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The small, acne-like bumps that appear on the upper arms and legs are known as keratosis pilaris. Owing to of its appearance, it is also commonly known as “chicken skin.” The accumulation of keratin on the follicles causes this condition. Keratin is a protein that is required to strengthen the nails and hair. Although this condition is not dangerous, it can be socially embarrassing. Keratosis pilaris is common among those who are obese or have Celtic backgrounds.

Natural Remedies

Keratosis pilaris is an embarrassing and frustrating disorder for many people as there is no cure for this condition. Although it is incurable, it can be managed effectively.  Affordable and simple home remedies can help to reduce the appearance of these bumps. Since keratosis pilaris does not require conventional medical treatment, you need to focus on diet and skin care. Regular skin care such as daily cleaning, exfoliation and moisturizing help to get rid of toxins that cause keratosis pilaris. Exfoliation is vital for treatment as the clogging of dead skin cells cause this chicken-skin condition. It is also important to use natural ingredients for exfoliation to prevent further irritation and roughness. Regular cleaning and exfoliation also helps remove dead skin cells, improves blood circulation, and lowers the buildup of keratin in the hair follicles.

It is usually best to leave keratosis pilaris and do nothing more than regular cleaning, exfoliating and moisturizing since the condition is self-limiting and subsides on its own. However, for those looking for over-the-counter help, medications like lactic acid and glycolic acid based ointments are used. Given below are some of the home remedies for keratosis pilaris.

• Rub a pumice stone after foaming the area. Clogging of keratin in the hair follicles can be reduced by using a loofah while bathing.
• Mix apple cider vinegar and water. This is an effective natural cure for chicken skin in children.
• One of the simplest home remedies for keratosis pilaris is a sugar scrub; a mixture of sugar and sour cream that is applied to the skin.
• Excess keratin deposits can be removed by applying the yogurt to the affected area.
• Rose hip oil, olive oil, and vitamin oil help to reduce roughness of the affected area.
• While applying natural home remedies for keratosis pilaris, you should not rub too vigorously as it may cause further irritation of the hair follicles.
• Milk bath with a few cups of whole milk can soften and deeply moisturize the skin. In addition, the lactic acid in the milk will exfoliate the buildup dead skin cells in the affected area.
• A humidifier in a room can prevent dryness in the air, thereby moisturizing the skin naturally.
• Vitamin A is one of the best home remedies for chicken skin. Ensure to eat foods that contain vitamin A such as vegetables like carrots, tomatoes, and pumpkin; fruits like mangoes and papayas; milk; egg etc. Essential fatty acids such as omega 3, omega 6, omega 9 that can be found in flax seeds and fish also help the skin. These are ingredients that promote healthy exfoliation of dead skin cells and regulate abnormal proliferation of the skin. Supplements like multivitamin pills also help to fulfill your vitamin needs; speak with a doctor before taking any supplements. 
• The easiest and cheapest natural way is sitting in the sun. Sitting in the sun for half an hour can treat the condition naturally. However, do wear sunscreen.
• Use a mild soap free cleanser and ensure to moisturize the skin all times.
• Lack of moisture and imbalances in the immune system of the body is the prime causes for keratosis pilaris. Moisturizing the skin and increasing the water intake helps to improve the condition. Eating a balanced diet improves immune system.

Apart from the home remedies, treatments like laser technology, pulse dry treatments, and cosmetic treatment are used to get rid of chicken skin.

Reference

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001462.htm

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.