Skin exfoliation is a mainstay of treatment for keratosis pilaris. Exfoliation refers to removing dead skin cells from the skin's surface. Exfoliation may be done physically or chemically; both methods smooth the skin surface and flatten the bumps.
Should you exfoliate your keratosis pilaris? Yes. The key to managing the bumps is by exfoliating, but it's crucial to use chemical exfoliants instead of physical ones. (Most doctors are team acid, though Beyoncé's dermatologist Dr. Howard Lancer is notably a fan of the scrub.)
Freezing a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis.
Some people find that using an exfoliating bar soap or an exfoliating moisturizing cream can help keep their seborrheic keratoses soft and flat. These soaps won't make seborrheic keratoses go away but can improve their appearance.
Doctors aren't sure what causes seborrheic keratosis, but there is very likely a genetic component—certain genetic mutations have been linked to the condition. Sun exposure and changes in estrogen levels have also been linked to seborrheic keratosis.
There are no proven home remedies for seborrheic keratosis. Lemon juice or vinegar used by some may irritate and possibly cause the growth to dry and crumble, but there is no evidence that this is safe or effective. Also, it can cause substantial irritation and pain.
Sometimes a seborrheic keratosis can itch. Scratching it can cause it to bleed and sometimes even scar. A seborrheic keratosis is removed only if it bothers you. The doctor will freeze it or scrape it off with a tool.
Introduction. Seborrheic keratoses (SK) are benign epidermal tumors with high sun exposure as a major risk factor. Vitamin D deficiency is also thought to play a role in its pathogenesis.
Keratosis pilaris bumps happen when keratin clogs (blocks) your pores instead of flaking off. Your pores are openings in your skin where hairs come through your skin (hair follicles). Healthcare providers don't know why keratosis pilaris affects some people and not others.
Medicines. If you have several actinic keratoses, your health care provider might prescribe a medicated cream or gel to remove them, such as fluorouracil (Carac, Efudex others), imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) or diclofenac. These products might cause inflamed skin, scaling or a burning sensation for a few weeks.
Seborrheic keratosis is caused by the benign clonal expansion of epidermal keratinocytes. There is believed to be a genetic component to the development of a high number of seborrheic keratoses. However, the exact familial inheritance is not known.
Topical hydrogen peroxide shows the greatest evidence for clinical clearance of seborrheic keratoses and may be a viable option for patients requesting noninvasive removal.
You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly, and replace the bandage as needed. Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
Some topical products that treat seborrheic keratosis are available without a prescription, including 0.1% tazarotene cream and alpha hydroxy acid products. A person who wishes to treat their condition at home should speak with a doctor for a recommendation.
Treatments for seborrhoeic keratoses? As they are harmless they do not require any treatment. Any itching or irritation can frequently be relieved by simple moisturisers such as E45 cream® or Vaseline Intensive Care lotion®. NHS services do not currently treat seborrhoeic keratoses.
Typically, the lesions aren't painful, but they may itch. Be careful not to rub, scratch or pick at them, though. This can lead to bleeding, swelling and, in rare cases, infection. Depending on their size and location, seborrheic keratoses can become irritated or bothersome.
You can slough off these dead cells gently with a loofah, buff puff, or rough washcloth. Avoid scrubbing your skin, which tends to irritate the skin and worsen keratosis pilaris. Apply a product called a keratolytic. After exfoliating, apply this skin care product.
Natural Tip: Coconut oil. Coconut oil is naturally rich in lauric acid. Lauric acid helps in breaking up the access build of keratin. Keratin, as you know, is the major cause of KP as it clogs the hair follicles –leading to the formation of the rough and small bumps.
The FDA has approved hydrogen peroxide 40% topical solution (Eskata – Aclaris Therapeutics) for treatment of raised seborrheic keratoses (SKs) in adults. It is the first drug to be approved for this indication. (Hydrogen peroxide is available over the counter for topical use as a 3% solution.)
Although diet is not a cause of keratosis pilaris, intake of foods contributing to inflammation, may lead to or worsen the symptoms, so it is advisable to avoid foods causing inflammation. Those with keratosis pilaris should avoid the consumption of dairy products, soy, peanuts, trans fats, sugar and processed foods.
Keratosis pilaris, also known as chicken skin, cannot be cured, but you can still manage its symptoms if you do not feel confident about your skin looks. This skin condition typically disappears by itself as a person ages.
Seborrheic keratosis treatment in NYC typically costs between $450 to $2,000 per treatment session. Seborrheic keratosis removal costs will depend on the number of lesions, size, and location of the growth, and the specific treatment being used.