Keratosis pilaris

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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

Self-help measures won't cure keratosis pilaris, but they can help improve the appearance of your skin. You may find these measures beneficial:

  • Be gentle when washing your skin. Vigorous scrubbing or removal of the plugs may only irritate your skin and aggravate the condition.
  • After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on the skin.
  • Apply a moisturizing lotion or lubricating cream while your skin is still moist from bathing. Choose a moisturizer that contains urea or propylene glycol, chemicals that soften dry, rough skin.
  • Apply an over-the-counter product that contains lactic acid twice daily. Lactic acid helps remove extra keratin from the surface of the skin.
  • Use a portable home humidifier or one attached to your furnace to add moisture to the air inside your home.

DS00769

July 11, 2008

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