Picking and Popping KP

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Originally posted by vegas girl

I have never met anyone outside my family with KP, so I didn't realize that other people were picking their arms into a scarred mess like I am. My husband of 14 years recently left me and our two girls (both also have KP) and I've has a huge flare up. I just learned from this site that stress aggravates KP. I have picked my left arm into a scabbed and scarred mess. It is so bad my husband commented that it looks like a "crack *****" would. I just ordered Carmol 20 and am going to try other ideas from the site, thanks for the ideas everyone. Tanning helps some, but it seems to darken the scars from old picking fits. Has anyone had any luck fading the scars? Since it seems I'm about to be single for the first time since I was 16 years old, my appearance seems to be on my mind a lot. I have recently lost 40 pounds and am proud of the way I look, except my arms! I would appreciate any help.

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Originally posted by Mel

First of all, don’t listen to your ex-husband…. If he left you he has also left behind any rights to comment on your appearance and even less to engage in conversations that make you feel bad about yourself. Before you do anything else, I think that you (and your daughters) could benefit from some counseling. I had it after my parents got divorced when I was 16. There are many support groups and therapists who deal with family situations and they can help you learn to deal with the pain, the stress and the anger and sadness that can accompany separation and divorce. This will also provide your family with a support system in case things get nasty. Onto your arm: A week or so ago, I recommended to another fellow picker and scratcher that she get herself a set of acrylic nails. If you don’t want to go through the expense that a salon includes, you cant pick up a set at any Kmart/Walmart, CVS. This will 1. Pamper you and 2. Prevent you from picking since the ends are so blunt. If you daughters start picking too, you can file their nails down with a buffer (that big white block) so that their nails can’t inflict that much damage. (if they are older they can get nails too). In order to start improving red marks and dots it is Extremely important that you don’t add more lesions to your skin. Once you stop picking, you skin will begin to heal on its own. If you aren’t acne-prone, try cocoa butter (which is what got rid of my pregnancy stretch marks, it may also help diminish the appearance of scars). Read Emily L’s posting on Sept. 09 on red dots: <a href="http://www.keratosispilaris.org/forum/00000834.htm">http://www.keratosispilaris.org/forum/00000834.htm</a> she mentions several options for scars including mederma and topical vitamin K. Try and stay out of direct sunlight unless you have sunblock on, don’t pick at the scabs (also meaning don’t’ exfoliate over them) and let them fall of naturally. Until all the scabs are gone, you shouldn’t mechanically exfoliate your arms. Afterwards, however, you should find a more active approach to treat the bumps. Lots of love, Mel

[Archive]

Originally posted by Emily L

Vegas, I am sorry you are sad right now, but your ex didn't deserve you. Your daughters are lucky to have a mom like you. I have learned a lot of info from dermadoctor.com and this website. dermadoctor is where I found out about the red dots and trying to alleviate them. I wish you a healthy and happier future... it's hard to give advice if you don't always take it yourself, but when times are hard for me, I make a physical list of all my blessings and put it on the fridge to look at until it subsides. I still have a list on the fridge from a couple months ago, but hopefully i will throw it away soon. Much love, Emily : ^ )