(I had to copy and paste this as for some reason the other thread is not viewable, but I can read it if I click on my name and then the thread listed from there, wierd)

Howdy everyone,
It has been a while since I posted about my son Jaden (13 &1/2 mo's old now), and I am having a hard time w/ his Keratosis Pilaris. BTW, I hope everyone had a nice holiday!

First off, I am still doing the nightly routine of Aveeno 100% Colliodal Oatmeal Baths, followed by mineral oil in the bath, and a very mild exfoliation w/ the washcloth on his arms, thighs, and butt. Then after the bath, I moisturize w/ the Aveeno lotion mentioned in my post above, along w/ the Buttpaste on his affected areas. In the morning and thru out the day, Buttpaste is applied on the thighs and butt during diaper changes.

I experimented and switched him over to a soy-based formula, and put him on Enfamil ProSobee Lipil Next Step (for toddlers up to 24 mo's of age), and also used the Locoid .1% lotion. Seemed to have worked well, and also helped him w/ his constipation. I also made sure he stayed hydrated and had water available to sip on thru out the day, and and no more than 2 oz prune juice to help out w/ his poops.

Fast forward to now. I stopped using the Locoid, and tried the other script given to try (hydrocortisone mentioned in previous post above, I think was 2.5?), and it didn't help. I'm not one that likes using scripts anyways, so wasn't determined to apply this stuff daily. So, I switched him back over to a milk based formula, thinking for some reason he didn't really have a milk allergy (Enfamil Next Step w/ Lipil, for toddlers up to 24 mo's), and as I said stopped using the Locoid. The Keratosis Pilaris is worse now, and angry. I feel I should have never started using the prescription creams in the first place, as stopping using them has made them worse. He also itches very badly on his thighs all thru out the day (no it's not an allergy to his diapers). I feel like I have to start all over again and get back to basics.

I still am planning on taking him to the allergist to find out if anything is going on that we are not aware of yet. In the meantime, I will still do the buttpaste (it works great on his face, you can barely see any bumps on his cheeks), and do the Aveeno Baths, but what do I do for the itching on the thighs thru out the day? I'm wondering if I should switch him back over to the soy again. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance. Good golly, it's like a recipie, you have to work and work at the ingrediants till you get it just right. I hope I get it right soon, for Jaden's sake. Till then, I am laying off the prescription lotions.

Advice anyone?

Thanks in advance. I've found this support board very "supportive" obviously, lol. Everyone's been so full of advice.

And btw, I would love any nice homemade recipies as well for Keratosis Pilaris lotions for a 14 mo. old.

~Aimee, Jaden's mom



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12-28-2004 07:08 PM

Here are some of my favorite natural products. The infant formula article I just found interesting.

1. Extra gentle and non-toxic cleansers -- I love www.terressentials.com. They have products just for baby (baby care sampler for $16.95) http://www.terressentials.com/babycare.html. Otherwise, a good cheaper cleanser is Dr. Bronner's Baby Castile soap.

2. Raw unrefined shea butter -- Check out www.aaasheabutter.com. Try to find Grade A shea butter for highest healing properties (as opposed to just moisturizing properties). For good prices, check out www.africansheabuttercompany.com (especially Eastern African Shea Butter). The following is some general info:

· Naturally rich in vitamins A, E & F which are essential vitamins needed for good skin balance.

· - Skin aging treatment:
* Using Shea Butter helps the skin to recover its clarity and suppleness and to reduce wrinkles.

· Unequalled skin moisturizing
* Shea Butter significantly increases the hydration of superficial layers of epidermis.

· Clinically proven anti-aging properties

· Stretch mark prevention and minimization

· soothe irritated skin and heal chapped skin

· Rapid healing for burns (minimizes scarring)

· Enhanced cell regeneration and capillary circulation (this helps the healing of small wounds, cracks, crevices, and skin ulcers
* Improvement of wrinkled and atrophic skin appearance.

· protect skin against weather and UV aggressions

· prevent wrinkle formation

· revitalize and impart shine and luster to dry/damaged hairs

· Shea butter can also be used to treat rheumatism and aching muscles

· ease colds because it decongests

· Excellent for skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, dandruff, severe dry skin, cold sores, bed sores, diaper rash, dermatitis and skin discolorations and much much more


The next four items are very similar in that they are antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal:

3. Manuka Honey: http://www.manuka-skincare.com/shop/index.php/cPath/45
This honey is from New Zealand. Scientifically researched. Anti-bacterial and anti-viral.

4. Emu Oil Certified Fully Refined: Our Emu Oil is Certified Fully Refined by the American Emu Association. Emu oil is a very thick rich oil obtained from the emu animal. Properties: penetrates multiple layers of skin, replenish lost lipids in aged skin, moisturize soothe and soften skin, stimulates skin, hair and nail growth, prevents and lessens the appearance of scars and stretchmarks, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, non-toxic, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, Possible Uses: muscle aches, sore joints, swelling and inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diaper rash, skin rashes, bed sores, sprains, eczema, psoriasis, external hemorrhoids, cracked hands, cracked heels, insect bites, insect stings, spider bites, bruising, scars, radiation burns, sunburn, skin abrasions, irritated skin, dry skin and muscle & joint pain. (I've ordered from www.lbemuoil.com and www.longviewfarms.com.)


5. Neem Oil Organic: thick oil obtained from the neem seed kernels. It is rich in fatty acids such as oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic and others. The oil is dark in color, very bitter in taste and has a strong pungent earthy musky odor. In India the Neem Tree is known as "the village pharmacy". Neem oil is used in India to treat eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, chicken pox, diaper rash, insect bites, ringworm, scabies, acne, lice, nail fungus, rashes, cuts and s****es. Properties: antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic. (I've never tried this, but I have heard a lot about it. Also, it's supposed to be great for insect bites.)

6. Virgin Coconut Oil: www.tropicaltraditions.com (antibacterial and antiviral). Definitely worth doing more research - start with Mary Enig, Ph.D. The following is a testimonial from someone who used Tropical Traditions:
When my baby boy, David, was 10 weeks old he had a yeast infection on his bottom. Instead of running to the Dr. to get an expensive prescription, I first tried VCO. I was very new to using it so I wasn't sure what to expect. I liberally applied coconut oil at each diaper change (about 6x/day) allowing it to soak in for a few minutes after each application. I was astounded that within 24 hours there was significant improvement. I continue to apply it and within 3 days the yeast infection was completely gone. VCO is awesome!! Vanessa- Gilbert, IA*

7. Infant Formula: Interesting article -- http://www.mercola.com/2000/oct/22/infant_formula.htm

1. Gentle Cleansers/Organic Skincare: http://www.terressentials.com/babycare.html. I love their products, especially their cleansers. For a good, cheap cleanser, try Dr. Bronner’s Baby Castile Soap.

2. Raw, Unrefined Shea Butter: http://www.aaasheabutter.com/products.htm. Try to find Grade A Shea Butter. For cheaper prices, check out www.africansheabuttercompany.com (especially Eastern African Shea Butter).

· Naturally rich in vitamins A, E & F which are essential vitamins needed for good skin balance.

· - Skin aging treatment:
* Using Shea Butter helps the skin to recover its clarity and suppleness and to reduce wrinkles.

· Unequalled skin moisturizing
* Shea Butter significantly increases the hydration of superficial layers of epidermis.

· Clinically proven anti-aging properties

· Stretch mark prevention and minimization

· soothe irritated skin and heal chapped skin

· Rapid healing for burns (minimizes scarring)

· Enhanced cell regeneration and capillary circulation (this helps the healing of small wounds, cracks, crevices, and skin ulcers
* Improvement of wrinkled and atrophic skin appearance.

· protect skin against weather and UV aggressions

· prevent wrinkle formation

· revitalize and impart shine and luster to dry/damaged hairs

· Shea butter can also be used to treat rheumatism and aching muscles

· ease colds because it decongests

· Excellent for skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, acne, dandruff, severe dry skin, cold sores, bed sores, diaper rash, dermatitis and skin discolorations and much much more



3. Manuka Honey: http://www.manuka-skincare.com/shop/index.php/cPath/45



4. Emu Oil Certified Fully Refined: Our Emu Oil is Certified Fully Refined by the American Emu Association. Emu oil is a very thick rich oil obtained from the emu animal. Properties: penetrates multiple layers of skin, replenish lost lipids in aged skin, moisturize soothe and soften skin, stimulates skin, hair and nail growth, prevents and lessens the appearance of scars and stretchmarks, non-comedogenic, hypo-allergenic, non-toxic, anti-aging, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial, Possible Uses: muscle aches, sore joints, swelling and inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, diaper rash, skin rashes, bed sores, sprains, eczema, psoriasis, external hemorrhoids, cracked hands, cracked heels, insect bites, insect stings, spider bites, bruising, scars, radiation burns, sunburn, skin abrasions, irritated skin, dry skin and muscle & joint pain. (check out www.lbemuoil.com)

5. Neem Oil Organic: thick oil obtained from the neem seed kernels. It is rich in fatty acids such as oleic, stearic, palmitic, linoleic and others. The oil is dark in color, very bitter in taste and has a strong pungent earthy musky odor. In India the Neem Tree is known as "the village pharmacy". Neem oil is used in India to treat eczema, psoriasis, dandruff, chicken pox, diaper rash, insect bites, ringworm, scabies, acne, lice, nail fungus, rashes, cuts and s****es. Properties: antibacterial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, astringent and analgesic



6. Infant formula: interesting article -- http://www.mercola.com/2000/oct/22/infant_formula.htm

I have KP. I tried Retin A, amalactin (overpriced and ineffective lotion). This I have noticed. Heavy creams, lotions, chlorine from pools, and at times some products that are scented aggravate my KP. through trial and error I have found that using Dove sensitive skin soap (unscented), I exfoliate twice a week, warm to cool showers, and a very light moisturizer (prefer Nivea or Aveeno). My sons, who unfortunately have it also, follow the routine. Keep in mind the my condition has "improved" somewhat with age. I don't know how much diet may affect KP, but because of the Type 2 diabetes tendency in my family, I am watching the quality of the carb intake -mainly limiting breads, potatoes etc. This seems to help somewhat.