Do you have strawberry legs? If you're not sure what we're talking about, keep reading. Strawberry legs are a common problem for women and can be embarrassing and frustrating.
We've got the solution! In this article, we'll discuss the causes of strawberry legs, treatments, and how to prevent them.
Table of Contents
- What is strawberry skin?
- What are the symptoms of strawberry legs?
- What causes strawberry legs?
- How to prevent strawberry legs
- The bottom line
What is strawberry skin?
Strawberry skin is a symptom of various skin problems rather than a condition in and of itself. For example, blackheads are caused by clogged skin pores or hair follicles (comedones) that give strawberry-like discoloration with black dots.
Strawberry legs are a condition where shaving-damaged follicles on the legs become enlarged and clogged, creating the appearance of small dark spots resembling strawberry seeds.
Strawberry legs are not a medical condition, but you may want to get it checked out by a doctor if you notice any changes or other unusual symptoms.
What are the symptoms of strawberry legs?
The most common symptoms of strawberry legs are small, dark spots or bumps on the legs from shaving. The following are also common symptoms of strawberry legs:
- Dark spots increase in size and intensity with continued shaving
- Itching and pain around the affected area
- Redness, swelling, nausea, fever, and chills can sometimes occur if you have a severe reaction to either shaving or to the bacteria you're shaving into
- Small blood blisters may accompany the spots.
See the doctor know if you have an infection. The doctor can help you with the best treatment for your skin.
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What causes strawberry legs?
The following conditionsstrawberry legs
Clogged pores or hair follicles (comedones)
A skin pore, also known as a hair follicle, can become clogged with excess oil and dead skin cells.
If you have blackheads or notice tiny dark spots on your legs, you may be experiencing blackhead eczema. That is the most common cause of strawberry legs.
This condition is also known as actinic comedones because you can get it from spending too much time in the sun (actinic rays).
Otherwise, you may be experiencing eczema or dermatitis. Both of these conditions are due to irritation or an allergic reaction to something you're exposed to.
What to do about it
You can treat clogged pores or hair follicles (comedones) with over-the-counter help, but you may need to see a doctor for other conditions.
Shaving improperly
Improper shavingblack dots
If you leave the blade in one spot for too long, you could end up causing a cut or scrape on your leg that you can't see while you're shaving.
That will allow bacteria and germs to get into your skin, and you could develop an infection.
Watch out for ingrown hairs. The hair on your legs may sprout in an unusual pattern if you shave or wax them. If hairs are trapped beneath the skin, they may cause irritation and pimples. This discomforting condition can be itchy and bothersome.
What to do about it
You have to shave appropriately to treat strawberry legs. Try our tips for shaving legs you can follow while you shave to make sure you don't cut or irritate your skin:
- Use a new razor you've tried before and found comfortable.
- Use a clear mirror so you can see what you're doing.
- Always go with the grain of your hair.
Keratosis pilaris (chicken skin)
Keratosis pilarishard, bumpy skin
It's the result of excess keratin (a protein) blocking hair follicles, and you can get it from genetics, or you might be getting it now because you're using too much soap when you shower (you should only use mild soaps when you cleanse your skin).
It doesn't usually cause you to see black dots on your legs, but you may notice small red or pink bumps that can be itchy or unsightly.
What you can do about it:
Eczema and dermatitis you can treat with a corticosteroid cream that you apply to your legs two times per day for five days.
If you're experiencing blackhead eczema, you can treat it with a benzoyl peroxide gel you apply to your legs two times per day, and you should also use a hydrocortisone cream you apply twice daily for five days.
If you're experiencing folliculitis, you can treat it with antifungal or antibacterial medicated soaps you can use in the shower, and you should also avoid shaving for 5-7 days.
If you're experiencing keratosis pilaris, you can treat it with glycolic acid pads you apply to your legs twice daily for two weeks at a time.
You should also avoid using body washes or bar soaps that irritate your skin.
Otherwise, you can see a doctor for advice on what you should do next.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is a type of acne you can get from a bacterial or fungal infection. If you have folliculitis, you may notice lumps, bumps, and even pus on your legs.
You might also notice these symptoms:
- Painful to touch Red dots that turn into blisters
- Scales around hair follicles
- Pus or watery discharge around hair follicles
If you experience these symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor or dermatologist. You could have a severe infection.
What you can do about it
According to Dr. Nataniel Josue, you can treat folliculitis with the antibacterial or antifungal soap you use in the shower.
Many people find it helpful to oatmeal scrub you apply in the shower. You can also use an antibacterial cream you apply in the shower after scrubbing.
Another option is to take Diflucan you take orally twice daily for ten days. This medication fights fungus, and you might need to do this if you find out you have a fungal infection.
Overly dry skin
You may notice you have dry patches, or you can't seem to moisturize your legs enough. But, on the other hand, you feel you're consistently applying lotion, and you're still having a hard time.
That usually means you don't have enough oil in your skin, and this is happening because you're washing too much or using soaps that strip body oil from your skin.
What you can do about it
You could also have a condition called keratosis pilaris. You can treat by using the glycolic acid you apply before you shower, and you should avoid body washes or bar soaps you use when you cleanse your skin.
If you're experiencing eczema, you can moisturize with a cream that contains hydrocortisone you apply to your legs every night before you go to sleep.
If you're experiencing dermatitis, you can treat it with a corticosteroid you apply to your skin two times per day for 5-7 days, and you should also avoid shaving during this time.
Otherwise, you can use an oatmeal scrub you apply in the shower. You can also use oil you apply to your legs after bathing with vitamin E, and you should also limit the amount of soap you use when you cleanse your skin.
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How to prevent strawberry legs
You can prevent strawberry legs by wearing loose-fitting clothing. So you don't irritate your skin, you should also wear cotton or other natural fibers you avoid synthetic fabrics. You try to avoid the hot water you often shower in.
Avoid products with alcohol.
You might also want to avoid products that contain alcohol you use on your legs.
You can do this by using bar soap or body washes with the word "hypoallergenic" on them. It would be best to avoid products that cause an allergic reaction.
Moisturize your legs
If you have eczema, you can use a moisturizer that contains glycerin you apply to your legs before you go to sleep.
You can use an oatmeal scrub you apply in the shower for your dead skin.
Also, you can use coconut oil you apply to your legs. You should avoid shaving for at least a few days before you moisturize again. You should also limit how often you shave.
Try to avoid shaving your legs.
You want to use shaving cream that contains shea butter or cocoa butter when you do shave. Try not to go over the same area more than once. This is our pick.
You might want to use a razor with disposable blades you change frequently; you should also try not to shave against the direction of hair growth.
You can also apply aloe vera you remove any gel that comes in contact with your skin you immediately wash off.
You can try alternative hair removal methods like:
- Moisturizing shaving cream. You have to apply it to your legs. You can expect results in 5-10 minutes. Wait 10 days before you shave again.
- Waxing. You remove hair from the root. If this is painful, consider numbing cream you apply before you wax.
- Laser hair removal. You have to do it at a salon. To get the best results, this requires multiple treatment sessions.
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The bottom line
We hope you've learned a lot about getting rid of strawberry legs, and we recommend checking out our articles on the topic.
If this seems like it might be an issue for you, don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns!
And if nothing else, know that there are plenty of ways to prevent these unsightly marks from appearing in your future.
DISCLAIMER: buildyourbody.org does not provide medical advice, examination, or diagnosis.
Medically reviewed and approved by Nataniel Josue M D.
