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Originally posted by JeninOC

Hi everyone. I couldn't believe that I found this wonderful board! I had been searching periodically online about KP and didn't find much, until now. It is great to learn about all of the products out there than can, at the very least ,help minimize the effects of KP.

Here is my story----I have had KP for 2 years now, and wonder if it is due to my weight gain of about 30 lbs which began at the same time. I never had KP in my teens or college years, when I was a size 6. I also have allergy probs and some acne that is now very under control- with the exception of my back :-(
Well, I have tried a number of things and can tell you what did not work on me. My derm prescribed Differen-- waste of $$ and made my condition worse. I know it can bring out more bumps at first, but the KP worsened pretty badly. UGH! It is also a retinoid which is dangerous to use if you are going to have any children in the near future (retinoids cause birth defects-- so also be careful with Retin A out there--) She also gave me some cream to reduce the redness-- Desowen, waste of $$ as well. I have exfoliated with a buff puff and 2% salicylic acid washes, benzoil Peroxide cleansers, which also have not done much for me. At this point, I'm going to try to change my diet , lose the lbs, and increase the Vitamin A foods (foods like carrots, butternut squash, sweet potoato etc) , as well as take the vitamins that you have all tried. I'm going continue exfoliating, and go out to buy some tea tree oil soap and AHA lotions as well. I am going to start a round of the "pill" next month, for birth control purposes, and I have heard from a friend who had KP that an added bonus was that her arms were clearer. Go figure- I do not recommend people taking birth control just to clear up skin.
That is my plan, and I want to thank you all for you're wonderful advice. I am still hopeful :-)
I know it's frustrating as hell, especially in summertime when I'm wearing 3/4 sleeves, but there are worse things you can have out there, and I'm just glad I'm healthy in other ways .
I'm a bride to be that is clinging on to hope, in light of all of the gorgeous sleeveless gowns out there that I won't be wearing :-( Ce la vie, I've found a beautiful sheer fitted number that will still drive my groom to his knees!!
Ciao and great to read your posts
JenInOC