keratosis pilaris is harmless pimple-like bumps that colonize the skin without permission. Unlike shave bumps and ingrown hairs, these bumps are not discomforting. However, they may be an ugly sight to behold, especially around your bikini area
Continue reading this article to know what keratosis pilaris is, its symptoms, causes, people who are at risk, and how to treat it.
What is Keratosis Pilaris?
Keratosis pilaris sometimes called "chicken skin" is a common skin condition that causes the appearance of rough patches and pimple-like bumps on the skin. According to experts, this skin condition occurs due to the overproduction of a protein called keratin in the skin. When this keratin blocks the hair follicles, it traps in hair and leads to the appearance of flesh tone bumps.
Keratosis pilaris is commonly found in parts of the body where there are hair follicles such as the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and pubic areas. It is not a contagious disease, it cannot spread from one person to another. It is harmless. As such, it does not irritate nor cause any reaction. It will just deface your pubic skin.
Surprisingly experts say these bumps have no cure, it can only be managed. It just decides to forcefully live rent-free around your pubic area and disappear at its satisfactory period.
Symptoms of keratosis pilaris around the bikini area
Symptoms vary in each person, but there are general symptoms every person with keratosis pilaris shows. They include ;
- Visible small, hard patches on your skin that resemble goosebumps.
- The bumps are not itchy or painful.
- The skin around the bump is dry.
- The skin condition gets better during summer but gets worse during winter.
- Some of the bumps have twisted hair strands.
However, if keratosis pilaris is not well managed, it might degenerate in some cases. Symptoms of such degeneration include ;
- Slight pinkness or redness around bumps.
- Itchy and irritable skin.
Always check if you have any of these signs in your pubic skin to know if your pubic area has been affected.
Causes of Keratosis Pilaris
Although there has not been a piece of conclusive evidence on the cause of keratosis pilaris, medical experts believe it is a result of a buildup of keratin. They think it is genetic and can be associated with skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.
If you have keratosis pilaris, you will notice that bumps form where your pubic hair is meant to grow. This is caused by keratin that clogged your pubic hair in its follicle. However, hair grows beneath the bumps. This is what makes the "harmless" skin condition to be more undesirable.
Dry skin can make keratosis pilaris worse. If you notice you have keratosis pilaris on your dry pubic skin, a moisturizer is recommended to avoid it getting worse.
People with a high-risk factor of Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis Pilaris can be commonly found among people who have dry skin, eczema, obesity, and hay fever. Women and children are also at higher risk of these skin denting bumps.
Diagnosing Keratosis Pilaris
You might have seen all these symptoms in your V area but need to be sure it is keratosis pilaris. The best thing to do is to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Keratosis pilaris can be genetic, so the doctor may inquire about your family's health history. A physical examination will be carried out on you. Your skin will be closely examined to be sure you are suffering from keratosis pilaris.
Is keratosis pilaris treatable?
Although keratosis pilaris may not be discomforting, the ugly sight on your pubes necessitates finding means of getting rid of it.
There is no cure for keratosis pilaris, but it can be managed to prevent it from getting worse and damaging the skin. Such management can involve taking precautions or applying home remedies.
How to manage keratosis pilaris
According to NHS, the following can be done to prevent skin damage.
Regular moisturization of your pubic area
If the area affected by keratosis pilaris is your pubic area, you have to be cautious of any products used around it. Moisturizing the skin daily may counter skin dryness and prevent itching. Ensure your moisturizer is free of alcohol, fragrance, or other harsh ingredients that can irritate your sensitive pubic skin.
Natural oils such as coconut oil and jojoba oil can be used to moisturize the skin due to their anti-bacterial and soothing effect. For better results use a combination of these oils or products made with natural oils.
OYO "final touch" is suitable in such a situation. It is a lightweight pubic skin moisturizer made with natural ingredients. It doesn't contain any artificial ingredient that can further irritate your skin. Rather it is made of anti-inflammatory, soothing, and skin-enhancing natural oils such as Jojoba oil, coconut oil, oat silk oil, and almond oil. Daily use of this oil will gradually soften the dry keratosis-infested skin and prevent possible itching.
Exfoliating the skin
It is recommended to gently scrub the skin from time to time to get rid of dead skin cells and keratin blocking the follicles. However, it has to be done with a mild exfoliating scrub and not a hard brush or hard ingredient. Some people believe Salicylic acid, urea, lactic acid, or retinol can help loosen dead skin cells and smoothen the skin.
These ingredients can be effective on other parts of the body but it has to be used cautiously around the vaginal area due to their sensitivity. Scrubbing brushes are also not suitable for keratosis pilaris because they can further trigger skin dryness. To be on the safer side and prevent adverse skin reactions, choose a mild exfoliator made with natural ingredients.
OYO "ingrown out" is a mild pubic skin exfoliator made with natural ingredients. With the power of witch Hazel, marula oil, and oat silk oil, it gently gets rid of dead skin cells and prevents infection. Regular use of OYO "ingrowns out "softens the skin and gets rid of bumps. It also prevents pubic skin discoloration
Regular washing of the skin with mild soap
NHS also recommends using safe soap or cleanser to clean the skin. It is also recommended to bathe with warm or cool water rather than hot water. However, you should avoid soap with fragrance and harsh ingredients. Harsh soap or cleanser may irritate your skin and disrupt your vaginal ph.
OYO "keep it clean" is a mild cleanser that is safe for pubic skin. It is specifically formulated for pubes with natural ingredients. It does not contain fragrance or any harsh ingredient. Avoid bathing with hot water and staying in the bathroom for a prolonged period to prevent loss of skin moisture.
Avoid tight underwear
You need a lot of breathing space down there, wearing tight panties will do you no good. You may try not to wear underwear when you are at home. If you have been out all day with panties, try to go to bed with no panties.
Be consistent and intentional about the management routine
You can not get rid of keratosis pilaris easily, it is a gradual process. Consistent management treatment can hasten its disappearance. You have to be intentional and consistent in the care you give to your pubic skin. Care for your V area the way you care for that acne on your face. Don't get frustrated, you certainly will overcome it.
Visit a doctor
Keratosis pilaris does not itch, but dry skin can trigger it. If you notice skin itching and inflammation or your skin condition is getting worse despite several home management remedies, see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to make proper diagnoses and recommendations.
Final words
Keratosis pilaris is a skin denting condition. Although it does not cause discomfort in common situations. However, it is worth managing to enhance the appearance of the affected skin and prevent complications. However, you have to be cautious of what you use.
Your pubic skin is so sensitive, not all that you can apply on other parts of your body is safe for your vulvar skin. Some creams or products may be good to improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris on other parts of your body but may be dangerous to your pubic area. Be well informed of remedies or skincare that are safe for your pubes.
