I'm so glad I found this website I could cry. I've always thought I was the ONLY one suffering with this condition. I'm a 30 yr. old, african-american female. I've had KP since I was 13 but have just started seeking information on treatment in the last month or so. Dermatologists over the years have told me I just need to "love the skin I'm in". Well, I don't love it and it's depressing. Why do people say this disease is hereditary or genetic? There is no one in my family who has this besides my twin sister and I. Absolutely no males or females on either immediate side. I've litterally checked everyone's arms and legs to be sure and it's mind-boggling how beautiful everyone else's skin is.

*SIGH*

Nonethesless, I feel there may be hope thanks to those who have already tried products and have made recommendations on this site. I look forward to trying any and everything I can get my hands on. We both (my sis and I) have KP on the front and back of our thighs, calves and the back of our arms. It seems to be worse on my left arm and leg than on the right though. Why, I'm not sure.

Any info that can be shared with me will be greatly appreciated. Don't be a stranger, I love to talk. If anyone on this site happens to be a "person of color" with insight on black skin...I'd welcome that as well.

Hi, chyna! Welcome.

I'm a 20 y/o white male, but I've been enduring this condition since I was at least 9 or 10. No, you're not alone. Tons of people have it, its just more extreme in some people than in others.

It's genetic, but the gene can be recessive-- meaning that although one of your parents carries the gene for KP, it may not be expressed.

Browse around as there are lots of people on the site doing independent research on curing or treating KP (including myself).

Regards,
Stinger

Hey Chyna,

I'm 24, white and female, and I have had KP for about 15 or 16 years.

Stinger911 who already said 'Hi' has some interesting ideas about the benefits of sweaty exercise flushing the pores out some. My own pet idea is about the benefits of sufficient water intake and I think it has made some improvements in my miserable skin.

But there are lots of other people on this site with good ideas for improving skin too, so if you 'shop around' you'll doubtless find something that helps at least a little bit.

I used to think I was the only one who had this condition too. Some research seems to indicate that about 40% of the population have it to some extent though. I can't say I've actually seen many afflicted people in RL, but there are certainly lots of fellow sufferers posting here.

I couldn't believe that it was genetic either, but the research seems to be there to back that up. Both my parents had flawless skin, and none of my grandparents, four aunts, two uncles and (what feels like) hundreds of cousins had any skin problems at all - except one cousin who had bad eczema. So I felt like the freak in my family.

Best of luck with finding something that makes you feel better about your skin.

C_S

Thanks to cynical_scribe and Stringer911 for the welcome! Good to know that I'm not a freak eventhough I feel like one. LOL!

I'll do more water and see if that helps. I work out daily in the gym so that may help as well.

I'm still reading this site and there's so much info. I'm ordering the glytone kit next week and going to BBW today for that lotion. I'll let you all know if I get any results.

Chyna, welcome to the board. I'm 33 and have had this since I was young, so I relate. Good luck.

Thanks cc_camilo

Let me know if anything you have used works. I'm all ears.