Hello to everyone-

First I want to start out by thanking everyone for all the information. I have read a lot and feel I am ready to write about my experience with KP.

I am 31 years old and have 2 children. I have lived with KP all my life and found it to get worse after each of my children were born. I have tried everything (except for the Sulfur Soap, need to inquire with my derm about that). I have written a list of product that I have picked up here and plan on bringing to my next derm appt to see what he says. I will let everyone know.

Anyway, in the past 20 years, I have visited many doctors. Some told me that there was nothing to do about it and to get used to the KP some worked hard but gave up. I know have a really nice doctor that is working with me to find a cure. I am often depressed by it and find myself inspecting my body under a light constantly.

I have come to the conclusion that everyone's skin type is different and what might work for some will not work for others. This board help because it gives you choices as to what to try. I think eventually with PATIENCE (takes a lot of patience) you can find a cure or at least be at a point where you are more comfortable.

I suggest for those that have visited a dermatologist, to post their findings. I think it would be interesting to all of us at least to me.

Here is what my doctor said and a routine that I have found to be effective.

He told me that I had very dry skin and that dry skin was the main cause of KP. He said to use stuff with Petrolatum in it (not sure of the spelling but kind of like Petroleum Jelly). I use Oil of Olay Body Wash in the shower (the purple one) with scrub gloves. If you read the labels you will see that only one has the Petrolatum in it. He prescribed two creams, one is Fluocinodine which is a cortizone steriod. The other is Retin-A Micro. I use the Fluocinodine when I get out of the shower and the Retin-A at night before I go to bed. He also said that Aquaphor cream is the best mositurizer out there and to use it during the day.

The Fluocinodine cream is great and I think has worked the best. the problem with it is that if you use it to much your body gets used to it and stops working. After the treatment months you have to use it sparatically.

I also found that shaving had a lot to do with how bad my KP got. So, I shave in the direction my hair grows (down). I noticed that a clean shave would cause more bumps when the hair started to grow back. I also use Aveeno Therapeutic Shaving Gel which seems to work great.

I have noticed a huge difference in my skin. It looks much better to the point that I don't think people can notice the KP anymore. I of course still look at myself under a microscope and see everything and am trying to be happy with what I have accomplished.

Oh, I have also noticed that picking is the worst thing you can do and as hard as it is, try not to do it. Try and distract yourself and you will see that by not picking alone, the KP gets better.

Sorry for such a long story but I was trying not to leave anything out.

welcome to the board