Q: What would be the most effective OTC product to treat keratosis pilaris? I use traditional scrubs and exfoliants, but I'm looking for something that may prove more effective.

A: Response to each different keratosis pilaris treatment product varies from person to person.  DermStore carries many OTC products designed for keratosis pilaris as outlined in the linked article. Keralyt Gel incorporates 6% salicylic acid and has been shown to be one of the more effective therapies in many cases. 

Q: I have red, little "pimple-like" skin on the outer, upper side of my arm that I would like to treat. Which of the AmLactin products should I use, cream or lotion? Or do you recommend anything else?

A: Keratosis pilaris is a challenging condition to treat. DermStore carries many OTC products designed for keratosis pilaris as outlined in the linked article. AmLactin products are often helpful. Also, Summers Laboratories' Keralyt Gel may be worth considering.

Q: I have a son who just turned 15. He has acne on his face that turns to white heads. He also has acne on his back and the top of his arms. I have sent him to a dermatologist but he's shy and won't always take his medicine. He is very active in many sports. I would like to get some creams, scrubs and, soaps that may help him. There are so many and I need help selecting the right ones for him. He needs a treatment with results that can be seen relatively quickly or he will give up.

A: It sounds like he may have both keratosis pilaris and acne. DermStore carries many OTC products designed for keratosis pilaris. Glytone offers a Keratosis Pilaris Kit which may be worth considering.

Ongoing consultation with a dermatologist in your area is likely the best option for his acne and to verify whether or not he has keratosis pilaris, too. If your son is not comfortable with his current dermatologist, perhaps it may help to look for another. I don't think that currently available OTC acne products will offer your son the advantages that he might gain through the application of a customized prescription or partially-prescription acne regimen.

Q: Hi, I have severe keratosis pilaris all over my arms and legs, and a bit on my back. I have tried countless methods to diminish the gruesome bumps, to no avail. I've been wondering about laser hair removal coupled with microdermabrasion. Its seems to me that since this is a hair follicle disorder, getting rid of the hair and then smoothing out the skin would be the best solution. Besides it not being "in the dermatologist textbook" to try a method like this, I'm wondering if it would work. Many people out there are suffering from this, if a doctor were to research it...

A: Extensive keratosis pilaris is particularly refractory to therapy. Your laser hair removal theory makes great sense. Modern medicine does not, however, have a safe and effective way of destroying these villous hair follicles. Laser hair removal requires pigment to target the follicle. Villous hairs generally have little or no pigment so laser therapy cannot target them well. Microdermabrasion can be helpful, particularly when incorporated into a regimen containing medicated moisturizers I agree that a safe permanent remedy for this condition would be extremely valuable. Hopefully one day we'll have such a treatment.

Q: Is there any difference between Lachydrin, a prescription cream used to treat keratosis pilaris and AmLactin, a non-prescription cream for the same purpose? Do you have any ideas on successful treatments for keratosis pilaris?

A: The two products are essentially equivalent. There are many products available for keratosis pilaris. Consider Glytone's Keratosis Pilaris Kit.

Q: I read that AmLactin used with an exfoliant would help clear up the red bumps that are on my upper arm. Is this information correct?

A: Keratosis Pilaris is a genetic condition. Treatments such as AmLactin and exfoliants can control the signs and symptoms of keratosis pilaris. Glytone's Keratosis Pilaris Kit consists of a similar approach to keratosis pilaris.

Q: Hi, I'm a black woman with keratosis pilaris on my thighs and buttocks. I wanted to know if you can recommend any products for treatment? And does exfoliating with a loofah help or hurt? Someone recommended AmLactin lotion to me. Thanking you in advance for your help

A: There are many products available for keratosis pilaris. Exfoliating with a loofah may help or hurt, depending on the particular person. Consider Summers Laboratories' Keralyt Gel.

Q: I have had keratosis pilaris all my life (I am 35 years old). I have been so self-conscience about this condition I am too embarrassed to even go to the dermatologist (back of arms, back of thighs and buttocks are affected). What would be the best of all the suggestions you gave for at home treatment?

A: Extensive keratosis pilaris is particularly refractory to therapy. Every patient responds differently to the various medicated moisturizers, retinoids, hydroxy acids and abrasives. I really think you would be well served by a visit to a dermatologist in your area. Dermatologists will not belittle you or think poorly of you for having this common condition. Glytone's Keratosis Pilaris Kit may be worth considering if you just can't get in to see someone in your area.

Q: Is AmLactin lotion good for helping with keratosis pilaris? Or is there another lotion that would help more?

A: There are many products available for keratosis pilaris. AmLactin works well for some people but everyone responds a little differently. Also consider Summers Laboratories' Keralyt Gel.

Q: Can keratosis pilaris also appear on the buttocks and thighs? Which do you think is the best treatment for keratosis pilaris — Alpha Hydroxy products or Retin-A type products or something else?

A: Yes, keratosis pilaris often appears on the buttocks and thighs. There are many products available for keratosis pilaris. Consider Glytone's Keratosis Pilaris Kit.

Q: I'm 21 and I have very bad keratosis pilaris in my upper arms. I read about products that can help this condition, but it's hard to decide... which is better? AmLactin's 12% lactic acid lotion or Glytone's  20% glycolic acid lotion?

A: Great question. A scientific study that addresses this question has not been done. My guess is that Glytone's 20% glycolic acid lotion will perform better than AmLactin's 12% lactic acid lotion but this is truly a guess.

Q: I have keratosis pilaris and am using the M.D. Forté Hand & Body Cream. Is this OK to use while pregnant? I plan to become pregnant in a few months. Should I stop its use before or can I continue it during pregnancy? Thank you for your help,

A: This product is safe for use during pregnancy.

Q: I have acne on my lower legs. I know that it is acne because it is a pimple and is located where a hair follicle is. It looks just like a pimple on your face would. I get one or two a week on either my legs or arms. Should I see a dermatologist about this, or will anti-acne soap work? Should I be taking medication or not?

A: It might be keratosis pilaris. Consider consultation with a dermatologist in your area.

Q: My wife has a condition on her arms that comes and goes. She gets bumps - something like dry skin - in her triceps area. Occasionally it disappears for a couple days, but is usually there. She has tried a variety of moisturizing soaps and lotions in various combinations. Our water is pretty hard. Does that have to do with it? The rest of the family does not have a similar condition. Please help.

A: This definitely sounds like keratosis pilaris.  KP typically waxes and wanes over time.  Consider a consistent regimen with one of the products recommended in this body of information.