Are those Unsightly Bumps “Strawberry Legs”?

If you’ve noticed red spots or bumps on your legs, sometimes with small black dots in the center, you may be experiencing “strawberry legs”. And while strawberries may be a yummy treat in dessert or a salad, they are not something anyone wants their legs to resemble!

In this two part article, the skin care experts explain what causes “strawberry legs” – and offer several effective treatments so you can get rid of these unsightly bumps and enjoy silky smooth legs.

What Are Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs are typically caused by hair follicles or enlarged pores that contain a trapped mixture of oil, dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells.

Strawberry legs tend to show up after shaving, because the razor exposes the clogged follicle or pore, allowing air to reach the oil inside, which “oxidizes” and turns dark.

What Causes Strawberry Legs?

While “strawberry legs” refers to any condition that looks the picture on this page, it’s actually a general term to describe the appearance of several different conditions that can cause the distinct dotted red, brown and/or black appearance of strawberry dots.  And, to make matters even more confusing, you can experience multiple causes of strawberry legs at the same time.

The most common cause of “strawberry legs” include:

#1. Shaving

Shaving (especially with old, dull razors or without shaving cream) can cause strawberry legs, as can razor burn.

#2. Ingrown Hairs

In other individuals, particularly those with thick body hair, ingrown hairs may be the cause of strawberry legs. While strawberry legs occur most often in those with more course body hair, anyone can get strawberry bumps from ingrown hairs.

#3. Clogged Pores

The skin on the legs contains thousands of pores. Clogged pores – also called open comedones – result when bacteria, dead skin, oil and debris fill up the pores. People with larger pores are the most prone to strawberry legs.

#4. Folliculitis

Folliculitis, on the other hand, occurs when the hair follicles rather than the pores become inflamed, and/or infected. This condition can result from shaving, waxing, or other hair removal methods that leave the hair follicle open and exposed. Folliculitis can also occur if you’ve been exposed to bacteria, fungus or yeast, such as at the gym, in a hot tub or on a yoga mat.

A clue that the condition may be folliculitis, rather than razor burn, is the presence of small red bumps or blisters, that may later develop into scabs that don’t seem to heal.

#5. Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris typically appears on the skin of the thighs and upper arms, and looks at first glance like tiny pimples, goosebumps, or “chicken skin.” while it is often confused with “razor burn” or folliculitis, Keratosis pilaris bumps are rougher and harder to the touch than other kinds of strawberry legs. This is because they are caused by tiny accumulations of the protein keratin and dead epithelial (skin) cells.

Strawberry legs from keratosis pilaris is very common, often appearing more frequently during the dry winter months than during the summer. The chlorine in swimming pools can also dry out the skin and cause keratosis pilaris. And while it can be itchy and unsightly it is a relatively benign condition.

Treating Strawberry Legs

In most cases strawberry legs is more of a cosmetic issue than a health concern. But if you are experiencing itching, scabbing, irritation, or inflammation, it may also be an underlying medical condition that resembles strawberry legs.

For this reason, it is always best to see a medical professional, like the skincare experts at AMAE Med Spa, to diagnose the cause of your strawberry legs, to rule out infection and to choose the best course of treatment for your unique skin issue.

In Part 2 of this article we discuss several effective at home and Med Spa treatments available at AMAE in Birmingham, MI to treat strawberry legs, so you can have smooth, sexy, silky legs (and arms) all year ‘round!

CLICK HERE for Part 2: Strawberry Leg Treatments

Strawberry Legs Treatments – Birmingham, MI

Whatever the cause of your strawberry legs, you do not have to live with ugly red, brown or black dots, lumps or bumps on your limbs!

Schedule a consultation at AMAE Med Spa in Birmingham, MI area and let our skin care experts assess the cause of your strawberry legs and recommend the best skin care products and treatments to give you smooth, sexy, touchable legs!

Strawberry Legs Treatments – Birmingham, MI:  248.335.7200