KP

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment: What NOT to do for KP skin

Keratosis Pilaris: Toddlers, Babies, and Children Do’s and Don’ts 

Keratosis pilaris in toddlers, babies or kids of any age can be overwhelming for their parents. From hearing the diagnosis to finding the best keratosis pilaris treatment for your little one, there is a LOT to learn.

If you have a child with keratosis pilaris, eczema (atopic dermatitis) or sensitive skin condition, maybe you’ve read quite a bit online about what to do to treat your child’s skin.

From keratosis pilaris lotion and creams to scrubs and vitamins, to allergy medicines…You’ve likely been bombarded with hundreds of methods to try.

Take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered.

But before you start finding the best thing to DO for your child with KP, let’s talk about what NOT to do. As a parent of a KP kid, what should you AVOID?

Keratosis Pilaris Treatment in Toddlers, Babies, & Kids

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A Few Tips: Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

Hopefully, you’ve found a cleansing and moisturizing method, or a great product that works (like our favorite household staple for KP skin, Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo). If not, keep trying.

Every child’s skin can be so different.

Browsing our list of the top KP skin products purchased by parents in 2017 might be helpful too.

See what we’re using in our home to treat our family’s keratosis pilaris here: Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home.

And don’t forget to grab your free KP Tip Sheet with 10 Things You can do Today to Improve Your Child’s KP.

(We’re talking about keratosis pilaris tips, products and advice daily in our free Facebook group, KP Collective!)

5 Things NOT to do for Keratosis Pilaris in Babies, Toddlers, and Children

1. Do NOT scratch or pick at their skin, especially when the skin is dry.

Every day, every hour, your child’s skin loses moisture. It dries out. Dry skin becomes itchy and tight, which will exacerbate any skin conditions, like keratosis pilaris, eczema or sensitive skin.

Avoid scratching or picking at any affected areas (and remind your child not to scratch as well), or scrubbing your child’s KP skin excessively while bathing, to prevent even more moisture loss, scarring or inflammation.  It’s a self-perpetuating cycle that is hard to break, but establishing a good habit of no scratching is extremely helpful. However, less skin damage is done if the scratching is done through clothing rather than to bare skin.

Some of our KP friends swear by the Konjac Sponges for Babies for very light itches and bathing. Let us know what you think in the comments below or in the KP Collective group.

 

Join the KP Collective, our private Facebook group, for KP tips and advice from hundreds of KP parents just like you (it’s free!).

 

Natural-Skin-Care-Tips-For-Baby | KPKids.net

2. Do NOT skip bathing.

Many parents think that fewer baths means less moisture lost in their child’s sensitive skin, when in fact, moisture care starts with bathing.

While some experts may disagree on the ideal frequency of bathing a child with sensitive or KP skin, most will agree that baths and showers should be short in duration and a bit cooler in temperature.

 

RELATED: Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home

 

Tell those teenagers to make it quick, because prolonged showers can actually deplete their skin of that much-needed natural skin oil. Cleansing and scrubbing should be extremely gentle and cleansers should be as mild as possible (which is why we recommend so many organic and baby keratosis pilaris products).

When bathing a toddler or baby, keep the same thing in mind. Don’t skip baths, keep the water cooler, and don’t spend too much time in the water to avoid drying out natural moisture. When caring for baby keratosis pilaris, getting in the habit of a great bathing routine is essential.

By far, our most popular product we suggest is Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Shampoo. Other awesome favorites we love are Cetaphil Baby Ultra Moisturizing Wash and California Baby Super Sensitive Shampoo & Body Wash (my kids really LOVE all the California Baby products).

 

RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

Kids playing | KPKids.net

3. Do NOT forget to apply a moisturizer or emollient.

Moisture is key. Let me say it again, moisture is key.

When it comes to keratosis pilaris moisturizer is a must. Apply it every day, after every bath, and especially before bedtime (when it has plenty of time and warmth to soak in). The thicker the formulation of any moisturizer, or emollient, the better it will add moisture back into your child’s skin. If your child is scratching, it’s time to reapply.

Get into a moisturizing routine with your child. Diagnosing keratosis pilaris in toddlers and babies is common, so starting this routine early will help it become a normal part of their life later on.

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

And my best advice is to find the BEST available product to get the most out of your time and effort, which usually means ointments (like Aquaphor) work better than creams, creams (like Eucerin) work better than lotions. The thicker, the better, is a good rule to remember for KP skin and keep fragrances to a minimum.

For teens who don’t want to use baby keratosis pilaris products, we suggest Amlactin Hydrating Body Cream or Dermadoctor KP Duty.  And I keep these little guys tucked everywhere. Tell us what’s working best for your family in the KP Collective group.

 

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE KERATOSIS PILARIS TIP SHEET:
Learn 10 things you can do in the next 24 hours to improve your child’s keratosis pilaris.

 

smiling kids with KP | www.kpkids.net

4. Do NOT forget to use sunscreen.

I repeat… do NOT forget sunscreen. Sun exposure can be HARD on the healthiest of skin. Be sure that your child’s sensitive skin is protected with sunscreen for kids and apply it often. You don’t necessarily need a specific keratosis pilaris sunscreen as long as you’re protecting your child’s skin from those harmful rays.

Regardless of the season, the sun’s rays can cause excessive dry skin and sunburn. This is really important when trying to treat keratosis pilaris on face, arms, and legs. Read ingredients and choose a gentle sunscreen for face and a great sunscreen for body that will moisturize and protect their skin (like Alba Botanica.)

 

RELATED: The Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017

 

Carefully apply and reapply sunscreen to concentrated areas of keratosis pilaris in toddlers and babies during extended time in the sun. Use hats and rash guards for extra protection.

Remind teenagers to reapply sunscreen often, because many teens love to sunbathe and build their tan. Sunscreen is a great skin protectant and moisturizer, so remind them to use it daily. Because what does red, sunburned skin make them want to do? Scratch! And that’s no good (see tip #1).

For babies and young children, we suggest Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen 50+ and Alba Botanica Very Emollient Kids Sunscreen (it’s rich!).

 

RELATED: Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

 

 

Pediatrician & Dermatologist | KPKids.net

5. Do NOT be embarrassed to speak with your child’s pediatrician or dermatologist.

If your child has irritated KP skin patches or areas of concern, do NOT be embarrassed to ask your doctor what they recommend. Keratosis pilaris in babies, toddlers, and children is more common than you think. Doctors will be able to help point you in the right direction.

Most often, extra moisturization is step one, then possible medicated creams as step two.

Depending on your child’s age, scrubs or oral medications may be recommended if their case is severe. Your child’s pediatrician may refer you to a pediatric dermatologist for a consultation or a more in-depth treatment plan.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ASK QUESTIONS about how long a treatment should be used to see results. The more you know, the better you can help your child maintain healthy skin. Then come share what you’ve learned with other parents in our private Facebook group, KP Collective.

 

WHAT WE USE: Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home

 

 

For more tips on the best keratosis pilaris treatment for your child, follow us on Pinterest.

Tell us what you try NOT to do with your kid’s KP skin below in the comments.  We always love to hear from you!

 

RELATED:  What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire have Taught Us

 

 

Click below to get your FREE KP Tip Sheet with 10 Ways to Improve Your Kid’s Keratosis Pilaris today.

 

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

Our busy teenagers become more independent from year to year, and teaching them how to manage the health of their skin on their own becomes very important during these years. With hormonal changes, diet variations and sports activities, your teen with keratosis pilaris may find that their KP will flare up or make them self-conscious about their skin.

So how do you teach teens the basics of good skin care at this age? Show them the steps help them establish a solid skin care routine, and remind them often. Show them the best products and tools to use and how to use them effectively to look and feel their best.

 

RELATED: The Top Keratosis Pilaris Products Purchased by Parents in 2017

 

The teenage years are often filled with increasing body awareness, self-reflection and self-doubt. By enabling our teens to care for their sensitive skin, we can help them become more confident in their appearance during these self-conscious years. The more our teenagers can do for themselves, and the more they know about taking good care of their sensitive skin, the more independent and confident they feel about their skin and bodies.

Teens with keratosis pilaris | KPKids.net

Recommended Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

We’ve tested many products for keratosis pilaris through the years, and have discussed many of them in our Facebook group, the KP Collective (come join for free!). We have come across a few favorites, through trial and error, that may help your teenager care for their keratosis pilaris.

These are some of our favorite brands for treating keratosis pilaris, eczema and dry skin in teens…

 

Top 5 Gentle Skin Scrubs & Exfoliators for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

  1. Konjac Bath Sponges – For Face & Body (small but effective, great to keep in every shower in the house)
  2. Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser (super gentle, love this one!)
  3. Clarisonic Mia 2 Sonic Facial Cleansing Brush (a must-have in every teenager’s bathroom)
  4. Buf-Puf Reusable Facial Sponge, Extra Gentle (great for a quick face wash and perfect for travel bags)
  5. KP Elements Body Scrub – Keratosis Pilaris Treatment (an effective chemical exfoliant and scrub in one)
KPKids Favorite: Billy Jealousy LiquidSand Gentle Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

 

Top 5 Hydrating Skin Lotions & Creams for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris

  1. CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion (our hands-down favorite)
  2. AmLactin Alpha-Hydroxy Therapy Moisturizing Body Lotion for Dry Skin (gentle enough for every day)
  3. Eucerin Intensive Repair Very Dry Skin Lotion (great for all-over body moisturizing before bedtime)
  4. Lilah James Natural Rejuvenating KP Cream (recently popular and feels great)
  5. DERMAdoctor KP Duty AHA Moisturizing Therapy for Dry Skin (well-known KP brand for years)
KPKids Favorite: CeraVe SA Renewing Skin Lotion

 

RELATED:  How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

We want to hear from you!

Come visit our private Facebook group, the KP Collective, and tell us what’s working for you and your family as you treat your child’s keratosis pilaris. Connect with hundreds of other parents from across the globe, share ideas and get tips for caring for you child’s keratosis pilaris. Together, we’ll find something that WORKS.

Join the KP Collective, our free Facebook group for parents of children with keratosis pilaris!

CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE KERATOSIS PILARIS TIP SHEET:
Learn 10 things you can do in the next 24 hours to improve your child’s keratosis pilaris.

Products for Teens with Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

What Your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire Have Taught Us about Keratosis Pilaris

The results are in! Your helpful responses have taught us volumes about what you, as a parent of a child with keratosis pilaris, are struggling with and how you’re treating this often-frustrating skin condition.

In January of 2017, we asked readers about their experience with their child’s keratosis pilaris, what clears it up, what makes it worse, and what they want to try in the future to improve their skin long-term. We left the survey open for a month, and have made some interesting observations about how you are currently treating your child’s KP and what’s working for you.

We were super excited to read through every response, so THANK YOU for taking the time to share your answers with us!

Here’s what your responses to these 10 simple questions have taught us…

What your Answers to our Skin Care Questionnaire have taught us about Keratosis Pilaris | KPKids.net

How KP Starts

Our first question was a simple one in asking the sex of your child. While the girls were the majority, it was only by a few points (55.9% female vs. 44.1% male). There hasn’t been any research to show that keratosis pilaris is more common in females vs. males, but this is an interesting find.

We also asked you at what age you first noticed your child’s keratosis pilaris, and 50% of you discovered it within the first year (that’s actually surprising!). As parents we often think of skin conditions developing more in their toddler years when they’re more active and into everything, but the first year of life can bring on a lot of environmental and nutritional changes.

 

RELATED: If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

 

Where does Keratosis Pilaris come from?

It is widely know that keratosis pilaris (and many similar skin conditions) can have a hereditary cause, which means that if you have KP then your children are likely to develop it as well. Your responses to the next question were not surprising.

Over 45% of you have keratosis pilaris yourselves, while another 22.7% of you were unsure if you have it.

Food sensitivities and allergies are typically the first assumption parents make when their child develops KP. However, based on your responses, the food allergies are minimal to non-existent for your KP kids with over 85% of our readers telling us their kids have no food allergies at all. While this is an interesting statistic to read, some parents may find that their KP kid may still have nutritional deficiencies in their diet that can lead to keratosis pilaris flare-ups (namely vitamin A & vitamin D, ask your doctor).


RELATED: How a Humidifier can Help your Child’s Dry Skin

 

How do you Treat Keratosis Pilaris?

As any parent of a KP kid will tell you, keeping their child’s skin moisturized is only one step in effectively treating keratosis pilaris. So we asked parents what methods they were using to treat their kids’ KP. Beyond using moisturizing lotions and creams (74.4% of you, nice job), many of you are also using alpha-hydroxy lotions that contain salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid to slough off that top layer of dead skin (44.2% of you, way to go!). Using extra sunscreen (in a gentler formula) is always advised for kids with KP, so we’re super happy to hear that 30% of you have stepped up the sunscreen protection as well.

Soon your toddler turns into an active child, so we asked if their activity in sports has affected their skin. Most of you replied that your children don’t play sports yet (58% of you) or that there is no noticeable change in their skin from high-activity sports (23% of you).

What’s important to note here is that if you’ve only recently received a diagnosis of keratosis pilaris from your child’s pediatrician or dermatologist, then your child may still be age 3 and younger (see the second question above) and not involved in sports yet. When the sports activities do begin, keep the frequent sweating and showering routine in mind as your child grows and be sure to establish good skin care habits early.

 

RELATEDHow this $10 Lotion has Improved my Kids’ Keratosis Pilaris

 

So what’s working to improve your child’s keratosis pilaris?

What are you doing today that is WORKING? We asked parents to share with us what methods or products were working for them in treating their child’s KP and the responses varied greatly.

From establishing a solid routine of moisturizing every day to trying different AHA lotions, the trial-and-error of finding what works best for your child may seem never-ending. But rest assured that you are not alone and every child’s skin reacts differently. Keep trying to find the right combination of soaps, cleansers, lotions, scrubs and even laundry detergents that will make a noticeable difference, and adjust your routine seasonally as needed.

Products mentioned above include: Cocoa Butter Body Wash, Aquaphor Baby Wash & Shampoo, Organic Coconut Oil, AmLactin AHA LotionKP Elements, CeraVe SA lotionJosie Maran Whipped Argon Oil Body Butter, Olive Oil Body Butter, Fish Oil Supplements, Epsom Bath Salts, SkinFix Renewing Cream, Roll-On Castor Oil.

Note: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.

 

RELATED: Grab your FREE KP Tip Sheet 
to learn 10 things you can do in the next 24 hours to improve your child’s skin.

 

Can Keratosis Pilaris be seasonal?

Recently in our new Facebook group, we asked you and our readers where in the world you lived. Although we’re based in Texas, we were surprised to hear that some of our readers were from far outside the US, including Germany, UK and Australia. Regardless of where you live, the change in seasons can affect your child’s skin and their keratosis pilaris may flare up in extremely dry conditions like cold Winter weather.

Most parents told us that their child’s skin looks and feels worse in the Winter, and only somewhat worse in the Summer. It’s also interesting to hear from a few parents who say their child’s skin actually looks and feels better in the cooler, drier weather of Winter than the typically warmer, more humid weather of Summer. Our advice: keep experimenting.

 

Are you a member of our private Facebook group yet?
There’s hundreds of helpful parents sharing tips or treating keratosis pilaris in kids each week. It’s free to join with 1-click!

 

RELATED: 5 Things NOT to do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris

 

So your kid has KP. What should you do now?

You’ve narrowed it down, seen the dermatologist and gotten the diagnosis of keratosis pilaris. You’re concerned and worried about how their skin looks. So what should you do now? Let’s make a plan.

Start with gentler products, begin moisturizing regularly, use a humidifier, and consider factors like laundry detergent and fabric softeners, as well as dietary changes. See what products we’re currently using in our home here.

When we asked our readers what’s on their list of things to try to hopefully improve their child’s keratosis pilaris, here’s what they had to say…

Products mentioned above include: Shea Moisture Baby Lotion, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream, AmLactin AHA Lotion, CeraVe SA lotion, gluten-free food & recipes, AHA lotions, Kerapil, Konjac sponges, Frankincense essential oil, SkinFix Renewing Cream, DermaDoctor KP Duty, Coconut Oil, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, sugar scrub, salt scrub, Mustela Stelatopia cream.

Note: Always read labels and directions before using any product. Consult your doctor or dermatologist for specific advice about keratosis pilaris.

 

RELATED: Recommended Products for Children with KP: 5 – 8 years

 

KPKids.net

 

We’ve learned a lot, so what’s next?

We sincerely appreciate each of our readers who took the time to answer the 10 questions we posed about caring for your child’s keratosis pilaris. We’ve learned volumes about what frustrates most parents in dealing with this skin condition… Finding a product or method that makes your kid’s skin look and feel better.

Finding that perfect product, gentle-enough scrub, gluten-free recipe book to try, or sunscreen for their sensitive skin can each be an ongoing challenge. Just remember, every child’s skin reacts differently and just as easily as their taste in food changes, so will their skin change as they grow.

You are not alone! Keep experimenting with a variety of products or cleansing/scrubbing methods to find some improvement in their skin texture and appearance. Soon we’ll say goodbye to that “chicken skin” because together, we’ll find something that works.

 

Thank you for all of your helpful responses!

Join our incredibly helpful KP Collective community on Facebook to connect with hundreds of other parents of KP kids to get tips, advice and recommendations.

Join the KP Collective with just 1-click (it’s free)!

Join the KP Collective, our free Facebook group for parents of children with keratosis pilaris!

 

If you’ve found this information about keratosis pilaris in children to be helpful, please forward this post to a friend who may also have a KP kid. Thank you!

 

 

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms, Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Recommended Products for Children with KP:  5 – 8 years

Recommended Products for Children with KP: 5 – 8 years

Our children become more independent every year, and managing the health of their skin becomes very important during the ages of 5 – 8 years.

But how do you teach them the basics of good skin care at this age?

 

Products for children kids skin keratosis pilaris age 5 6 7 8 | KPKids.net

 

 

Show them daily.

Establish good habits from the beginning and your child will feel more comfortable taking care of their sensitive skin. Opt for shorter showers over long baths. Studies have shown that cooler showers are better for those children with sensitive skin, keratosis pilaris or eczema because less natural moisture is pulled from the skin than in a long, hot bath.

You can make showers fun for your child with a suction-cup mirror and even a lighted shower head. What kid doesn’t like to sing in the shower?  🙂

Give them an example.

We all can learn by example. If your child is reluctant to all the attention you’re paying to their skin, show them a simple experiment. Do a side-by-side spot test on their skin with the cleanser, scrub or moisturizer you’d like for them to use…

For example, one arm untreated after their shower and one arm with the right skin care routine complete. Ask them to decide which area feels better, looks better and seems healthiest. Explain the benefits of good skin care early-on so they’ll be encouraged to continue to take care of their sensitive skin.

Show your child the best products to use after bathing (and before bed), how to use them and create a daily routine. The more independent your child can feel and the more they can do for themselves, the more confident they feel about their skin and body.

 

 

RELATED: Keratosis Pilaris Products we use in Our Home

 

Keep trying until you find something that works.

We’ve tested many products in our home through the years, and have come across our favorites through trial and error.  These are some of our top mom-tested products (and brands) for treating keratosis pilariseczema and sensitive dry skin in children…

 

Grab your FREE KP Tip Sheet with 10 Ways to Improve your child’s Keratosis Pilaris!

 


Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
What causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

What causes Keratosis Pilaris in children?

Keratosis pilaris (ker-uh-TOE-sis pih-LAIR-is) is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.  The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch, but can become unsightly or embarrassing to young children and teens.

But what causes keratosis pilaris in children?

What Causes Keratosis Pilaris in Children? | KPKids.net

Keratosis pilaris is a hereditary condition, which means your child likely inherited the condition from their mother or father.  If you have it, or had it as a child, there’s a greater chance that your child will develop it as well.

 

RELATED: If I have it, will my child develop Keratosis Pilaris?

 

What is keratosis pilaris?

KP is caused by the excess build-up of keratin and dead skin cells around individual hair follicles.  Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic condition and is NOT caused by parental neglect and bathing too infrequently.  Sometimes overly frequent bathing can actually make your child’s keratosis pilaris worse (see 5 Things to NOT do for Kids with Keratosis Pilaris).

Keratosis pilaris is commonly seen in children and teens, but can begin as early as infancy.

Unfortunately, keratosis pilaris can not be cured or prevented.  But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. The skin condition usually disappears by age 30, but some adults deal with symptoms for many years.

RELATED:  Keratosis Pilaris Products in Our Home

How is KP diagnosed in childhood?

If you believe that you or your child may have the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris, be sure to visit your child’s Physician or Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

In most cases, your child’s doctor can diagnose KP simply by examining and touching the affected area of the skin. No testing is needed.

Looking for products to treat KP?

Click to see our list of parent-approved solutions!

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin,
be sure to subscribe to our KPKids Community and join us in our private Facebook group. Together, we can find something that works.

 

10 Ways to Improve your Kid's Keratosis Pilaris Today | KPKids.net

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms
What is Keratosis Pilaris (also known as “KP”)?

What is Keratosis Pilaris (also known as “KP”)?

What is this dermatological condition called Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis Pilaris is a common skin condition diagnosed in approximately 40% of the population.  So if you or your child have KP, you are certainly not alone!

It is characterized by tiny bumps on the skin, usually found on the outer areas of the upper arms, thighs, and cheeks (often referred to as “chicken skin”).

The bumps give a sandpaper-like texture to the skin in these areas.

It commonly presents itself as flesh-colored to slightly red, rough little bumps.

It may occasionally become itchy, but can be managed with proper treatment.

 

To learn more about KP and caring for your child’s skin, be sure to subscribe today!

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Causes & Symptoms