Hi everyone -

My name is Stephanie and my daughter, Emma (3yrs.), has a severe case of KP on her arms (mostly upper), and legs (mostly thighs). The skin in those areas is often red and itchy, along with the bumps. We have tried a few different types of over-the-counter and prescription treatments, and nothing seems to be working. I am at a loss. The doctors don't seem too concerned with it because it is not threatening her physical health, but I can't stand to see her be chronically uncomfortable, and I worry about the psychological effects when other kids begin to notice and call attention to it.

Emma has been through a lot in her three years of life, including open heart surgery, and I just want to be able to make something a little easier for her. Does anyone have any suggestions for treatment? Do you find that chlorine aggravates the condition (our water supply is chlorinated)? Any suggestions for sunscreen?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Stephanie
mom to Emma, 3yrs. and Sam, 5-1/2yrs.

Bless your heart. I know how hard it is to see our babies uncomfortable. My Tabitha is also 3. She has a lot of red bumps on her thighs and arm, but never seems to itch from the bumps.

I was using baby oil to control the KP for myself, But I stopped because I hear a lot of negative stuff about Petroleum/mineral oil and how it does not penetrate the skin.

At 3 years old my daughter doesn't mind her "bumps"...I have started using pure shea butter on both of us and it has helped a lot. I use a brand called "Too Shea" from Bath and Body works. It cost $18 a jar, but goes a long way...i am sure I could find it cheaper some where else, but I dont like the smell of shea butter and this stuff is unscented. I hope this helps you and little Emma. I worry about what other kids say when my Tabitha starts Pre-K. Her grandmother (my Mother-in-law...better yet, outlaw) has already questioned me about her skin. I had to explain its genetic and she inherited it from me. I dont want to have to "explain" it to anyone. Good luck to you and welcome to this forum. I would advise you to do a SEARCH on Shea Butter from other posts. Nicky

Nicky -

Thanks for your response. It's nice to connect with the mom of another child with KP. Shea butter has never been mentioned to me before as a possible treatment for Emma's skin, but you better believe I will be running to the nearest Bath and Body works tomorrow to pick some up. Thanks for the tip, I will keep you posted.

Stephanie

It sounds like you've already been through a lot with Emma. My Haley is 3, too. I know how hard it can be to try different products on a child who may be tired of all the lotions, cream, ointments, etc.
Arbonne has a line for children called ABC that includes body wash, lotion, oil, sunscreen, and even a diaper rash cream. It's really helped my daughter's bumps, and their NutriminC RE9 line is helping me with mine. The great thing is that these are products you're already using. No new steps to add! Just wash with the body wash, ABC oil in the bathtub (NOT BABY OIL), lotion after, and use the sunscreen when you go outdoors. If you e-mail me at allisonsullivan@insightbb.com , I will send you before and after photos.
You can go to their website www.arbonne.com and order it, but you have to have a consultant. You can use me if you don't know anyone already. Just click on "Locate a Consultant" and enter "Allison Sullivan, Lexington, KY" on the left-hand side.
Don't worry, YOU get to decide where it ships to. Let me know if it helps you!
PS. Be careful. Make sure you read labels on shea butter creams (and others). Many times mineral oil is diguised as Petroleum, petrolatum, stearic acid, or other petro- prefixed words.