I see the notice that I should go introduce myself first since I've never posted before, but I really wanted to post this message first. I've had KP on my upper arms since around puberty -- possibly before then, but I wasn't aware of it. I squeezed for a long time, wore long sleeves to cover up when it was bad, and tried various moisturizers.

Around New Year's, I started a new routine (coincidence, not a new year's resolution!). I wasn't very scientific in how I changed things because I altered several variables at the same time. But now that it's been a couple of months, and I'd say that my arms are 90-95% better. They still flush red when I'm cold, but the bumps are almost entirely gone. I don't have a cure for my KP, but my regimen seems to keep it in check really well, so long as I'm diligent about following my routine.

I don't know if it would help anyone else, but is what I've been doing: I've added flax seed to my diet, for starters. I buy the whole flax seed and grind a heaping tablespoon of it each morning. I eat it with my breakfast (in my cereal, stirred into orange juice, mixed with peanut butter on a bagel). I've also started treating my arms both more gently and more aggressively -- I take pretty warm showers, and after I've been in the shower for ten minutes or so, I use a washcloth (wet, but no soap) to scrub at my arms. Then I use a loofa with some shower gel (I'm using Neutrogena's line of cream, exfoliating shower gels) and I scrub (but not too rough) with that. After I've rinsed off the shower gel, I use Aveeno Shower & Bath Oil on my arms… I rub it on both arms and let it "sit" for a few minutes before rinsing and getting out of the shower.

I've also noticed that before, if I took a bath, my arms would be a lot worse afterwards and really dry. Now, if I use a good bit of the shower & bath oil (1/8th of a bottle maybe), putting it in while the bath is filling up, that my arms come out really soft after my bath and I don't even need to lotion them.

Just wanted to share!

Hi Buckeye,

Thanks for sharing. It sounds like you have found something that works for you. The ground flaxseeds are giving you lots of good essential fatty acids -- omega 3 oils. Flaxseeds are one of the richest sources of omega 3. Ground flaxseeds are considered preferable to flaxseed oil, as the oil goes rancid so quickly. Sometimes it can be already rancid when you buy it at the store. I use ground flaxseeds also, grinding it daily in a coffee grinder.

Please post again and let us know of your progress.

kebod