Experts advise on how to care for Keratosis Pilaris, sometimes known as “chicken skin,” during winter.
Keratosis Pilaris is known to worsen throughout the winter months since the skin dries out. Skincare experts provide advice on how to treat Keratosis Pilaris pimples and protect your ‘chicken skin’ during winter.
Keratosis Pilaris is multifactorial in nature, affecting the extensor surfaces of the arms and thighs, where it first emerges in early infancy and proceeds to become most widespread throughout the second and third decades of life. This health issue is linked to a variety of skin problems, including atopic eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, malnutrition, and diabetes.
“Keratosis Pilaris is known to grow in the winter, especially when the skin is not appropriately hydrated,” said Dr Shireen Furtado, Consultant – Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital in Bangalore, in an interview with HT Lifestyle. We can help skin lesions heal by keeping proper cleanliness, using hypoallergenic soaps, and refraining from manipulating skin lesions. Topical therapy such as emollients and topical keratolytics can be utilised to treat individuals who are interested in treatment. The usage of salicylic acid lotion or urea cream enhances skin texture. Laser therapies, retinoids, and vitamin D3 derivatives are among less prevalent therapy choices.”
“Although these treatments may give a cosmetic advantage, there are no controlled clinical trials or a cure for keratosis pilaris,” she stated. Furthermore, chemical peels using glycolic acid for 5 to 7 minutes have been shown to improve the look of keratosis pilaris. Finally, several case reports detailing the use of lasers in the treatment plan for keratosis pilaris have been published. Some physicians have had success with pulsed dye laser treatments, alexandrite laser treatments, Nd:YAG laser treatments, and fractional CO2 laser treatments.”
“While your Keratosis Pilaris pimples demand mild exfoliation and an Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the skin requires a larger daily dose of moisturization than usual throughout the winter,” stated Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Aster RV Hospital.
Lotions containing alpha hydroxy acids, such as lactic acids, can moisturise dry skin while also stimulating cell turnover. Glycerin can also smooth pimples, and rose water can alleviate skin irritation. Body lotion should be used twice a day. To fully seal in the moisture, use an oil-rich body cream.”
“Invest in lotion or body cream that guarantees at least 12 hours of hydration, something that can pull moisture into the skin via humectants and protect your skin to prevent water evaporation in the first place,” he said. Taking brief, warm baths might aid in the unclogging and loosening of pores. However, it is critical to restrict your bath duration because prolonged wash sessions might destroy the body’s natural oils. Exfoliation on a daily basis might assist to enhance the look of the skin. It is advised to gently exfoliate dead skin using a loofah or pumice stone. Avoid wearing clothing that is too tight since it might generate friction and irritate the skin.
Use humidifiers to add moisture to the air in a room, which can help to keep your skin moist and prevent itchy flare-ups. Avoid overheating the rooms with electric heaters, and keep the temperature between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius.”