Legs that have a dotted or pitted appearance to the skin

Strawberry legs are the appearance of pits or dots on the skin of the legs. This can occur due to a variety of causes. The small black bumps similar to the seeds on strawberries are the result of hair follicles and pores on the skin filled with bacteria, dirt, or oil. Fortunately, they’re safe and you can get rid of your strawberry legs with some tweaks to your shower routine as well as shaving regimen.

Strawberry Legs Signs

The most prominent characteristic of strawberry legs is tiny red or black dots that appear on your legs. The bumps can be raised too. They are not usually caused by itching or pain. If you’re suffering from skin irritation that’s discomforting, it could be due to an additional skin problem. If that’s the case you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to determine the root of your discomfort.

What causes Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs aren’t an individual condition, but rather they are a sign. They may be caused by a variety of skin conditions. Skin pores that are blocked or hair follicles put the risk of the development of strawberry legs. If the pores are blocked or hair follicles called comedones are shut by blackheads, they produce the appearance of skin that resembles strawberries. When you open your comedones for instance shaving your legs the follicle or pore becomes accessible to air. When the air gets mixed with the oil contained inside the follicle, it starts to oxidize and then turns black.

Do you have bumpy skin? It Could Be a Type of Acne

Shaving

Shaving may open comedones and open up dirt, oil along with dead skin cells. Shaving with a dull or worn-out razor may result in strawberry legs. It is often the cause of razor burn that can be seen in the form of strawberry legs. Shaving dry or using a dull blade can result in folliculitis, an infection of hair follicles. 

Folliculitis

Folliculitis happens when the hair follicles that line your skin get infected. It typically appears as small red bumps but they can also darken and look like strawberries’ legs. It is caused when the hair follicle is damaged which allows bacteria and dirt to be introduced into it. The damage could be caused by waxing, shaving or wearing tight clothing, or even rubbing the skin.

It’s not unusual to notice the folliculitis following a soak in a hot tub or after exercise, specifically in areas that are blocked, such as those when your skin is covered by your bathing suit. The skin is more susceptible to be damage when wet. So, if your swimsuit rubs against your skin while in the water it can cause folliculitis in any area of the skin covered by the swimsuit. 

Clogged Pores

When the pores on your leg skin become blocked the skin will, in turn, produce more oils. When you shave or let your pores open then the oil is exposed to air and transforms to black. It then leaves tiny black dots on your legs. People with thicker hair or pores that are larger are at greater risk of developing strawberry legs as a result of the clogged pores.

Extremely dry skin

Dry skin isn’t likely to cause strawberry legs by itself however it can put your health at risk. Dry skin is more sensitive and likely to suffer from razor burns or irritations. This can cause the appearance of folliculitis as well as pores that have darkened. Additionally, when you have dry skin it is more likely to show comedones. 

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris is a mild skin condition that causes small red bumps to appear on the skin. It is sometimes referred to by the name of “chicken skin” the condition typically occurs on the upper arms and the thighs. The small red bumps resemble goosebump-like bumps and result from the plugs from dead cells of the skin. If the thighs are covered by little red lumps they may appear like the skin of strawberries.

The condition is known as Keratosis Pilaris. It’s a condition that is genetic and generally doesn’t require treatment. If the bumps are itchy or inflamed and irritated, a dermatologist might be able to aid. 

Folliculitis

• Hair follicles infected
• Sometimes, red rings form around bumps
• Itchy or painful.
• Resembles pimples or pus bumps
• It is caused by an infection

Keratosis Pilaris

• Plugs made of dead skin cells
• Tiny red bumps
• It appears as”girls” as well as “chicken skin”
• Like pimples that are small.
• Genetic disease

Diagnosis

The occurrence of strawberry legs doesn’t typically require a visit to a doctor. This is a fairly common occurrence and is typically managed with home solutions. If you are worried regarding the look of your face and believe there’s something more serious occurring make an appointment with a dermatologist. The doctor you see will look at your skin, collect notes on your background, and perhaps request a sample of your skin to give you the diagnosis and treatment program. ⁵

Treatment

To rid yourself of strawberry legs, it’s beneficial to concentrate on the root reason. ⁶

Switch Out Your Razor More Timely

Shaving with a worn-out or dull razor could result in strawberry legs due to folliculitis and burns from razors. If you’ve experienced strawberry legs, a good first step in tackling the problem is to change your razor regularly as it is a simple thing to do that could make a huge impact. New razors may also assist in stopping the problem from happening again later on.

Apply Moisturizing Shaving Cream

It is best to shave after your skin and hair have been softened after a bath.  Using the moisturizing shaving cream may assist in preventing skin irritation. Make sure to cleanse your skin with mild shampoo or body cleanse. After washing off dirt and germs and applied a layer of shaving cream. Search for labels that state “for delicate skin.” Beware of products that contain scents or dyes.

Cleanse Your Skin Regularly

Exfoliate your skin regularly to eliminate dead skin cells which could block the pores as well as hair follicles. Apply a gentle exfoliating technique such as a loofah or washcloth and then moisturize your skin following.

Make Your Skin More Hydrated

Apply a moisturizer to your skin frequently to keep your skin from drying out and irritation. Apply a mild moisturizer after showering, particularly when you have just shaved. This helps to lock in moisture. Avoid any moisturizers that have self-tanning ingredients as they can make the pitting look more prominent.

Try to use an Epilator

If you’ve experienced skin irritation as a result of waxing or shaving, then an epilator might be the solution. Since shaving and waxing may result in the development of folliculitis, an epilator can be an ideal option for people susceptible to strawberry legs. It’s an electric device that has tiny tweezers that move and remove hair from the base. While it can sound uncomfortable, it’s usually easily tolerated and needs to be performed every two to three weeks.

Cut With the Grain

Shaving grain-wise is shredding in the direct growth of your hair. Use short, smooth cuts with your razor along your legs. Shaving in the grain can be less irritating for the skin and helps prevent the commonly occurring causes for strawberry legs, such as razor burns and folliculitis. A less frequent shaving routine can assist. ⁷

Make use of a chemical exfoliant

Chemical exfoliants allow you to eliminate dead skin cells without the need to scrub your legs. Even gentle exfoliation with abrasion can cause skin damage, therefore chemical exfoliants can offer advantages without the negatives. Exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acids remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin and remove them when rinsed with water. These products may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sun and sun, so make sure you apply sunscreen if you’re heading out after applying chemical exfoliation.

Think about Laser Therapy

Laser therapy can be described as a specialized permanent hair removal method that is becoming more and more and more popular. Lasers are used to provide tiny doses of radioactivity to hair follicles. Laser therapy is suitable for someone who has a fair complexion and darker hair because the laser is targeted at dark shades.

Prognosis

Strawberry legs are the symptoms of tiny white dots on your leg. For most people, the strawberry legs can be controlled with home remedies and modifications to their shaving routine or regimen for their skincare. For those with thicker or darker hair, larger pores, or more dark skin coloration this condition might require more intensive management. The professional approach is typically the most effective solution and also saves time. Don’t hesitate to talk to your dermatologist should you be concerned.