How to Treat your Child’s Keratosis Pilaris or “Chicken Skin” Naturally

What is Keratosis Pilaris (KP)

Keratosis Pilaris also known as “Chicken Skin” is a common, harmless skin condition that causes dry, rough patches and tiny bumps, usually on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks or buttocks.  The bumps generally don’t hurt or itch but for young children and teens, this condition can make them self-conscious.

Causes of Keratosis Pilaris in children

Keratosis pilaris is a genetic condition. It means your child inherited the condition from their mother or father.  If you have it or had it as a child, there’s a greater chance that your child will develop it as well. This condition causes an excess build-up of keratin and dead skin cells around individual hair follicles.

Keratosis Pilaris is commonly seen in children and teens but can begin as early as infancy. It is a common condition amongst children who have salicylate intolerance due to their inability to break down salicylic acid or those with gluten sensitivities.

How is KP diagnosed in childhood?

If you believe your child may have the skin condition Keratosis Pilaris you can visit your child’s General Practitioner or Dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis.

In most cases, your child’s doctor can diagnose KP simply by examining and touching the affected area of the skin. No testing is needed.

Treatment

Unfortunately, Keratosis Pilaris cannot be cured.  But you can treat it with moisturizers and prescription creams to help improve the appearance of the skin. Many doctors prescribe salicylic acid creams to apply on the affected area. However, most creams on the market contain chemicals that are too strong for children’s sensitive skin.

Coconut Oil products to the rescue

Many parents are concerned with the chemicals that are put into moisturises that can make the skin condition worse. When it comes to children it is best to treat this condition with natural products.

Naturally rich in vitamin E, lauric acid and other antioxidants, coconut oil is nourishing, hydrating, and is very effective in KP treatment.

Coconut oil contains Lauric acid which helps in breaking up the build-up of keratin. Keratin is the major cause of KP as it clogs the hair follicles hence leading to the formation of these small and rough bumps. In addition, the oil is rich in both anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

The oil is therefore highly effective in treating as well as in preventing the occurrence of Keratosis Pilaris in the future. In addition, it plays a major role in soothing any underlying inflammations on the skin, reducing redness, sanitizing the skin and moisturizing it.

The reason why it works so well is because it is highly capable of penetrating deep into the skin hence able to treat and heal it from the inside.

Coconut Oil moisturises and scrubs

How to use

1. It is important to exfoliate your skin in order to remove any dead cells. Exfoliation also ensures that the affected area is clean and ready for treatment. When it comes to children do not over scrub. Be gentle and do not overdo.
2. After taking a shower, pour a little amount of oil to your palms and rub it before applying it on to the skin.
3. Thereafter gently massage the oil onto the affected area for a minute. This will ensure that the oil gets to penetrate deeper into the skin as required.

Best coconut oil products

There are many coconut oil products in the market. Be sure to buy unrefined virgin, cold-extracted coconut oil. When it’s created with cold processing, the oil is kept intact without breaking down or removing naturally occurring phytonutrients and the oil’s natural health-promoting antioxidants are preserved.

Coconut Oil products are available to apply externally or take internally. However, for children, it is best to apply externally.

My recommended products are as follows.

Natures Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: -This is a high-quality product. Extra virgin coconut oil contains additional nutrients than normal processed oil. It is organic, unrefined and cold pressed. In addition to it leaving your skin smooth and moisturised it can be used for your scalp as well as for cooking!

Nutiva virgin coconut oil:- Nutiva is an organic, unrefined, cold-pressed virgin coconut oil. This product is great for skin care, hair care and massage. This is a versatile oil that can be used for cooking too.

Coconut Oil Scrub:- This scrub leaves the skin very soft and moisturised. It also has a very nice smell.

You should notice a reduction in the size of the bumps within 3 days of using Coconut Oil. After two or three weeks the bumps should be fully gone.

I have used it on both my kids and it is evident that coconut oil can be a very effective treatment for Keratosis Pilaris. Other than treating this condition, it also sanitizes the skin and moisturizes and it is a very good oil for the skin overall.

Here are just a few more benefits of coconut oil for kids

It is a natural remedy for cradle cap

Cradle cap is a condition that most infants get on their scalps. It can be easily treated at home by using a tiny bit of coconut oil, which is high in lauric acid and has anti-microbial properties. Coconut oil soothes the inflamed area and provides moisture, which helps the flakes to loosen so they can be brushed off.

It is beneficial for baby massage

Coconut oil, with its nourishing healthy fats, is ideal for baby massage. Little ones love being massaged as it’s very calming and aids sleep, helps to boost the immune system and assists with the development of the digestive system.

Controls frizzy and curly hair

A small amount of coconut oil will do wonders to untangle your little one’s curly hair. It will also make brushing easier.

Prevents as well as kills head lice

Coconut oil also has the ability to kill lice on your kid’s hair. It is a viable option especially for children who cannot tolerate stronger treatments.

Coconut Oil with its many benefits is a great addition to anyone’s skin care regime!

If you are interested in finding out how I got rid of my daughter’s head lice within a week, you can check out the lice spray recipe in this Tea tree essential oils article.

If you are struggling with food intolerances, allergies, SIBO or other digestive problems, there are products that can help with symptom relief. I know it can be frustrating but there are treatment protocols and supplements which can really help.

I have designed this product guide to equip you with the best and most effective supplements you can buy for treatment as well as symptom relief. This list has been compiled through my own experience as well as working together with trusted and experienced practitioners.

You can check out my recommended supplement guide here.

You can also grab our very own Self-Esteem and Confidence Journal for kids and complete a few pages each day.