Keratosis Pilaris (KP) is a common, benign, genetic disorder of the skin affecting nearly 50-80% of adolescents and 40% of adults, with females being more affected than males (Alai 2011). The condition is more common during childhood and adolescence as it can be exacerbated by puberty and hormonal changes. KP is due to a faulty process of keratinization, in which there is an excessive formation and buildup of keratin in the hair follicles of our skin (Alai 2011). This buildup creates small, rough and dry bumps on specific areas of the body, the most common areas being the upper arms, thighs and buttocks. Due to its appearance and feel, this conditions is often referred to as “chicken skin”. The individual bumps that appear on the skin are often …show more content…
The main nutrient deficiencies KP is linked to is Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s). We will go more in details about this Keratosis Pilaris in the next section (Kinai 2014). Also, gluten intolerance has been closely associated with the causation and worsening of KP. The reasons being that a gluten intolerance often damages in the intestinal tract and results in an inflammatory condition, as well as the malabsorption of nutrients, especially fats (Mercola 2011). It is shown that a deficiency in healthy fat can impede important body functions and processes, which can lead to KP. Seasonal variation is an important factor in KP. Usually there is an improvement of symptoms in summer months, whereas the winter tends to worsen these symptoms due to the drying out of the skin and lack of sunlight and Vitamin D (Alai 2011). b) Exciting causes: Stress Responses The mind and the skin are connected on many different levels. A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically,