Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsTreatmentWhen to WorryOutlook
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Treatment
When to Worry
Outlook
The term “strawberry legs” describes a dotted or pitted appearance on the skin of the legs. The tiny red or black bumps, which resemble the seeds on a strawberry, are skin pores and hair follicles clogged with dirt, bacteria, or oil.
This article will explain the most common causes of strawberry legs. It will also offer tips on how you can get rid of them at home, as well as how to prevent them in the first place.
PhotoAlto / Jana Hernette / Getty Images
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
Clogged Pores
Clogged pores or hair follicles are one of the main causes of strawberry legs. The pores or follicles can become clogged with bacteria and dead skin, trapping oil inside them. When the oil is exposed to air, it turns black and is called a blackhead, or opencomedone.The tiny black dots create the appearance of strawberry legs.
Those with thicker hair or larger pores are more at risk for developing strawberry legs from clogged pores. Also, having lighter skin makes clogged pores more visible.
Shaving
Shaving with an old or dull razor often leads torazor bumps, which can appear as strawberry legs.Shaving can also slice off the top of a whitehead—a closed comedone—exposing the contents to air and turning it into a blackhead.
An Overview of Comedonal Acne
Folliculitis
Hot Tub Rash Information
Overly Dry Skin
Overly dry skin cannot cause strawberry legs on its own, but it can contribute to them. Dry skin tends to be more sensitive and is more likely to develop razor burn or irritation. This could lead to folliculitis and the appearance of darkened pores. In addition, when your skin is dry, comedones tend to stand out.
Keratosis Pilaris
IHUAN
Keratosis pilaris may be a genetic condition where the skin produces extra keratin. It usually does not require treatment.If the bumps become itchy or irritated, a dermatologist may be able to help.
Infected hair follicles
Sometimes red rings around the bumps
Can be itchy or painful
Resembles pimples or pus bumps
Keratosis PilarisPlugs of dead skin cellsTiny red bumpsAppears as goosebumps or “chicken skin”Look like small pimplesGenetic condition
Plugs of dead skin cells
Tiny red bumps
Appears as goosebumps or “chicken skin”
Look like small pimples
Genetic condition
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Strawberry Legs?Some research suggests a vitamin A deficiency may be linked to keratosis pilaris.
What Vitamin Deficiency Causes Strawberry Legs?
Some research suggests a vitamin A deficiency may be linked to keratosis pilaris.
Symptoms of Strawberry Legs
Depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms may include:
What You Can Do About Strawberry Legs
To get rid of strawberry legs, it’s helpful to focus on the underlying cause. Here are some tips for how to prevent them.
Swap Out Your Razor More Regularly
If you have strawberry legs, a great first step to tackling the issue is switching out your razor more frequently. This is an easy thing to do that can make a big difference. Using new razors can also help prevent strawberry legs from reoccurring in the future.
Use Moisturizing Shaving Cream
Exfoliate Your Skin Regularly
Regularly exfoliating your skin can remove dead skin cells that could clog pores and hair follicles. Use a washcloth or loofah and moisturize afterward.You can also use a gentle store-bought scrub.
Moisturize Your Skin Consistently
Moisturize your skin regularly to prevent dry skin and irritation. Apply a gentle moisturizer after showering, especially if you just shaved. This will help lock in moisture. Skip any moisturizers with self-tanning lotion in them; they tend to make the pitting appearance more pronounced.
Use an Epilator
If you have been experiencing skin irritation from shaving or waxing, an epilator may be the answer. It’s an electrical device with mini tweezers that rotate and pull hair out from the root. While it sounds painful, it is usually well-tolerated and only needs to be done every two to three weeks. Because shaving and waxing can lead to folliculitis, an epilator is a good choice for those prone to strawberry legs.
Shave With the Grain
Shaving with the grain refers to shaving in the direction of your hair’s growth. Use short, light razor strokes down your legs. Shaving with the grain is less irritating to the skin and can prevent common causes of strawberry legs like razor burn and folliculitis. Shaving less frequently may also help.
Use a Chemical Exfoliant
Chemicalexfoliantsare able to remove dead skin cells without scrubbing your legs. Even gentle physical exfoliation can damage skin, so chemical options can give you the benefits without the downsides.
Exfoliants such as glycolic acid andsalicylicaciddissolve dead skin cells on the skin’s surface and wash them away when rinsed with water.These products can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so be sure to use sunscreen if you’re going out after using chemical exfoliation.
Waxing
Regular waxing can prevent strawberry legs in some cases, as it rips the hair out from the root (as opposed to just cutting it, as shaving does). However, because the follicles are exposed as a result of waxing, they can allow dirt and bacteria to enter. It’s also typically painful and can irritate the skin, potentially leading to even more bumps.
If you are prone to strawberry legs, it’s probably best to ask your healthcare provider if they recommend waxing.
Consider Long Term Hair Removal
Laser therapyis a professional, long-term hair removal option that is becoming more popular. It uses lasers to deliver small amounts of radiation to hair follicles. Laser therapy may be most effective at reducing the appearance of strawberry legs in people with fair skin and dark hair since the laser targets dark colors.
Electrolysisis a professional procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the hair follicle to remove hair permanently. The needle delivers a small jolt of electricity to kill the follicle. Multiple treatments are needed to remove all the follicles.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Strawberry legs are not serious and can usually be eliminated with home remedies. If you’re experiencing pain or itching or are concerned about the appearance of your skin and feel there may be something more serious going on, schedule an appointment with adermatologist.
They will be able to examine your skin, take a detailed history, and obtain a skin sample if necessary to provide you with a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Outlook for Strawberry Legs
Overall, strawberry legs is not a serious skin condition. Fortunately, many contributing conditions can be easily treated and/or prevented. Depending on the cause, it can take several weeks to clear up.
Some people may be more prone to strawberry legs. In such cases, it may be more challenging to treat and the condition may likely recur.
Summary
The term “strawberry legs” refers to the appearance of tiny black dots on your legs. At-home remedies and changes to your shaving or skincare routine will restore your skin’s normal appearance.
For those with darker or thicker hair, bigger pores, or darker skin pigmentation, the condition may need more aggressive management.
9 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Comedones.Nemours Foundation.What can I do to prevent razor burn?American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris overview.Cedars-Sinai.Keratosis pilaris.Wong CY, Chu DH.Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(5):647-652. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003American Academy of Dermatology.Hair removal: how to shave.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris self care.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Comedones.Nemours Foundation.What can I do to prevent razor burn?American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris overview.Cedars-Sinai.Keratosis pilaris.Wong CY, Chu DH.Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(5):647-652. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003American Academy of Dermatology.Hair removal: how to shave.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris self care.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Comedones.Nemours Foundation.What can I do to prevent razor burn?American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin signs and symptoms.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris overview.Cedars-Sinai.Keratosis pilaris.Wong CY, Chu DH.Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(5):647-652. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003American Academy of Dermatology.Hair removal: how to shave.American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris self care.
MedlinePlus.Comedones.
Nemours Foundation.What can I do to prevent razor burn?
American Academy of Dermatology.Acne-like breakouts could be folliculitis.
American Academy of Dermatology.Dry skin signs and symptoms.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris overview.
Cedars-Sinai.Keratosis pilaris.
Wong CY, Chu DH.Cutaneous signs of nutritional disorders.International Journal of Women’s Dermatology. 2021;7(5):647-652. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.09.003
American Academy of Dermatology.Hair removal: how to shave.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Keratosis pilaris self care.
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