OK Thanks for your answer kebod

I'll tell you when I start ;-)

But actually I don't know where I can find this stuff ... Is there a site (internet) that delivers in Europe (especially Brussels, Belgium) ?
Or do we find this kind of products in a type of store (that is in Brussels of course =S)

Thank you.

I've been a lurking "member" for some time now and thought I'd chime in to say that I am just starting this Epsom Salt (ES) routine. Much like Mike from France I have kp on upper arms, forearms , up and down my legs, and red cheeks w/out kp. Money doesn't flow to me in large quantities and when I saw this ES thread I thought that this is something really nice, organic and CHEAP, not to mention if I can get some relief from the redness and kp. I'm following everyone's recommendations with the ES baths. 2 cups ES in warm bath water 3x a week. I'm 2 sessions (haha) into it. I did see a difference even after the first bath! I'm also using the olive oil while in the bath... I laughed at the absurdity of bringing this huge bottle of olive oil w/ me in to the bathroom . After the soaking (30min) I then take a shower with the apricot ex foliating scrub (although it's pretty $$$ if you're gonna use it as a body wash!). The tube says it's for your face and it's pretty small... I did not buy the AmLactin lotion just because it was like $25 for a bottle! I might change my mind. Anyway, here's my concoction just in case any of your guys feel I should alter it:

--- AM daily Oil Pull w/ Sunflower oil >>> 20 - 30 mins <<<

--- PM 3x week ES (2cups) bath >>> 30 mins <<<


Bottom Line: I really like the Epsom salt baths for more than the kp relief. It's also very relaxing - almost meditative, which I think counts for something!

Side note: I live in Arizona. Is it okay to apply sunscreen daily? I use Neutrogena "helioplex" 70 SPF. Can you recommend a better product that doesn't have the unpronouncable ingredients?

Thanks for you answer Scania

It's pretty difficult for me to get products because first of all I have some difficulties with English to understand scientific words, or products (like Scania just said).

Epsom salts is not very difficult to understand (=> Sel d'Epsom) I taped it in Google and I got my answer.
But for other stuff like "apricot ex foliating scrub"... Pretty hard for me ^^ So it's even harder to know where to look to get it =S
Plus I don't have time for myself for these kind of things :S

But I really wanna thank you all for your help

Hi guys. I have been a browser on here for a while, and have tried different things. Have just bought epsom salts and will try the exfoliating idea and the bath soaks (probably only once per week to begin with - I never overdo anything at first haha due to past trial and error) But one question I have if someone wouldn't mind answering, is how much is a "cup"? Sounds like a stupid question, but is it a "cup" as in a cooking measurement cup? Or just any old cup? Cups in my house are pretty large haha, more like mugs, and I don't want to put too much or too little in the bath.

Can anyone clear this up once and for all?

Hi sixtiesram,

So, I think we're referring to the common measurement for cooking when we say "cup". 1 cup = 8 ounces. I would think you definitely want to use a form of measurement so you don't inadvertently use too much on accident.

Scania

Thanks very much Scania. Appreciate your reply.

How fortunate I feel to have stumbled upon this list. I have been lurking for a few days, just reading the many posts, mostly about treatments that work.

A few years ago, I went to a highly reccommended Derm because I had developed tiny dry patches of skin on my legs that made it impossible to shave without bleeding. He took one very quick look & said "You have Psorisas there is no cure and you will have it for the rest of your life.." When I asked him how he could determine that without a skin s****ing his answer was "You have all of the classic signs, your upper arms & thighs look like chicken skin and your elbows are very dry". He gave me samples of several creams a prescription for a cream and I was out of there.

Tried the creams, nothing, nada. What seemed to work a little was a good soak in the tub & vigirously drying myself with the rough side of a bath towel. I would then apply Amalactin (sp?). And when shaving I used either a Sensitive Skin or Dry Skin shaving gel. The results, fewer bumps, lots of small pieces of skin removed from the bumps and slightly smoother the next day. It is only slightly better.

A few days ago while researching Psorisas, I stumbled upon this list. After reading many of the posts, I think I have to disagree with the Derm. My symptoms are more like KP. I have raised bumps (which seem to have tiny ingrown hairs in them) all over my legs, abdomen, trunk and arms. When I get excessivly warm, I get small flat red patches on my upper arms and upper thighs. I don't itch but I do tend to pick at the bumps from time to time. Sometimes, it is like pulling a plug out of my skin.

Enough rambling, last night I decided to take an Epsom Salt soak to see if that might help. Apparently, the water was too hot as I started to sweat and feel a little nauseaous. I stuck it out for 15 min. Dried off and applied Amalactin lotion. The results today, not much different than soaking in a regular bath. Also, last night I had to get up in the middle of the night and each time I did, I was very dizzy. It is also the case this AM. Is it possible that this is a side effect of the Epsom salt soak or mearly a considence?

I know that it will take several more soaks before I see a marked (or in this case an unmarked difference however, I am hesitant to proceed if this dizzy thing is going to continue. Has anyone else had this type of thing happen?

The other method that I thought I would try is Oil Pulling. Will post feedback once I have tried this a few times.

Thanks a Squillion for listening to my rambling.

I stopped taking epsom salt baths a few weeks ago. I noticed yesterday, and now today, my KP looks really good. I also oil pull once a day for 20 minutes with sesame oil. Does anyone think the epsom salts were causing it to worsen? The KP is still here, but its ALOT better than it was.

sosezshe - I commented on this info in another thread I think - I was thinking you might try less MgS in the bath at a somewhat lower temp.

ChiBears - When did you start oil pulling in relationship to when you were using MgS? I find the MgS reduces redness when I have that with some reduction in overall bump production. I would be curious. Maybe the MGS is a bit drying? were you using a moisturizer within minutes of showering/bathing? If it was drying you, I could magine it might seem worse or be rougher in texture...

__________________
- bd: 45 yo F; I stopped scrubs, using salicylic acid after shower + homemade lotion; Burt's carrot soap or clean&clear on face; homemade body butter with Citric Acid as AHA; reg. exercise; OilPulling; a basic multi-vite plus Vit D, o3s, spirulina; eating GLUTEN-FREE DIET for Celiac Disease, and not much dairy as I get allergic reaction; Arms 95% clear, face neck chest 90%, legs 90% clear, butt is 99% clear. All dietary treatments above help reduce my sinus congestion and joint pain.

Dermatologists are the most incompetent doctors ever to exist. They diagnose incorrectly most of the time. I regret wasting money on them, they just want to make profit off of you without regards to your well-being or getting better. It's better just to go on here to find the treatments yourself. Epsom salt does work as a relaxer so it's probably just a way that your body unstresses, by making you fall asleep.

Epsom salt works by facilitating the absorption of magnesium and sulfates through your skin when you take a soak with 2 cups of epsom salts dissolved in the water.

"According to the National Academy of Sciences, most Americans are magnesium deficient."

Studies show that magnesium is poorly absorbed by the stomach, but more effectively absorbed through our skin.

Benefits of magnesim and sulfates:

Improved heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.
Improved ability for the body to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.
Flushed toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.
Improved nerve function by electrolyte regulation. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.
Relieved stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.
Reduced inflammation to relieve pain and muscle cramps.
Improved oxygen use.
Improved absorption of nutrients.
Improved formation of joint proteins, brain tissue and mucin proteins.
Prevention or easing of migraine headaches.

FROM Amazing Health Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths | Healthy and Green Living#

kebod

__________________
My treatment: Oil pulling daily; candida diet (minimum of carbs, no sugars); omega-3 from canned salmon and sardines; sun exposure 10-15 minutes, 3 days a week, without sunblock; program to strengthen immune system; probiotic supplements; lots of water; moderate daily exercise; exfoliation with epsom salts and sugar several times a week. KP reduced 99%. If I go "off diet" -- grains, sugars, etc. -- or stop oil pulling, KP returns.

Hi,

I searched a lot but I didn't find those damn' epsom salts ! :@

Can anyone please tell me where I can find it on the internet (needs to deliver in Belgium) ?

Thanks in advance ... =/

I've been oil pulling for a long time now with different oils, probably close to 8 or 9 months. A few months back I found that sesame oil worked best for me, and I've been sticking to that. I was doing epsom salts for a few months. It probably was. I didn't use any moisturizer. What would you guys suggest?(never crossed my mind)

Last night I decided to try an Epsom salt, sugar & EVOO scrub with those little scrubby gloves. The scrub went oay but I was unable to keep the scrub on so that the Epsom salts could soak in, it just kept falling off so I decided to saok in the scrub.

The wierdest thing happened, while soaking, I started to scratch my skin & all of this stuff came off. I'm not sure if it was a build up of Coconut oil, EVOO or if it was just plain old dead skin. I would have thought that scrubbing with the gloves would have removed and loose skin or build up

While drying off, I notice that the the towel had an unusual amount of what appeared to be dirt on it. Sorry to be so graphic but it was truly disgusting. I felt like I hadn't bathed in weeks. Anyone else experience this?

There are bundles that people recommend around here. Check the "products that work" thread and the Product Review section.
http://www.keratosispilaris.org/index.php?do=products

Since you and I have some similar reactions to things, I would recommend plain old almond oil. A basic shea butter lotion (watch ingredients!) is good in our northern winters as the shea butter is quite thick but non-comedogenic. watch out for cocoa butter, it IS comedogenic (pore clogging). Even the shea butter lotion I posted in products has a bit of that so I'd wait until I was clear of kp before trying it as you would obviously see if it affects you or not. Some of the massage oils from a natural grocery store might be ok, check what they're made of. they might be sesame and almond blends or something.

__________________
- bd: 45 yo F; I stopped scrubs, using salicylic acid after shower + homemade lotion; Burt's carrot soap or clean&clear on face; homemade body butter with Citric Acid as AHA; reg. exercise; OilPulling; a basic multi-vite plus Vit D, o3s, spirulina; eating GLUTEN-FREE DIET for Celiac Disease, and not much dairy as I get allergic reaction; Arms 95% clear, face neck chest 90%, legs 90% clear, butt is 99% clear. All dietary treatments above help reduce my sinus congestion and joint pain.