric Vitamin C a few weeks ago. This is a special form that combines distilled water, non-gmo sunflower (<-- preferably) or soy lecithin (either liquid or powder/crystals), and Ascorbic Acid. Managing the temperature, a blender, and an ultrasonic machine results in a) lipospherically-encapsulated ascorbic acid, and b) <200nm sized spheres that the body will deliver directly to tissues for use as a phospholipid in nerve coverings and cell membranes (which puts the AA directly into the body tissues where the lipid is used).

My [note: free no-ads personal] blog has a few pages on how-to and details on Lipospheric-C here. [EC: please delete if desired, and if inappropriate to link I apologize.]

You can buy lipo-C, and it is much more 'efficiently' encapsulated in that case, though it usually contains 'stabilizers', but it's very expensive if you need to take it in quantity, and it doesn't have nearly as much lecithin, which may be the key player in this remedy. For a fraction the cost you can make it yourself and the health benefits are widespread.

I took about half a small batch a day for about two weeks. For detail, a whole small batch is about 1. 5 cups, or ~375g water + 15g AA and 45g lecithin. If made properly, this comes to around 11. 25g encapsulated AA, 3. 75 non-encapsulated AA, and the 45g of lecithin. So half a batch is half that.

For probably 20 years I've had the "massive red bumps" all over the back of my arms. So long I can't remember when I haven't. And I've had periods where my diet was very high in good fats (omega3 supplements, coconut oil, etc. ) but nothing ever touched them, although I admit I was never trying to do so. My teenager has often remarked on this because it's so extensive.

After 2 weeks (or less) of taking this stuff, my teenager was "agog" and raved about how the back of my arms suddenly had NO red bumps anymore at all. I had noticed my upper arms seemed much 'smoother' but thought I was imagining it, since my forearms were still dry and bumpy. I have a ~ two inch strip on the sort of top/outside of the arm that still has red dots but no bumps anymore, so I think that is still in healing process.

I had never considered this as a potential cure for KP (I always think of Lipo-C as being the C, but the lecithin is a huge part of it too). For more on lecithin (no research refs, just an overview), see Lecithin notes.

As an aside, the Lipo-C has made staggering changes in my sense of body-competence -- some effect that is not strength or energy yet sort of operates as both a little -- and my sense of well-being, elevation and stability of mood and patience, and more. My teen actually tried to give me her own money to buy a bigger machine to make and take more of the stuff, she says it so clearly affects my 'activity and happiness.' I can't say enough good things about the stuff. KP healing up is just one surprise benefit but probably the most trivial!

Apple Cider Vinegar for Keratosis Pilaris

Tms (Stone Wall, Never Land ) on 06/12/2013
0 out of 5 stars

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!