Skin diseases have always been a cause of great discomfort and embarrassment. Though a visit to the dermatologist can cure skin infections, the time till it lasts is filled with misery. Itching, inflammation, redness, etc. are some of the effects of skin infections. However, there are certain skin diseases which appear unpleasant but does not harm the individual in any way. One such skin disease is Keratosis Pilaris.

What is keratosis pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that is entirely harmless and is characterized by the appearance of small, hard bumps on the surface of the skin. Keratosis pilaris is caused due to the buildup of keratin, the protein that is responsible for protecting the skin from harmful infections. However, due to the presence of excess keratin buildup, a plug forms on the skin which obstructs the opening of the hair follicle. This blockage causes small light-colored bumps to appear on the skin, and mostly it occurs on the thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. A person suffering from keratosis pilaris might experience slight itching sensations. Otherwise, this skin condition is completely benign.

Keratosis pilaris treatment methods

Keratosis pilaris cannot be completely cured. However, there are certain home remedies for keratosis pilaris treatment which can dramatically reduce the appearance of these bumps. Here are some of the effective home remedies for keratosis pilaris treatment.

• Coconut Oil

Since keratosis pilaris causes the skin to look dehydrated and the bumps become more visible when the skin becomes dry, virgin coconut oil comes to the rescue. Virgin coconut oil is blessed with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and moisturizing properties. So, making it a part of your beauty ritual to massage the affected area with virgin coconut oil. This keratosis pilaris treatment would help retain the moisture in the skin and reduce the visibility of the bumps.

• Baking Soda

Baking Soda is widely used in beauty rituals in the form of an exfoliant. It can easily remove the dead cells that block the openings in our skin and can reduce the appearance of bumps on the surface of the skin. Make a paste of baking soda by mixing two teaspoons of baking soda in water. Rub the paste on the affected area and scrub it gently. Repeat this keratosis pilaris treatment daily, and it would yield desirable results.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple Cider Vinegar is the most-potent healer when it comes to skin infections. Apple Cider Vinegar is known for their anti-inflammatory qualities, and it can easily combat skin infections, swelling, and can effectively cleanse the skin. Dab a cotton ball in organic Apple Cider Vinegar and apply it on the affected area and let it dry. Ensure that you repeat this keratosis pilaris treatment every day to get rid of the bumps.

• Sour Cream

Sour cream is effective in treating keratosis pilaris. Since it contains lactic acid, it can exfoliate the skin without any side-effects. The lactic acid helps in reducing the keratin build up in the skin without stripping the skin of its moisture. Make a paste of sour cream, white or brown sugar and scrub this paste on the affected area. Repeat this procedure few times in a week, and it would yield positive results.

• Oatmeal

Oatmeal is great for our health in every possible way. It is an effective keratosis pilaris treatment method. Oatmeal helps in soothing the itching sensation caused by the bumps without ridding the moisture from the skin. Also, one can use it as a natural scrub, and scrub away the dead cells and reduce the keratin build up. Grind a cup of oatmeal and add it to warm water. Gently scrub this paste on the affected area and scrub away the dead skin cells blocking the hair follicles.

• Epsom Salt

Epsom salt is the knight in shining armor that can effectively combat skin infections, and thus, it is useful in keratosis pilaris treatment. Epsom salt being rich in minerals helps soften dry skin, soothe the irritated skin and remove toxins from the skin. You can create your own Epsom salt bath by adding a cup of Epsom salt to your bath. Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry and massage a moisturizer into the skin.

• Sea Salt

Sea salt’s grainy nature makes it the perfect natural scrub. One of the effective keratosis pilaris treatment is to use sea salt to scrub away the dead skin cells that block the pores and cause the tiny bumps to appear on the surface of the skin. Wash the affected area with warm water and apply a mixture of sea salt, grapeseed oil, and an essential oil. Repeat this process till you see the bumps disappearing.

• Witch Hazel

Witch Hazel can cure skin infections and speed up the healing procedure. It would soothe the itching sensation, and with regular application of witch hazel, the tiny bumps on the skin would start disappearing. Grind some witch hazel leaves and mix it with water. Apply this paste to the affected area, and leave it on for 15-20 minutes. Rinse it with cold water, and repeat this keratosis pilaris treatment till the bumps disappear.