Almost three months ago, I started treating my daughter internally with essential oils for KP/KPRF, and almost immediately witnessed amazing results. I have always maintained that KP/KPRF needs to be tackled from the inside, and that it is caused by something microbial. My goal has been to find the cure, and not just another successful treatment. I know many of you on this list believe it is genetic, having to do with plugged hair follicles and sebum imbalances because that is what research tells us, but I believe it goes deeper, and that in most cases, these are just symptoms of a different problem.



I do have respect for the medical community and use modern medicine, but am open-minded enough to know that they can’t possibly know everything. Recall that Lyme’s Disease was only discovered in the 1970’s, even though documented cases go back to the late 1800’s. It is caused by the spirochete bacteria that is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick. Stomach ulcers were thought to be caused by stress, spicy foods, etc, until the 1980’s when the H. Pylori bacteria was discovered to cause most of them.



My theory may not hold true for all KP sufferers as there are different types of KP. There may be a type of KP that truly is genetic, but everyone with similar symptoms is diagnosed as having KP. In other words, there could be more than one thing that causes rough, chicken-like, red bumpy skin.



Here is my theory (finally!). I believe it is something (bacterial/parasitical) that is transmitted by a carrier parasite, much like Lyme’s disease - the carrier being the scabies mite, or possibly lice, or the mite that causes swimmer’s itch, etc. The bacteria/parasite could be passed on during childbirth, making it appear to be genetic. Please read on for compelling facts.



When I adopted my daughter from Russia almost 2-1/2 years ago, she had severe scabies. Her KP appeared in full-blown on her body – trunk, arms, legs – about six months after treating for scabies. For about a year we used prescription urea cream with moderate success. Then last fall I started a sequence of different candida/parasite cleanses, hoping to clear out whatever was causing the problem. Her KP improved significantly, but still did not go away completely.



In the meantime, people on this list were posting about the success of BBW-Spearmint/Eucalyptus lotion. One of the supplements I gave her twice a week was a greens food that I put in her juice. I had noticed that the day after she took this, her KP always looked its best. This greens food was flavored with spearmint.



Now the possible cure! Last winter I started getting into essential oils. Spearmint, eucalyptus, and many other essential oils are antibacterial and antiparasitical. Working with a trained essential oil practitioner, AND using only therapeutic-grade oils that are labeled to include internal use, I started giving my daughter a drop of spearmint oil in her juice once a day (throughout the whole regime we supplemented with probiotics to help maintain a healthy intestinal flora). My intent was to get rid of the bacteria/parasite from the inside, not drive it deeper by applying lotions externally. On the third day I increased the spearmint to two drops daily. On the fourth day, and this is where I made the scabies-as-a-carrier relationship, she broke out in KP so severe almost everywhere she ever had it, AND in places she never had it, but did have scabies 2-1/2 years ago. In fact, it looked like she had scabies all over again! She even had mild to moderate itching (scabies is severe itching). The left side of her face had a 2x2 inch patch that was solid angry red, almost weeping, that looked very sore.



As a side note, I did post on my Russian adoption discussion list asking other adoptive parents that if their children had had scabies, did they also develop KP? I had four responses, so the breakdown, including my daughter, was three yes they now have KP, and two no they don’t. My thought is that the prescription treatment that was used for the scabies may have been less effective in the yes-to-KP group, or the children that did not develop KP were healthier, and had stronger immune systems.



Continuing with our spearmint essential oil use, by day six or seven, everything started to heal and clear up. We continued with two drops of spearmint oil a day for about a total of four weeks. By this time, the little bumps were gone, but we had a few larger pimples scattered around that would pop up, but then go away. Also, while her face became smooth and less red, there was still an area on her left cheek that had the blotchy, red-webbed look. The essential oil practitioner told us to continue for two weeks after the last of the KP was gone, but my daughter, at this time refused to continue taking the oil (its very strong tasting). And since she still can’t swallow a capsule, we are going to have to wait until she can.



That is why I’m not 100% sure that this is the cure and can only say that it is a possible cure. Without a doubt, there is a correlation!



I have tried a couple of other oils in the meantime, and use the greens food supplement daily. We are having great success using equal parts of roman chamomile, geranium, and jojoba, as a topical, but again, this is just a treatment. It keeps the couple of bumps that have reappeared on her arms in check. The blotchy red spots on the left side of her face have settled down even more, and are only noticeable in extremely bright light. IMHO, as good as her skin looks now, I’m not sure she would even be diagnosed with KP!



Hopefully, within the next year, we’ll be able to continue with the spearmint oil and finish clearing her KP once and for all.

Dora i like what you say, and i am also looking for a cure...i have posted a thread on here asking for people who are keen on this condition for finding a cure, i believe there is more to this this than what people think.

Here It Is!!

Hello, i am wondering if anyone out there is keen on researching with me on finding either sumthin tht works miracles or for a cure...i am no doctor but i am a sufferer and with the help of any of you guys, i am sure we will at least find more out about this skin disease.
people who i have an interest in is:

Allisonsullivan
Sammy8

I am after people who have some form of e-mail account, MSN would be a huge advantage and who will take this whole research seriously...like i have read on this forum, it is us sufferers who know more than dermotologists about Keratosis Pilaris.

KP and the subform KPRF sufferers only!!

Hey, Dora, that's so great! It's good to hear from you again, too! The last time I read a post from you I think you were giving your daughter Paranil. Did you just use one bottle, or more? Are you continuing to use it now?

Which cleanses did you do, and which ones seemed to be the most successful? Were they expensive? Does one need to do them on a regular basis?

What is the "green foods" supplement you are giving your daughter?

And would you recommend some of us (KP community) using theraputic-grade spearmint oil for a few weeks?

You also wrote that vitamin C cleared seemed to clear your KP up. Are you continuing to use this supplement?

I love to pick your brain, Dora - sorry if it hurts you (you really needn't answer all or any of my questions)! Again, congratulations on your success!

Peace!

Namaste,
GreenBean

Dora your story is amazing...I hope you can clear your daughter's KP permanently. I also believe KP is an internal problem though I think there may also be a hormonal componant; how else to explain the onset of KP (for many) at adolescence and the onset or spread during or post-pregnancy.

I would like to know more detail about the treatment you are providing. Thanks!

Greenbean – It’s good to know you’re still around too! I truly believe that it is the input of this community that will help to find the cure.



I’ll be happy to answer any questions that I can – I’ll let you know if my brain starts to hurtJ!



The greens food we use is called Premium Greens. It’s loaded with lots of good stuff! It’s only sold through licensed health care practitioners (a few chiropractors in our area carry it). Here’s a link that gives details - www.anaboliclabs.com/antioxidants.html



Regarding cleanses, we tried three different ones over about a six month period. Each one only lasts about 10 days. We always supplement with probiotics (my daughter drinks lots of kefir in addition). The first we tried was just a combination of herbal tinctures that I added to her juice (black walnut, clove); the next was the Paranil Jr. (this had some of the same herbs as the first, but some other ones also); the last was the homeopathic remedy from our alternative practitioner. None of them showed immediate results, but over the long run, she steadily improved to a degree that makes me believe there was something we were knocking down, but not outJ. Each of the cleanses cost between $20-$50 U.S.D. It would be important for adults to also do a colon cleanse.



Each of us otherwise do a cleanse once a year, unless there are symptoms that indicate we may have picked something up.



About a year ago, when my older daughter and I both started showing signs of KP (ironically at the same time and none of us are biologically related), I was convinced it was not ‘genetic’, but contracted. We both took high doses of vitamin C to boost the immune system and it seemed to work. Now, with my new theory of KP being caused by a bacteria/parasite that is carried by the scabies mite or some other mite it all seems to fit. My older daughter and I were both exposed to scabies for about three weeks, and could have caught it, but were treated before we had any symptoms. You have scabies unknowingly for about two weeks before you have any symptoms.



I am hoping somebody in this community does try the spearmint oil. Google ‘spearmint essential oil uses’ and you will see that it is considered an antibacterial, antiparasitical, etc. We will only be able to determine if it is the solution if there are others who have success with it.



Its really very easy and not expensive at all. The trained individual that we worked with directed us toward Young Living essential oils. Its website/pamphlets indicate which oils can be taken internally, and how (spearmint needs to be diluted with juice or rice milk, otherwise it’s hard on the stomach). There are also other essential oil companies that have therapeutic grade (a higher quality than oils used for aromatherapy and foods), but please make sure the company indicates that it can be used internally. I understand that there are several European companies that produce high quality essential oils.



Please beware, however, if the spearmint has the same effect on you as it did on my daughter, you may not want to start taking the oil within two weeks of any event that you want to look your best. As I mentioned, the oil sure drove something out of her (as was my intent) that caused her to look as bad or worse than when she had scabies.



When my daughter is able to swallow a capsule, which I’m hoping isn’t too long from now (I’d rather finish driving whatever it is out before it continues to spread), I’ll increase the number of drops. We were previously limited by what she would take because of the strong taste. I plan on starting with four and see how it goes.



Closetextrovert – I agree. There are a lot of people who feel it is hormonal. If my theory is correct, it may only be one cause of KP. There could be more than one reason people get red bumpy chicken-like skin. There certainly seem to be different varieties – some have bumps, but no red; some have red, but no bumps; some have both red and bumps; some have more pimpled-like skin instead of bumps; you get the idea!



Or perhaps as hormones change, which means the body is changing, this microbe finds opportunity to thrive. Maybe the immune system works differently while the body is changing. There are so many things about the human body that are unknown.



Regardless, I’m hoping that many of us, if not all, have success with the spearmint oil.

Dora, I am intreaged by your theory. I too feel that there is more to this KP thing than just genetics. No one in my family has it...that I know of. Mine definitely seems to flare up when my hormones are in flux, but who knows why. I definitely plan to try the spearmint oil, but my question is this...do you think it is ok to take while breastfeeding? I emailed their customer support, but haven't heard back yet. Also, since it is antibacterial(like the coconut oil)should I be taking probiotics as well?

Thanks!

On a side note, I had lice a couple times growing up(dang sleepovers!). My KP didn't show up until puberty though. It would be interesting to see how many others have been in contact with a parasite prior to the onset of their KP.

Has anyone found any facts out about Keratosis Pilaris? As i am researching the skin disease.

Mama2boos - Yes, definitely supplement with probiotics, although I wouldn't take them at the same time as the spearmint oil. Wait for an hour, and take the probiotics a couple of times a day. However, I would wait until you are done breast-feeding before starting the oil. Its advised to consult with a physician if pregnant or under the care of a doctor and to me, breast-feeding falls into the pregnant category - concern about the baby. Also, it may make your breast milk pretty strong-tasting:-).

Dora, thank you SO, SO MUCH! I will continue to look into cleansing, and I may look into trying the green foods, too, if it's not too pricey (can I use that in place of a multi-vitamin?).

In regards to the oils - Thanks! I will check that out... If it's relatively inexpensive I may try it (if I can find a place that sells the proper type, or will deliver). Please keep us posted on your daughter's progress!

I agree with you that there are likely to be a few different broad reasons for KP, though I believe that a nutrient deficiency due to improper absorbtion/utilization/etc is the common link between us all. Maybe the parasite(s) in your daughter are/were robbing her of the necessary nutrients to maintain "healthy" skin? I don't know... Just putting it out there.

Anyway, thanks again, Dora! I look foward to hearing from you in the future! Congratulations on your success!

Peace!

Namaste,
GreenBean

P.S. What kind of probiotics do you use? There are so many brands/combinations out there. I ask for advice and receive mixed messages! Any special guidelines you follow personally?

GreenBean - No, the greens food supplement is not a replacement for a multi-vitamin. It provides the other essential nutrients that you get from eating vegetables. One serving of a greens food supplement provides the nutritional value of anywhere from 5 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, and are extremely high in anti-oxidants. They do, however, lack the fiber you would get from eating the actual vegetable. Greens food supplements contain natural anti-inflammatory agents, and usually have probiotics and enzymes added for digestive health.

As far as what probiotics to use - there are alot of them on the market, usually containing 6-10 active cultures. I always buy them from a reputable health food store, not a grocery store. Most will have a minimum of 3 billion CFUs per serving. I believe I read somewhere that 1-2 billion CFUs are necessary just to maintain a healthy intestinal flora. Also, I alternate brands (just like my vitamins).

Mama2boos - I agree. I would love to hear from others (particularly those who are first generation KPers) that had contact with a parasite (scabies, lice, swimmer's itch, bedbugs, etc.) prior to having signs of KP. Or perhaps if you believe you inherited it from your parents, did they have a parasite when they were younger? Keep in mind, a microorganism (bacteria, virus, parasite, fungus) can be passed on during birth, making it appear to be genetic, when in fact, it isn't.

That's true, just read up about Demodex. I googled it and read about it on at least 4 different sites. Then I drove straight to the clinic where I work and did a skin s****e and checked myself. WHEW! No sign of it (or anything else! ), but that's almost disheartening, because if I did have it, at least I could be cured! I say "almost" because I don't think I'd trade KP for having mites crawling all over me... even if they are curable!

Me and my sister, we both have KP. I am not 100% sure but it seems genetic. I also believe it is something related to an internal problem.

i also believe it is internal to because i suffer from very bad abdominal pains and i am unsure what is causing this, i cannot match up KP and my abdominal pains though...sometimes they can last up to 2 weeks.