I stummbled across this forum after being diagnosed with KP about a two years ago but just recently became a member. I was curious to know if anyone else has the urge to pick their KP bumps. My bumps are so bad and not too be gross but full of puss. I went to the dermatologist convinced I had acne on my arms but she said it was KP and there was no cure. I don't have the red or dark spots just bumps that look like pimples and losts of scars from my picking. I am addicted to picking which is only making it worse. Does anyone have the same bumps and any suggestions or advice on how to stop picking them. I feel like I need a 12 step program to help me quit, my picking is that bad. I tried the pumice technique last week and now I find myseld picking at the scabs. Also wanted to let you know I've always had KP, even as a young child. But after the birth of my second child it became much worse on my arms. Also, I have olive skin and dark eyes and hair so I don't think complexion is a huge factor with KP.

try pumicers technique. Pumice the arms in the shower, aand wen u get out apply Rubbing alchocol... Let the scabs fall of in about a week.. after a week the remainin scabs that havent falled off yet purchase a exfoliating glove and use it. but u cant pick at the scabs, it worked for me

wow, i can totally relate. even the dark hair and olive skin. i'm dreading summer and the need for short sleeves and skirts. i know my skin won't look as bad if i don't pick but it really is addictive! it's so embarrassing. my friends wonder why i don't like to go swimming and wear tank tops. i'm still trying to find a solution that works for me.

the medival pumicer technique is at ur own risk.. Be warnedd it BURNSSS

I have the exact same problem as you, no spots just those nasty bumps that I can't stop picking, or scratching. I was wondering if hypnosis would help?

Hypnosis might work. I suppose it's like any other addiction, you have to admit to your problem and find a way to stop it. Unfortunately that is easier said then done. I have asked my husband to help me. If he knows I'm in the bathroom and not making any noise he pops in to see if I am picking. At first this really irritated me but now I know he will be coming so I am more reluctant to start picking. Summer is quickly approaching and I don't want to limit my wardrobe to 3/4 inch sleeves so I am going to do my best to stop. If and when I am able to stop picking I will then search for something to help with the scars. If I find anything that works I will let everyone know.

Boy, can I relate! I have felt guilt, shame, remorse, sadness...all of those emotions as a result of my inability to STOP picking. I always argue that if I didn't have the bumps...I wouldn't pick!

I agree that a pumice stone or exfoliating glove is good. I alternate with intense moisturization on some days and using salicylic acid or retin A's on other days to help the skin's natural exfoliation process. It's best just not to start but I know how hard that is. I don't know why a person feels compelled to pick and curse myself every time. I even bargain with myself...ok, just 2 here or 2 there and then I'll stop. I am only successful when the bumps are under control and it takes daily focus and attention to manage the problem.

i have the same problem, which is actually why i started researching more about kp. I have always had kp and just kinda dealed with it. Lately ive been more stressed than normal and i just pick and pick and then when theres nothing left to pick i pick at old healing scabs. Its really gotten bad to where its just completely embarrassing to wear any kind of short sleved shirt and at the gym it gets really bad so i cant roll up my sleves. I dont know what to do, i wish there was something i could put on them to make me not want to pick at them like they have with nail biting but unfortionately they dont.

i dunno bout u guyss, but ive been workinn out for 7 months now, and wen summer comes i wana be wearing no shirts and tank topss expecially... Not with this kp on my arms and chest though

I'd like to offer a suggestion for how to curb the picking; it's helped me overcome picking KP and overplucking my eyebrows.

Start a journal where you document the date/time, what you were feeling/thinking about when you started picking, what you picked, how long you spent picking, how you felt when you were finished, what your arms (or whatever you were "attacking") looked like when you stopped. Then read your previous entries each time you make a new entry. It can be an enlightening experience.

When I kept my journal I learned that I was picking/plucking whenever I felt anxious, it was stress-relief for me. It was often in response to specific thing. I was able to start identifying what would trigger me to pick and find other ways to handle it (like cleaning up or doing some quick crunches/push-ups). I'm not 100% cured from picking KP but I've reduced my picking by probably 80%. I also no longer am addicted to plucking my eyebrows. I accomplished all this in about 2 months, quite impressive by my standards.

The technique above is a great idea for breaking any kind of bad habit! Another thing I did that helped was to cut my nails off. Right down to the quick, so I had nothing, I mean nothing, to pick with. Yeah, they didn't look great... but it helped. After maybe a month or so even if I let them grow I still wasn't picking. And stopping the picking really does help the KP look better.

It's nice to know that others of the rpoblem with picking too. I have tried to stop so many times and failed. I do it unconciously. I'm going to try the journal thing. Maybe it will help. Anyway always feels better to know that I'm not alone in my addiction.

I tried pumicer's technique four days ago. I scrubbed my upper arms like mad and when I got out they looked like I had gotten a REALLY bad sunburn-and felt like it! I must be crazy. Then, I actually followed through with the alcohol-all I can say is HOLY SH*T! It hurt. This is not something for the tender hearted-let me tell you. But-four days later and my skin looks like I've never had KP-not all of the scabbing has come off but, where it has, my skin is absolutely beautiful. It's a wicked option, but I'm glad I've tried it. I don't think I'll have to do it a second time. I used a pumice STONE-not a sponge. I am definitely going to use the sponge from now on-I started tanning and will see if it really helps.

About the sun. Once, on a trip from FL to Virginia, I got a really bad sunburn on my left arm (upper) and when it healed, I didn't get anymore bumps for a long time. Eventually, they did come back, but never like my right arm.

After using the stone, I really am impressed with the INITIAL results. I'll check back and let you know what it looks like when my skin has healed.

K

I also have a real problem with picking at the bumps. I don't know why. It drives my hubby crazy. He's constantly telling me that I shouldn't. I know I shouldn't, but it's like an addiction.

I think it has something to do with making yourself deformed (power) rather than some stupid genetic malfunction. You know, I would be looking at my skin and think, "not too bad..." but then I'd spot a bump and pick it, and then go on and on until my arms were destroyed. Then, I'd have to cover up. Weird, isn't it? But, now I think I can go on without picking. Because when I don't, the KP just isn't as bad--my hubby once said to me, "The bumps aren't nearly as unattractive as scabs."

By the way, HE'S the one that poured the alcohol on my arms for me (that's love) because he knows just how much KP has affected my self esteem.

Peace to y'all

K

I notice I pick more once it starts getting nicer out and I know short sleeve season is coming. I think it's because I obsess more about having KP and in the winter I know no one will see it so it doesn't bother me as much. It's almost like I do it as an excuse to make it look worse and to not have to show it. My friend says it's only noticable when I pick but I know that she's just trying to make me feel better. Also, I feel like I pick when I get really frustrated & feel sorry for myself about having bumpy skin. I try not to look at it to keep me from picking and making it 100% worse.