What It Is: Sometimes, OTC chemical treatments aren't potent enough to put those bothersome bumps to rest. Other times, the ingredients themselves don't work with your body. In such cases, KP sufferers might need a prescription treatment, such as a high-concentration lactic acid cream, urea medication or even acne treatment.
"One of my favorite prescription treatments is Aczone," says Jaliman. "It's a topical acne preparation made with dapsone, which is an anti-inflammatory, but works well for this condition." Jaliman says she has also used prescription retinoids, such as Renova and Retin-A, for some patients.
Who Should Use It: In severe cases or when OTC treatments aren't making a dent in your KP, consult a dermatologist about trying a prescription medication.
"One of my favorite prescription treatments is Aczone," says Jaliman. "It's a topical acne preparation made with dapsone, which is an anti-inflammatory, but works well for this condition." Jaliman says she has also used prescription retinoids, such as Renova and Retin-A, for some patients.
Who Should Use It: In severe cases or when OTC treatments aren't making a dent in your KP, consult a dermatologist about trying a prescription medication.
What It Is: When there's no definitive cure for a condition, an effective strategy can be to attack from multiple angles, advises Schultz. No one knows your skin better than you do, so using your best judgment, try mixing two or more of the aforementioned treatments. For example, use a physical exfoliator combined with a glycolic acid lotion, such as Dermadoctor KP Duty Dry Skin Duo, $82. Throw a urea spray into the mix for extra moisture. (Try Lovely Skin's Glycolix Elite Keratosis Pilaris Kit, $62.40).
Does glycolic acid not work for your skin? Benefit from salicylic and lactic at the same time with Paula's Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths, $32. KP is a tricky and personal condition, so it may take some experimenting.
Pro Tip: Your skin can become inflamed from all the exfoliation. To decrease any irritation or redness, seek out an OTC or prescription Cortisone cream.
Does glycolic acid not work for your skin? Benefit from salicylic and lactic at the same time with Paula's Choice Clinical KP Treatment Cloths, $32. KP is a tricky and personal condition, so it may take some experimenting.
Pro Tip: Your skin can become inflamed from all the exfoliation. To decrease any irritation or redness, seek out an OTC or prescription Cortisone cream.