What makes keratosis worse?

Author: Prof. Brooklyn Luettgen DVM  |  Last update: Saturday, November 8, 2025

Dry skin tends to make keratosis pilaris worse.

What foods trigger keratosis?

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.

What can make keratosis pilaris worse?

The clogged pores can cause inflammation or redness in the area, and they make the skin look and feel rough. Dry skin, cold weather, pregnancy, high levels of estrogen, shaving, or waxing can all make KP worse.

What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis?

Freezing a growth with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy) can be an effective way to remove a seborrheic keratosis.

What aggravates keratosis?

The keratin blocks the opening of hair follicles, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. It's not clear why keratin builds up in people with keratosis pilaris. It might happen along with a genetic disease or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin tends to make keratosis pilaris worse.

Doctor explains KERATOSIS PILARIS (aka chicken skin) | Causes, treatments and AT HOME MANAGEMENT

What vitamin helps with keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris may have a link to vitamin A deficiency. Taking vitamin A supplements or using moisturizers or creams with small amounts of vitamin A may help treat keratosis pilaris.

What is the root cause of keratosis pilaris?

Causes of keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris happens when your hair follicles become blocked with a build-up of keratin, a substance found in skin, hair and nails. Nobody knows exactly why keratin builds up, but the condition is thought to run in families. So if your parents have it, you may get it too.

What not to use on keratosis pilaris?

Avoid harsh, drying soaps. Gently remove dead skin with a washcloth or loofah. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of hair follicle plugs may irritate the skin and worsen the condition. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot the skin with a towel so that some moisture remains.

Why am I getting so many keratosis?

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.

Does stress cause keratosis?

If you're prone to keratosis pilaris, certain circumstances can make it worse. “The bumps often appear in cold weather, when skin is especially dry,” said Dr. McNamara. “Lack of hydration can exacerbate keratosis pilaris, and some people find that stress can also cause it to flare up.”

How do you stop keratosis growth?

Actinic keratoses can be removed by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. Your health care provider applies the substance to the affected skin, which causes blistering or peeling. As your skin heals, the damaged cells slough off, allowing new skin to appear. Cryotherapy is the most common treatment.

Is Vaseline good for keratosis?

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.

Is KP caused by sugar?

Keratosis Pilaris And Diet

There are many people who do say their rash is affected by other diet changes but no studies to back up those claims. Some people say cutting out dairy or sugar has improved their rash.

How do you get rid of keratosis naturally?

There is no cure for this condition. But, if you're wondering how to get rid of KP, you can manage it with natural keratosis pilaris treatments. These treatments involve daily moisturizing, gentle exfoliating and using mild, non-irritating body soaps.

What deficiency causes KP?

An acquired increase in the incidence of KP-like lesions is observed in obesity, diabetes, pregnancy, menopause, and malnutrition, particularly in association with vitamin A deficiency.

Is coconut oil good for keratosis?

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.

What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?

Combining skin exfoliation, moisturizers, and laser treatments is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris. Sometimes, it is not an easy fix, and people may need to consistently use treatments for at least 4–6 weeks before seeing results.

What flares up keratosis pilaris?

With keratosis pilaris, there is a build-up of keratin in the skin. This is a hard protein that is perfectly normal within the skin. But too much can block the hair follicles, leading to keratosis pilaris. We do know that it tends to be worse when the weather is drier and there is less humidity.

Is CeraVe good for keratosis pilaris?

2 The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that is suitable for skin prone to keratosis pilaris on the face and body. Containing salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid , and 3 essential ceramides, the CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser helps to maintain moisture and strengthen the skin's barrier.

Is KP an autoimmune disease?

The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is not known, but heredity often plays a role. Also, people with atopic dermatitis and seasonal allergies are more likely to have keratosis pilaris. However, keratosis pilaris does not seem to be a hypersensitivity or immune system disorder.

What heals keratosis?

Keratosis pilaris treatment options
  • topical preparations containing lactic acid, ammonium lactate, salicylic acid, urea, or a combination of these ingredients. Topical treatments are applied to the skin.
  • topical retinoids such as tretinoin and adapalene.
  • topical steroids to help with redness or itching.
  • laser therapies.

Is keratosis pilaris related to gut health?

Keratosis pilaris.

Two gut health issues— vitamin A deficiency and malabsorption of nutrients—are two possible causes of this skin condition.

Is keratosis pilaris linked to the liver?

The causal factor in keratosis pilaris is the liver, which needs to be detoxified. Reduce your fat intake and try Ultimate Liver Cleanse by Nature's Secret, which contains milk thistle, dandelion and many other herbs, plus lecithin - a fat emulsifier that helps to get rid of the fats in the liver.

Previous article
Is microblading really dark at the first time?
Next article
What is a red flag in massage?