Hello everyone!

I've been lurking for a while, and thought it's about time to join in with the discussion and introduce myself!

I'm Adam, and i'm a 20 year old white male living in London, UK. I have KP all over my arms, on my legs and buttocks. My Mum has it to exactly the same extent.

First of all, here's some things that I have learnt about the condition, and a few tips that have helped me;

• Don't overload the skin. I've found if I use a really thick oil or lotion on my skin, even after exfoliating, I get small blisters like spots that are unsightly and itchy. The lighter the cream the better, after all the problem is caused by a blocked hair follicle and overloading with cream will only exacerbate the problem. Oil sitting in the surface of your skin is a definite no-no. When you find a cream that sinks totally and immediately into your skin, you've found the right one.
• What you get in, you get out. Basically, I've found exfoliating in a hot shower, then using a light cream helps, but from working in a body cosmetics shop for three years, I know that it's so so important to choose the right cream. Turn the product over before you buy it and actually count how many ingredients you know, let alone pronounce! The fewer the better, trust me. You're using a cream that's seeping into your skin to soothe - using one full of nasty chemicals will irritate your pores, inflame the skin, damage the hair follicles, enter your blood stream and have unknown effects on your long-term health and genetics, in the same way chemical hair colourings are evil and should be banned. It's going into your bloodstream... how is that healthy?!
• Try to cut down on spray anti-perspirants if you have KP near your armpits like me. Aluminium chlorohydrate blocks the sweat glands, and whilst spraying also cover many other pores and block them too. Nature designed us to sweat, and when we block the armpits, it comes out elsewhere. Deodorants are ok, especially cream ones, only on the armpit area, but people should really wake up and see how bad anti-perspirants are! There's also a link between that chemical and breast cancer.
• I've found that taking supplements (Vitamin A, Calcium, Cod Liver Oil) hasn't helped me. I'm going to start an intensive Omega rich diet, so will let you know if anything comes of that.

I have a few products I swear by, and it would take a lot for me to change. If you want more details, just let me know.

Hope this helps.
x