babies

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
Treating Keratosis Pilaris in Babies:  0 – 24 months

Treating Keratosis Pilaris in Babies: 0 – 24 months

Our babies have our hearts and we certainly don’t want to see them uncomfortable from the symptoms of keratosis pilaris. While many children may not show symptoms of keratosis pilaris until 2 years of age, some kids show sign of KP as early as infancy.

Dry or irritated skin can be very uncomfortable for our tiniest family members who can’t yet tell us what may be bothering them. By far, the #1 most talked-about product here at KPKids is Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Tear-Free Shampoo.  It’s a very mild, fragrance-free cleanser ideal for your baby’s skin.

In general, ALL of the Aquaphor Baby products are highly-recommended because they’re mild enough for cleaning your infant’s tender skin and they’re extra moisturizing.

TIP: We keep these little guys stashed everywhere.

 

We’ve tested many products through the years, and have come across our favorites through trial and error.  These are some of our favorite brands with sensitive skin care products ideal for treating keratosis pilaris, eczema and dry skin in babies and infants…

Aquaphor Baby

Aveeno Baby

Burt’s Bees Baby

California Baby

Canus Lil’ Goat’s Milk

Crabtree & Evelyn

DERMAdoctor

Dr. Bronner’s Baby

Eucerin Plus

Glytone

Jason Natural Cosmetics Baby

L’Occitane

Mustela

Nature’s Gate

Original Little Sprout

philosophy

Seventh Generation

Skinceuticals

Weleda Baby

 

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

Posted by kpkids in Keratosis Pilaris Treatment, 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
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
Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated at bath time

Keeping your baby’s skin hydrated at bath time

How to Keep Your Baby's Skin Hydrated at Bath Time | KPKids.net

Bathing your baby is an essential (likely daily) task, and can often lead to dry skin.

Dry, irritated skin lead can potentially lead to a variety of other issues, including KP flare-ups, scaly skin and even baby pimples.

Try washing your child’s skin with a gentler, more hydrating body wash at bath time to ensure their skin stays well-moisturized and healthy.

One of our all-time favorites is Aquaphor Baby Gentle Wash & Tear-Free Shampoo.

 

 

RELATED: How this $10 Lotion has Improved my Kids’ Keratosis Pilaris

Posted by kpkids in Living with Keratosis Pilaris, Recommended Products to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

Can Keratosis Pilaris be completely cured?

As anyone with Keratosis Pilaris knows, the search for a treatment and cure can be exhausting. But what many don’t understand is that Keratosis Pilaris is an inherited skin condition.

The recommended treatments for KP are only for the *temporary* relief of symptoms and must be used continuously to see improvement.

Can Keratosis Pilaris be Completely Cured? | KPKids.net

The treatment plan recommended by your child’s doctor or dermatologist should be maintained on a regular basis to ensure the best results in lessening the visibility and texture of the bumps on their face, arms and legs.

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Keratosis Pilaris.

 

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

 

Although the condition may remain for years, symptoms usually lessen by age 30. Keratosis pilaris symptoms may go away with age, but there is currently no cure.

Results will vary from case to case.  This simply means that what may work for one child, may not work for another.

Each child’s skin, diet and sun exposure is different. So keep trying different remedies until you find the best product with the best results for your child.

 

Posted by kpkids in FAQ & Tips, Keratosis Pilaris Treatment