i hate hate hate hate this condition, I've even had people say "Eeeeeeeew" when they've touched my arm/face. Has this happened to you guys, and how did you handle the emotional stress caused by it?

I have a farmers tan because I haven't worn a tank top since I was 11, 5 and a half years ago, and I live in Southern California-not pleasant wearing t-shirts in 85 degree weather. I'm so self concious about this!

Aww.
I am here with you on this. For about a year now I've been picking mine, and, lets just say 'pinching' makes everything scap, and scar. So along with my red bumps, I have white scars EVERYWHERE! I hate it! Today I wore a Short Sleeve Shirt and I had to hide my arms with an Extra sweatshirt from my locker! I am so embaressed of my arms. To tell the truth I never knew what was wrong with me until about an hour ago.

I don't know what to do either. But your not alone.

Sick Of BUMBS!,
Brooke

I used to to the pinching thing too, and my scars are all over my arms! I have freckles too, so they aren't so visible, but everything makes me so selfconcious. Being a teenager sucks!

Yeah, that usually happens to me. For instance, last year when our school went for a trip to this pool theme park, I had a top with really short sleeves, and the girl next to me just started to stare at my arms. We ended up having this major discussion about it, and she genuinly felt sorry for me. But sometimes, people just walk up and say "What's on your arms?!". I'm still sort of self concious about my arms, but I've grown a lot better. Now I don't really care that much about them, I just tend to forget that they're there. Although I do get jealous when I see girls with really smooth skin..

** but I also get freaked when I sit next to guys, because when I write I'm scared that they'll stare at me. So I usually try and hide what I can with my hands, like I'm cold or something.

Hey there... I had this for a very long time... I'm 18 years old and YES I have a man (married)... most of the time there are those who call out on your bumps for the whole world to hear... but don't hide.. When that happens to me I do get a little red... not gonna lie. But I HAVE to make them know that it's a skin condition... "its a hereditary thing that i just happen to be born with.. it's called keratosis pilaris and thanks for letting everyone know what a ***** you are.. good day!" Most will understand and will not mention again.. yes having this does suck very much, but if you don't pick and read on more post on how to PREVENT this (there is no cure) from being to icky then you can go on without having anyone really notice it...

lets face it most of the time you're the only one who really notices it and feel like HEY DONT LOOK AT MY ARMS! constantly that you have a insecure feeling about your self. don't be.
Just remember... be confidence and when someone says something.. tell them what it is and that you can't help it. We're all feeling for you and wish for the best.

GOOD LUCK! and you're not a monster... you're just feeling the teenage blues...

HAHA i might have it worse then you.. i have it on my arms, thighs, legs, butt, and back! and i bagged me a hottie for a husband! JUST BE CONFIDENT and be honest don't secure yourself from that beautiful tank top that you've always wanted.. wear it and make the most of it.. people will notice the shirt more then your arms.. who looks at peoples arms anyway.. (besides us)

we must work together to find a cure!


.wendy.

I always wear long sleeves even when it's hot in California!
One time i decided to take of my jacket in computer class and some girl with a disgusted face said, "omg what is that? do u have a rash?" i was like i don't know i've always had it... and she just stared up and down... and i feel sorry for her because she's self-consious about her hair... LOL

Well, i noticed a lot of girls on here...just going to tell you straight up(coming from a 18 y/o guy) guys could probably care less about how your skin looks, as far as other girls saying something i don't know what to do cause sometimes chicks are cruel and crazy. But people will never understand how it feels until they are put into a similar position. Someday it will be bred into the population so much it will be as common as seeing someone walk around pregnant.

-Nick

Hey Nick! You're kinda right.... most girls are the ones that will ask and do you know why? Because all girls are self-consious... i don't know why maybe because of the media and the way women view behaviour and the physical you know like those model shows and stuff

anyway i remember i had P.E. and i would change in the lockers and some of the guys would just stare once and then look away... but never said anything... but maybe cause it wasn't as bad before hahaha

I used to hate it when people ask me, "What's wrong with your arms?" Now it bothers me less because I've learned to say, "It's genetic, my dad has it too. That's just the way my skin is." Most people are pretty cool, especially adults. But I work with kids, and it comes up a lot because they don't know how to be tactful. So I've become more able to deal with it.
What bothers me is not the way it looks so much, because I'm comfortable enough to wear whatever, but the way it feels bothers me. I feel like noone will like the bumpy texture (hence the problem in the b-friend department). Then there's my sis who tells me not to brush up against her cuz I feel gross (That doesn't help!)

I really like this part of what you said, I have kp everywhere!! Butt n all! Really, I used to cry bcuz there was no way to get rid of it. But it is so important to remember that kp is just a small part of us. Even though kp can make us feel bad, we are all capable of being confident and we can be content with what other amazing qualities we have.

Because confidence is sexy!!

Somebody once asked me, with such a disgusted face, what was wrong with my arms. I told them I was allergic to holes. They give me hives.

Explaining a condition is one thing. But my momma didn't raise me to shoulder the burden of other people's insecurities. I've got my own to deal with! :-)

If all else fails, fake it. Pretend not to notice. Other people take their cues from you when it comes to things out of the ordinary like KP or a third eye or a really bad haircut.

Only really stupid or really mean people will step out of line and say something. And those are people who should not have a place in your life.

Hey ppl!
im just new to this site and just found out a couple hours ago that i had KP aswell..

ugh! i hate the term 'chicken skin'!! dont you guyz agree?? i mean it makes it sound even worse!

yeah although sometimes it it's just as embarrassing for someone to stare at your arms and turn away rather than come and say something

I'm so tired of covering it up and feeling afraid to have it touched...I was so nervous to wear a regular dress at prom because I didn't want anyone I danced with to accidentally touch it. I know the hesitence shows and it's really affecting my life. I'm so frustrated and so bitter and it really gets agonizing. Since the sixth grade, when a boy said "Ewww look at those pimpy-arms!" I haven't worn a short sleeve (or even close to it) in school, or generally in public.

I'd rather be with a guy who has it already or at least understands what it is. I'm so tired of jerks who think they know everything!