relationships and KP

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Originally posted by Cereza

Hi, i was just wondering if anyone else had had problems in forming relationships because they were embarassed by their KP. I've had it since I was 15 and after a bad reaction from one of my friends I have been terrified of showing my legs to anyone. Does anyone have any tips about coping with the psychological effects of KP?

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Originally posted by samanbebo@yahoo.net

Sorry i don't have any tips, but I do know where you are coming from. My family thinks I'm overreacting but it bothers me too, esp, in the summer. Guess the only solution is to realize that no one is perfect and say who cares. /

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Originally posted by Katherine

I used to be really embarrassed by my arms but I rememeber once when I was young being over at a friends house getting ready to sneak off to some nightclub when two of my mates were giving me a makeover and rubbing cream into my arms for me. I was stunned that they'd even touch it! But they just said that it's no big deal...so I guess if people are really worth it they won't be put off by something superficial...and if they are....they're the kind of people you don't need in your life

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Originally posted by TLA

I totally understand your anguish. The good thing is that my boyfriend (who's now my fiance) doesn't mind the bumps at all. He said he honestly didn't even notice them when we first met. The moral: if the person really cares about you, those silly little bumps won't matter. As for my other friends, they all understand after I explain to them that it's a very unfortunate hereditary condition. I've had this for years now. And as I grow older, I've become secure enough about myself that I'm not letting this KP thing get in the way. Best wishes.

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Originally posted by Mary

I think the self-esteem issues are the hardest. I remember the best thing my mother did for me was send me to a dermatologist who claimed his wife had KP(i still don't know if it was true or just a very thoughtful setup). I remember thinking: 1)someone who works with skin diseases every day cares so little about the condition that he married someone with it? and 2) a woman with KP can get married? Sounds silly, but i also thought that guys care about such things and would only want me if i had smooth skin. I also remember seeing a friend who had KP with a boyfriend and thinking, WOW, I CAN have a relationship! I also used to avoid close male companionship, afraid of what they would say when they felt my bumps. I truly believe that the questions and the looks are merely curiosity. They really just want to know and aren't disgusted.

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Originally posted by Emily

I never really had problems getting boyfriends, but I never wanted them to touch the backs of my arms or thighs because of the bumps. I didn't know until today what this was called. Doctors always told me it was dry skin and of course no matter what I did it didn't work. They said I would outgrow it, but I have had it as long as I can remember. I guess having it so long, I have started to get used to it. But it bothers me more than my husband. He thought I just had ingrown hairs and I can't wait to tell him that I at least found out what it's called. I was afraid taking baths would make it worse because I heard baths actually dry out your skin. I had bought an exfoliating wash from getfresh and it seemed to work for a few weeks and then it was back to normal. Maybe I wasn't hydrating enough. But it took me a long time to get over people touching my arms. When I got married June 1st, I wore a sleeveless dress. Luckily, I didn't have any redness, of course the bumps were there, but I didn't care. It was the dress I wanted. And long sleeve dresses are itchy from the lace. So I hope that you find someone as comforting and helpful as my husband has been with me. If someone has a problem with it, then it isn't meant to be. Good Luck!

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Originally posted by Gina

Or since so many people have it, you can find a guy or girl with kp also. Then nobody is embarassed!! :-)

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Originally posted by Erin

Hi, I'm a teen too. For the longest time I felt very insecure about my legs, arms, and cheeks. Lots of kids asked questions but I never had any answers. I wanted to try to boost my self esteem, so I started acting in plays and joining lots of school clubs. I got really involved in art and started to act and dress in a more personal, unique way. It really boosted my confidence and I made more friends. I guess now that I have my own "identity" I feel that my skin is just a part of my unique self. I now have a wonderful boyfriend of 10 months. He fell for me because of my new confident personality and my new talents and interests. He knows that my skin isn't the most attractive, and he knows that it bothers me, and he still loves me. I just try my best not to let it bother me. I really feel better now, even though I'm not cured. I think that this condition makes all of us stronger, better, and more beautiful people; even if we can't find a cure.

Good luck to you.