Pimply legs

[holidayseeker]

Can anyone tell me what the purple/red colour spots on my legs are and if I can get rid of them.

I can't stand them and my legs are always really pale as they don't tan much so this stands out loads.

Exfoliate in the bath with a mitt, then moisturise at bedtime.

I suffer with the backs of my calves and upper arms being bumpy if I do not do this.

I also use a gradual tanner and fake tan during the summer which also eliminates the bumps.

Are they keratosis pilaris? Do they feel rough, with little hard plugs inside them?

I am currently waging war on my KP, I have it on my upper arms and forearms, on my bum and thighs, and to a lesser extent on my calves (I think shaving them helps exfoliate and this is why they are better than the rest of my legs). It's a horrible condition that never goes away, but can be controlled.

There are lots of threads about KP on this forum that can be found through the search function, I know because I read most of them yesterday! I am tackling mine with a combinaton of exfoliating with body scrub and scratchy mitts, applying Flexitol heel balm at night (it stinks but is apparently the best for KP due to its high urea content) and slathering with pure coconut oil or aqueous cream at other times. I've been doing this a few days and I think it's looking better - it's certainly feeling better and I no longer feel the urge to pick.

The best thing for KP in my experience is sunshine; mine almost disappears after a holiday somewhere hot.

I have to add that when panoxyl was available, one teeny tiny smear a day made the skin on my arms and legs perfect, even though it was for the face! But it's now discontinued.

Thanks for the replies, riffy I do have kp on my arms which was diagnosed last year by a dermatologist but it was strange as he told me you have them from young and they fade as you get older however it was only last year that I can recall ever having them.

I did not know that this might be linked with my legs thanks I will check out the threads.

I've found the only way to get rid of mine is to be pregnant

It's one of my first signs, even before a missed period all those purpley bumps on my arms just disappear and I'm left with smooth skin. Hormones do strange things!!

Soap and glory scrub your nose in it is good for KP. Hate the smell of Flexitol so never been brave enough to try,

panoxyl- hoping this is a production blip rather than discontinued as DD loves it for her face spots.

MIne have gone by using that new Nivea cream you put on in the shower and then rinse off.

Valiumredhead, do you mean this

www.nivea.co.uk/products/campaigns/body-care/skin-conditioner

That looks great, will be getting some of that, thank you.

That's the stuff -on offer in Tesco for £4 for an enormous bottle atm. My legs are tons better and my arms are totally smooth now. I've always hated using body cream after a shower as I have never felt as fresh.

Dry body brush before shower.

valiumredhead, great thanks for the suggestion, will also start exfoliating