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Unfortunately, as it is a genetic skin disorder, keratosis pilaris does not have a simple or direct cure. When the keratotic papules form wart-like or crusty bumps, you have keratosis follicularis. Educate yourself on keratosis and you can better find a remedy to reduce the symptoms.

Treating keratosis pilaris requires a long-term commitment. Keratosis pilaris is caused by the overproduction of keratin, a protective protein found in the body that clogs follicles and produces keratosis pilaris' characteristic bumps. You might hear keratosis pilaris called 'chicken skin' due to the disorder's typical manifestation of unsightly bumps.

Remove and prevent these papules by following some easy keratosis pilaris home remedy basics. If you have this disorder, you are just one of the many who have yet to find a successful skin treatment. These steps are simple and inexpensive ways to get relief, without paying a visit to your doctor or dermatologist.

6 Basic Keratosis Pilaris Home Remedies

It can't hurt to try out whichever of the following remedies you've missed in order to solve your keratosis pilaris problem.

#1: Loofah

When you shower or bathe, use a loofah with your body wash. By removing dead skin, you assist your body in preventing follicular clogging.

#2: Wash Your Face Gently

The skin on your face is sensitive. Too much of a good thing (exfoliating) can irritate the affected skin.

#3: Pat You Skin Dry, Gently

Pat yourself dry after bathing. This is to keep from removing all moisture form the skin. As dry skin is associated with keratosis pilaris, moisture-rich skin prevents follicle plugging.

#4: Lotion

Moisturizers vary in quality - get a good one and apply it. Some moisturizing options are urea, alphahydroxy acids or retin-A, a form of vitamin A. Apply moisturizers after showering.

#5: Light Skin Peel

To treat already plugged follicles, try a mild peeling agent with alpha hydroxy acids that may open up the plugged follicles. You don't need a prescription strength peel to accomplish this; simply visit your nearest beauty supply store or pharmacy.

#6: Humidify Your Home

Put moisture back into the air with a humidifier. Portable or systems that attach to your furnace are equally helpful. Put it to good use during the wintertime, especially if you use a heater.

If, even after following these simple steps, you are still bothered by bumps and dry skin, visit your dermatologist; he or she can prescribe a number of different keratosis pilaris cream options. This might include lactic acid, corticosteroids, topical immunomodulators and retinoids. As a last resort, you can explore with your dermatologist the possibility of a keratosis pilaris laser treatment to get rid of those unsightly bumps. If you're hesitant to apply strong chemicals to your skin, spend some time researching natural ingredients that dissolve keratin. Try a product with salix nigra extract or amorphophallus konjac root.