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I'm plauged for Life!! Please help I'll take any suggestions
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05/30/06 2:21 PM
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I'm 26 yrs. old and have had KP since I was 16, for 10 years people! At first I didnt even know I had it, and it was barely visible on the back of my arms. As I got older about 18 -20, I noticed it on my thighs, but was able to keep it under control by exfoliating. The past few years from 21-26, it's been unbelievably out of control.
I never wear short sleeves in public, I wear sweaters during the summer heat, I abhor swimming. Once I took my sweater off and a guy friend had given me a quick hug with an arm rub. Which is perfectly normal, I even do it, but it was mortifying. He winced when he rubbed my arm, trying not to show his disgust, I had to explain. It was so embarrassing. I feel cursed.
I've tried all these methods individually and in combination: Sugar scrub with Olive oil, Eucerin Cream, Saunas, vitamin supplements, and tanning. All of which help me temporarily throughout an entire day or till the next morning, but any little bit of negligence in my routine brings it all back.
My skin is red, with tons of tiny little dry scabs and bumps that feel like sandpaper, no matter what I do. At it's best it looks like red freckles. Please help. [/font]
I was also diagnosed with KP when I was 16, and am now 26! I used to have it almost everywhere on my body, but it has receded and is now only severe on my upper arms and my abdomen and face. I've never really treated it, because my doctor said I'd just have to wait for it to fade with age. But after reading a lot of information about what causes KP, I decided to start treating these trouble zones. I read that AHA's only peel away that upper layer of skin, and that KP actually occurs within the follicle, so you need to use a BHA in order to penetrate into the pore to dislodge the excess sebum and keratin. Salicylic acid is such a BHA. So my routine is to shower in the morning, using a loofah and a moisturizing body wash with BHA like Neutrogena Body Clearing Body Scrub. When I get out I wipe my areas of KP with those acne pads (like Clearasil) with 2% salicylic acid. After it dries (don't wipe it off!) I apply a good emoliating moisturizer called Lac-Hydrin. I have seen a moisturizer that St Ives makes that actually has both Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids and I think I will switch to that after my lac hydrin is done, just so I get even more BHA's into my skin. I repeat wiping with the pads and moisturizing in the evening. It doesnt' take me more than a few minutes in the morning and evening, and my skin is definitely smoother. But as with any deep skin irritation it can take some time (up to 6 months with BHA's) to see real improvements in redness caused by the irritation. But I've only been doing this for a few days so I will continue and post how well its working as I progress! One thing to keep in mind when using a lot of AHA's and BHA's on yer skin is you need to also apply a really good sunscreen because both acids make you more susceptible to skin damage in the sun! Good luck with your KP and I hope this helps a little!
Well I've been continuing my regimen for almost three weeks now. I've switched to Oil of Olay body wash for extra dry skin (containing shea butter) but I've been continuing using the acne pads twice a day and applying LacHydrin afterwards. I have to say I'm quite happy with the results I'm seeing so far, especially on my stomach which was a huge problem area for me! It's probably about 75% cleared up! Even that stubborn redness! My upper arms are hugely improved as well. I'm going to stick to this and hopefully it continues to improve! I'm not sure what is working specifically here but I may add a shea butter moisturizer as well, for the times when I can't put on the LacHydrin (like right before going out in the sun!)
My dermatologist prescribed Salex lotion and after a month most of the bumpiness is gone and almost all of the red spots. I use it each night before bed on the backs of my arms. I may increase that to twice a day to see if it completely clears, or it may just take more time to get it totally under control. This is much easier for me than a bunch of scrubs and other products. A generic version is available but I got the Salex brand for a $20 co pay with my insurance.
Greenville, SC Metro Area: Greenville/Spartanburg, SouthCarolina, Anderson, Clemson, Easley, Greer, Taylors, Mauldin, Simpsonville,
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Hilton Head Island, Lexington, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh, Atlanta
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My upper arms are hugely improved as well. I'm going to stick to this and hopefully it continues to improve! I'm not sure what is working specifically here but I may add a shea butter moisturizer as well, for the times when I can't put on the LacHydrin (like right before going out in the sun!)
