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red skin on the upper backs of my legs and shins
Answered Wednesday 5 January 2011 |Share:
please help im only 14 and i have red lumps on the back of my upper legs and on my shins
I had them before i started to shave my legs and they havent gotten any worst or better since i started doing so. I have tried lost of creams and even tried 100% vitimin e oil and nothing makes them appear less red or go away!!! my parents wont let me go and see a skin specialist because they dont think it important to correct it but it is affecting my self esteem hugely and i get bullied about it and can never wear shorts!
please help me!!
from Kasey
Answer
Hi Kasey,
It sounds like you could keratosis pilaris this occurs as excess skin, accumulates within the hair follicles forming hard plugs.
Although there is little clinical evidence, some feel that food allergies may also aggravate the condition, gluten and dairy being common culprits. Others include salt and foods high in acidity. Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day as well.
Treatment: There is currently no known cure for keratosis pilaris; however, there are effective treatments available which make its symptoms less apparent.
• Exfoliation, intensive moisturising creams, Retin A and medicated lotions containing alpha ‘hydroxy acids’ or ‘urea’ may be used to temporarily improve the appearance and texture of affected skin.
• ‘Beta hydroxy acids’ can help improve the appearance and texture of the afflicted skin.
• Sunlight may also be helpful, but increases risk of skin cancer.
• Small amounts of excess vitamin A can be taken but only with extreme caution due to potential for liver damage. Vitamin A deficiency has been linked to keratosis and adding vitamin A back into the diet may help to improve the condition. Check with a dermatologist or family doctor before taking extra vitamin A due to its potential toxic effects.
The best solution is to use a cream or exfoliant that reduces the thickness of the skin, while staying moisturised (i.e. a moisturiser with hydroxy acids.
Clothing that is looser around the affected areas can also help reduce the marks, as constant chafing from clothing is similar to repeatedly scratching the bumps. Also when you are shaving make sure the razor is cleaned after every shave and is in an environment where it can dry, if not bacteria will grow and lead to more keratosis pilaris.
What not to do: Scratching and picking at KP bumps causes them to redden, and in many cases will cause bleeding. Excessive picking can lead to scarring.
Good luck and don’t get down on yourself. Lots of people suffer from keratosis pilaris, its more common than you think!
Regards
Emma
Emma Hobson
Skin Expert
