Keratosis Pilaris Toddler Treatment (with video)

toddler boy sitting on a couch looking at the camera for keratosis pilaris toddler treatment
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If you’re looking for a safe and gentle keratosis pilaris treatment for a toddler, this guide has you covered! From potential triggers like gluten to topical treatments, get rid of keratosis pilaris in your toddler.

What is keratosis pilaris?

In the video above, I show how dry skin brushing  (with a brush like this) and applying the Beautycounter cleansing balm have dramatically helped my sons keratosis pilaris. Once I started adding dessicated liver into his daily routine, that also helped. He takes capsules really well, but you can also add a powder into smoothies and other foods. I give him capsules when he asks 1-3 a day. Beta carotene rich foods, like carrots and leafy greens and plenty of omega-3’s have helped too. I recommend rosita cod liver oil for adults and nordic naturals for the littles.

What causes keratosis pilaris in toddlers?

The exact cause of keratosis pilaris in toddlers is not known. It is known that 50-80% of children and 40 % of adults deal with keratosis pilaris. These bumps are caused by dysfunctional keratinization. All this means is that skin cells are multiplying faster than they’re shedding, or they’re not shedding properly.

A few things to consider:

  • Food sensitivities
  • Low Vitamin A
  • Low Vitamin D
  • Imbalance of A, K2, D
  • Poor digestion
  • Topical strategies
  • Food sources of zinc & biotin

Can you get rid of keratosis pilaris?

For some people it eventually goes away on it’s own. If not utilize these strategies and give it time:

  • Add sources of beta carotene and Vitamin A: carrots, spinach, liver, pasture raised eggs, raw milk
  • Omega-3: eat wild caught fatty fish 2-3 times a week  with some walnuts and chia seeds daily or supplement with fish oil
  • Optimize Vitamin D:  sunshine is always the best source
  • Eat biotin rich foods: avocado, sunflower seeds, sweet potato
  • Improve digestion: eliminate foods that may be causing issues, eat fermented foods, supplement with probiotics (this one for kids, this one for adults)
  • Treat topically: dry skin brush, tone with ACV or Beautycounter toner pads (cut these in half to last longer)and apply a layer of cleansing balm (this jar will last 6 months to a year!)

Is keratosis pilaris caused by gluten?

There are no studies definitively linking gluten and keratosis pilaris. It is thought it may be a result of a fatty acid deficiency and vitamin A deficiency secondary to fat-malabsorption caused by gluten damaging the gut. It is also thought that gluten inflames the body possibly leading to keratosis pilaris. I will say we have been a gluten free family for years and my son still has keratosis pilaris, which leads me to think it can contribute to the skin condition but is not the definitive cause.

I hope you found this Keratosis Pilaris Toddler Treatment (with video) helpful. If something has worked well for you or your family, would you please share it in the comments below?  It would be so helpful! 

toddler sitting on couch

Author: Melissa Schollaert

I'm Melissa—Holistic Health Coach & loving mama. My passion is to help others thrive through strategic eating (not dieting), living a toxic free life & creating healthier families.

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