Bumpy skin on arms and face

[Wonder-Full]

This seems to be something that dh and I have to some degree and both kids too. Mine is not really noticeable as an adult, but I recall it being with me right through to my late 20's.

The hair follicles seem to produce a bumpy waxy stuff. I have only had them on my thighs, dh on his arms and legs and ds on his face and upper arms. I just noticed today that dd has some on her upper arms but not inflamed or obvious waxy thing. DS has had his since a baby.

DS's in particular get red and sometimes have pus too. He is 5.5 and has coeliacs if that makes a difference.

I would like to somehow treat these things (googling it seems to be called keratosis pilaris??) Seems from a GP POV there is "no treatment" or to apply stuff to the skin (which never worked for me when I had doctor prescribed stuff when I was probably 10-12).

Anyone know if they are somehow genetic or perhaps more a carry over of nutritional issues as a family which we can improve on?

Thanks!

[Serephina]

Yes it's genetic and is also more prevalent in people with eczema and other skin conditions.

Gut health would be the first thing I would be looking at, particularly with your son being coeliac.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

Hmmm now I have some info on that somewhere, because 24 years ago, we all had that problem, I found a nutritional solution, we did it and the bumps went and never came back... but the question is, where is it.

I will go for a walk, think about it, try to find it, and get back to you.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

I am pretty sure it was vitamin C and A deficiency ... In the meantime, please have a look at the bottom half of this uni page, (http://bob.usuhs.mil/biochem/nutrition/NOTES/) about what happens to the skin with certain deficiencies

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

...........................


Since vitamin A is stored in the liver, deficiencies of this vitamin can develop only over prolonged periods of inadequate uptake. Mild vitamin A deficiencies are characterized by follicular hyperkeratosis (rough keratinized skin resembling "goosebumps"), anemia and increased susceptibility to infection.


http://bob.usuhs.mil/biochem/nutrition/images/follicular-hyperkeratosis-1.jpg

http://bob.usuhs.mil/biochem/nutrition/images/wein-6-1.jpg

[Wonder-Full]

Ah thanks! :D Will have a read of these as well.

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.me.02.020151.001523

also: food list for vitamin A (http://drbenkim.com/nutrient-vitamina.htm)

Because B vitamins might be involved as well, this would be a useful read. http://chetday.com/vitaminbdeficiencies.html However, be aware that they are simply touting another product. But it's a useful warning to be vigilant about diet, and obtaining what you can through food. There are many complexities in food that we can't get in supplements. In my case, supplements are usually a last resort, except in the case of vitamin C, A and magnesium.