The Right to Bare Arms—Curing Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a red, rough, bumpy rash that appears on the upper arms of 50-80% of adolescents, and approximately 40% of adults.

Often mistaken as a kind of acne, many people try to scrub it away or treat it with harsh chemical exfoliants, both of which only make matters worse. Dermatologists sometimes prescribe salicylic acid moisturizers, which should be reserved for acned patients and should never be prescribed to treat KP. Steroid creams offer a spotty success rate, but only while you are using them.

Author Wendell Berry made an observation that I found very profound. He said that people are fed by the food industry, which pays no attention to health, and are treated by the health industry, which pays no attention to food.

Perhaps the two industries will some day acknowledge one another. In the meantime, check out this article on how one woman’s lifelong struggle with KP was completely cured by eliminating gluten (wheat) and casein (dairy) from her diet. It’s all part of the Paleo Way of eating. Dig in for beautiful skin!