Keratosis Pilaris

Testimonial

I had Keratosis Pilaris from my early teens until I attended The Amber Centre aged 29. This skin condition is characterized by red bumps and is often described as chicken skin. I had a pretty bad case on my arms and legs and it was spreading. The only help I got from doctors was prescription for creams.

After my initial consultation with Alma I was advised to avoid all wheat products and onions for four months and given a course of drops. I followed this advice and after about three weeks I noticed a dramatic improvement in the appearance of my skin. After living with this rash for about 15 years it was amazing to watch the redness and bumps disappear. At the end of the four months my skin was 95% cured.

The advice and treatment I received at The Amber Centre was by far the most effective treatment I have gotten for KP. The steroid and dry skin creams I had been given in the past were nowhere near as effective. While these creams seemed to just treat the symptoms of KP, Kinesiology actually cured it.

In addition to my skin clearing up, I also lost 7 pounds just with the strain taken off my digestive system. Taking all these things into account I have cut wheat out of my diet almost entirely.

The staff at The Amber Centre were both friendly and professional and I would have no hesitation in recommending The Centre to anyone.

Roseann Walsh
Co. Kilkenny

What is Keratosis Pilaris?

Keratosis pilaris (KP, also follicular keratosis) is a very common genetic follicular condition that is manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin, hence referred to as chicken skin. It most often appears on the back and outer sides of the upper arms (though the lower arms can also be affected), and can also occur on the thighs and tops of legs, flanks, buttocks, or any body part except glabrous skin (like the palms or soles of feet). Less commonly, lesions appear on the face, which may be mistaken for acne.

There are several different types of keratosis pilaris, including keratosis pilaris rubra (red, inflamed bumps), alba (rough, bumpy skin with no irritation), rubra faciei (reddish rash on the cheeks), and related disorders.

Causes

Keratosis pilaris occurs when the human body produces excess keratin, a natural protein in the skin. The excess keratin surrounds and entraps the hair follicles in the pore. This causes the formation of hard plugs (process known as hyperkeratinization).

Symptoms

The painless bumps are skin-colored, although they can become red and inflamed at times. Usually many plugs form in an area, causing patches of rough, bumpy skin. This gives the skin a sandpaper or goose flesh appearance. This may be more severe in the winter or times of low humidity, which causes the skin to become dry. It will eventually resolve on its own.
Many KP bumps contain an ingrown hair that has coiled. This is a result of the keratinized skin's "capping off" the hair follicle, preventing the hair from exiting. The hair, then, grows inside the follicle, often encapsulated. The hair can be removed, much like an ingrown hair, though removal can lead to scarring.

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