My skin condition, 8 months after childbirth

[McGucks]

This may be in the wrong section, but nothing under the "Health" section seemed to fit.  I have always (since I was a teenager...am 40 now) had an atypical presentation of keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. "chicken skin") on my upper arms.  After I had my second son this past March, I have developed some kind of yucky skin stuff on my hips and thighs.  It is not acne, but it is also not the keratosis pilaris.  I used Urea Lotion 40% twice a day, but it didn't help.  It is not painful, just painfully embarrassing.  I am self-conscious enough about it that I am reluctant to go to bed without p.j.s on because I don't want my husband to feel it.  He says he doesn't care, but I still am really bothered by it.  It is possible it is due to the "mini-pill" I take for birth control, but I really don't know.  That's the only med I take.  Anyone else have this going on?  Also--if this is more appropriate to put on another part of this site, please tell me where it ought to go and how I should move it.  Thanks!

[Zangua]

I have the exact same issue. Chicken skin on arms and now red bumps all over thighs. My babe will be 8 months old tomorrow. I am mostly just trying to exfoliate and hope that it goes away eventually/its hormonally related. It does seem to be a little bit less.

That being said, sun has always made my arm bumps disappear so maybe some good old fashioned laying out in the sun would help (I know, it's winter, but....)

[kl5]

What makes you think it is not just more extensive KP? I am dealing with this same issue, though my LO is only 3 months. My KP was way more in control when I was pregnant, though that may be a result of the sun + the extra fish oil and cod liver oil I was taking (both of which seem to have helped in the past). Now where I only used to have it on my upper arms, I have it on my shoulders, thighs, even upper part of my calves. It seems like the same thing to me, just covering more of me than ever before. Some theories I had... I haven't been shaving as much since he was born, so maybe the lack of exfoliation was contributing? Though, that doesn't explain the shoulder thing . I have also run out of my salmon oil and FCLO and haven't had the funds to replenish. I figured that also contributed. Finally, pregnancy/breastfeeding depletes our bodies of nutrients and that may also explain it. My suspect (going along with the FCLO lack) is vitamin A. 

Would be great to see this thread in H&H too, as the allergy moms that lurk there may have something to say. At any rate, thanks for posting this! Will be watching for replies more informed than mine.

[McGucks]

For me, shaving can't be related because I didn't before and I don't now.  Hmm.  I have taken lots of different meds (topical only) over the years, none of which has ever helped much.  The Urea acid does help the little red bumps, but not the other stuff.  And yes, it may well just be KP, but the stuff on my hips and thighs looks different than what's on my upper arms.  Every few years or so, I get really tired of it and go to a dermatologist, hoping that in the ensuing years, something has been invented to really help.  Seems like most things help just a bit.  I usually only use whatever on one side to be able to really see if there is any benefit.  No magic yet.  I keep trying to just accept it and know that there are folks with much worse skin stuff than what I have, but then the yearly trip to the beach with my husband's family comes up, and my sexy sister in law has her teeny bikini and endless cute tank tops, and I'm hiding under my t-shirt and capris...oh well.  The vitamin A is an interesting thought, but I take a super multi-vitamin.  My husband has a very mild case of KP, but only has little red bumps; I have the yuckier little lesions that have some stuff in them them.  Anyway, thanks to both of you for writing back.  I have never known anyone else who dealt with this and it helps to know I am not alone.

[sssheri]

I've had mild KP since I was young, mostly on upper arms and thighs. After giving birth (I have a 10 week old) I immediatley noticed that it had gotten worse. My dr said it was very common for KP to worsen post partum, but didn't say how long it will last. Not very helpful, I know. 

[Knitting Mama]

Same here-- I've had KP my entire life, and it did get worse after having Cecilia. It's still mostly contained to my arms, but now it covers my arms from top to bottom.

[wombatclay]

Moving this to health and healing... I hope someone knows just what is going on.  :)

[chattyprincess]

 Using all natural bodyproduct helps, only use aubrey organics on hair face and body. that way I know no chemicals etc are washing over the skin. Salmon oil and zinc also seem to help me. add in some exfoliation once a week and its generally under control enough. In the summer its better for me because it seems having it out in the sun helps it. 

[MoonStarFalling]

I have it all over too. My guess is that it can get worse after birth due to nutritional issues. Mine clears up completely if I'm really good about eating fresh high raw diet, lots of good fats and water and daily skin brushing.