| Have you ever found patches of
small, red, dotty bumps on the backs of your upper arms? This condition, known
as keratosis pilaris, is caused when the skin fails to exfoliate properly. Dead
skin cells linger on the surface of the skin, causing the unslightly bumps.
Often hereditary in nature, this condition is usually treatable.
To reduce redness and inflammation,
your doctor may prescribe a steroid cream to be used for several weeks.
This
cream may be combined with a twice-per-day application of an antibiotic ointment
such as Cleocin T, or an alpha hydroxy lotion such as DermaQuest
Skin Therapy Glyco Lotion 12%. You should notice an improvement
in just a few weeks.
Unfortunately, this condition
is likely to return once you discontinue treatment. To prevent this, regularly
use a scrub when showering. Our favorite is Ole
Henriksen Loofah Body Scrub.
You should also apply an alpha hydroxy lotion, such as DermaQuest
Skin Therapy Glyco Lotion 12% or DDF
Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer (for
those with sensitive skin) several times a week to help exfoliate the dead
skin on a regular basis. |
