Erin's cheap, easy remedy

[Archive]

Originally posted by Erin

Greetings. My name is Erin and I'm from Wisconsin. I have KP not only on the back of my upper arms, but also a severe case on the whole surface of my legs. Not to mention, I also had KP rubra faceii! Though the "Oh my gosh, what's wrong with your legs!?" and "Are you wearing blush or something? You are bright red!" comments have died down, I still feel insecure about it.

At age 17, my KP rubra faceii has started to get less noticable on it's own, thankfully. And living in Wisconsin, I could get away with wearing long sleeves and pants most of the time, but my legs are probably my best feature (minus the skin problem...), so I've always wanted to show them off...

Recently, I tried a new, very simple and inexpensive routine on my legs that seems to be working pretty well. I bought a natural loofah sponge and some Jergens "Naturally Smooth shave reducing lotion". Every morning, I take a warm (not hot!) shower and scrub my body with the wet loofah sponge in a circular motion. I use Walgreens beauty bar soap; it feels really smooth and it's cheap to boot! Within a few minutes after getting out of the shower, I apply the lotion. Sometimes I reapply at night too. And that's all!

It seems to be working well. After just a week, my skin feels very smooth, hardly any bumps at all. The special "shave minimizing" ingredient works kinda like a weak Nair, I think. It thins the hair in the follicle somehow, and eases it out to the surface. There is still some redness though, where my bumps were. But I hae a feeling that it will go down in time. I am very pleased with the results!

I also believe that drinking lots of water, getting a little sunshine, and getting some sweaty exercise is beneficial..

I hope this helps someone!!

[Archive]

Originally posted by Emily L

Hi Erin, I am so happy that it is working for you! I bought the same Jergens lotion, but since I also use keralty gel and Carmol 20, I only use the Jergens in the morning. Maybe I should start using it more often! Good luck! I have been using hydrocortisone for the redness, but it hasn't really changed anything yet.

[Archive]

Originally posted by Kim

I know you have been using the Hydrocortizone Cream for the redness, I have been also. I started a cream a week ago and have noticed lightening of the red dots. It's called Skin Success by Palmer's. It fades marks and lightens dark pigment in the skin. I got it at Rite Aid but you can get it on-line. Just thought this could help. To the Cream I added half a tube of Hydrocortizone Cream. Good Luck!

[Archive]

Originally posted by Emily L

So you mix the Skin Success with the hydrocortisone and then apply? I guess I was afraid to try something that lightened in fear it was for other discolorations and not redness or red. Or that it would make certain areas of my skin whiter.

[Archive]

Originally posted by Kim

I have been using it for about a week now and no problems.I added the hydrocortizone to the skin success and it is lightening the red dots, i even wore shorts the other day. the shorts are gonna take some getting used to, I need to feel comfortable again w/ myself and I am sure by next summer it will be all gone and I will fell good about myself again. Good luck!

[Archive]

Originally posted by Emily L

WOW, that is so cool you wore shorts! I can't remember the last time I left the house in shorts, but part of it is being so pale. I think I may get the skin success next pay check and try that. The hydrocortisone by itself doesn't seem to be doing much. Thanks and good luck!

[Archive]

Originally posted by Debra

If you're not experiencing much success with hydrocortisone, you may want to ask your doctor to prescribe a higher concentration (1% is the highest available without a prescription). There are many more potent steroids out there that can potentially help with the redness, but they can have some serious side effects, so it's important to use the least potent formulation that is effective for you. See if your doctor would prescribe 2.5% hydrocortisone since 1% isn't doing much. I've got my fingers crossed for you. Debra