Have you ever noticed some dark spots on your legs that resemble little dots? They are super annoying and dreadful. These irksome small dark dots on your legs are called strawberry legs. They are called strawberry legs due to the way they look, resembling the dotted texture of a strawberry. They are more likely to show up after shaving their legs. They are extremely common and not a serious skin issue. They are harmless and are treatable as well as easily preventable. Do you wonder what causes them? And how to get rid of strawberry legs? To know more about strawberry legs and how to get rid of them, continue reading the article!
Also read: Struggling With Pimples On Your Legs
What are Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs are the small spots that develop on the legs, resembling strawberry seeds. Strawberry seeds can be treated and prevented. The symptoms or signs of strawberry legs include open pores that are darkened, black, brown or red spots on the skin after shaving the legs and a dotted appearance on the legs. Strawberry legs can cause insecurity and embarrassment to some people but they are harmless. If you have itching or pain in the area, you should consult talking to the doctor.
Strawberry LegsIt is the appearance of accentuation of hair follicles on the legs that may look irritated and sometimes feel bumpy. The open pores that cause the appearance of strawberry legs comprise a trapped mixture of oil, bacteria and dead skin. So when the follicle or pore is exposed to the air, it may darken. They are not harmful in any way but they can make you feel a little self-conscious. There are several different types of causes of strawberry legs, let’s study them next!
Causes of Strawberry Legs
The open comedones are trapped under the skin which contains bacteria and dead skin which when exposed to air can darken the skin. Although “strawberry legs” is considered a genetic condition, there can be many reasons you may develop strawberry legs.
Here are some probable causes of strawberry legs:
1. Shaving
Shaving is the most common cause of strawberry legs. Shaving can open comedones or pores on the legs, exposing dirt, oil and dead skin cells to the air which leads to razor burns, that appears to be strawberry legs.
causes of strawberry legsShaving with a dull razor or dry shaving may cause infection in the hair follicles, known as folliculitis. Shaving may also cause ingrown hairs which can cause strawberry legs.
2. Clogged Pores
The skin on your legs contain a lot of pores and like the pores on the skin of your face, they can become clogged with dirt, oil and bacteria. These are clogged pores. When the debris inside the clogged pores is exposed to air, it can cause skin darkening. If you have larger pores on your legs, clogged pores are easy to spot.
Also read: Exfoliate Your Legs With Homemade Body Scrub
3. Keratosis Pilaris
Keratosis Pilaris is a condition where keratin gets trapped and plugs a hair follicle. Keratin is a protein that sheds from the skin every day. This may cause those little bumps to get inflamed. This can happen around any part of your body but is more visible on your legs. People who have Keratosis Pilaris are also more prone to sensitive skin and eczema.
4. Dry Skin
Dry skin contributes to many skin issues and strawberry legs can be one of them. Skin that lacks proper hydration can make it prone to irritation especially when you are shaving it.
strawberry legs causesIf you have dry skin on your legs, you can experience strawberry legs due to razor burns and clogged pores which ultimately leads to strawberry legs.
Also read: Signs That You Have Sensitive Skin
How to get rid of Strawberry Legs?
Strawberry legs are curable and preventable as well. You can try home treatments to get rid of strawberry legs, depending on the cause and severity. Below are some home remedies and tips to help prevent them in future:
1. Exfoliation
How to get rid of Strawberry LegsRegular exfoliation is necessary for getting rid of and preventing strawberry legs. Exfoliation may help remove dead skin from the pores. This may make it easier for new hair to grow. Exfoliation might also help prevent the occurrence of strawberry legs. Exfoliation may also help prevent ingrown hairs.
2. Shave the Right Way
Razor bumps can cause strawberry legs and even irritation. To prevent this, you should shave in the right direction to prevent ingrown hair. Shave in the direction your leg hair grows rather than the opposite. Take a warm show after shaving and use a sharp razor with moisturizing shaving cream to protect your skin from damage. Do not forget to swap out your old and dull razor regularly.
3. Moisturize your Legs Every Day
Moisturizing your skin regularly helps prevent dryness and other skin issues that come with it. Not only strawberry legs but it may also help you treat flaky and irritated skin. Moisturizing will also improve the appearance of your skin and prevent the symptoms of strawberry skin.
4. Try an Epilator
Steps to get rid of Strawberry LegsBeauty and skin care concept. Woman using laser epilator for hair removal procedure at home. If your skin isn’t quite comfortable with shaving, you can try an epilator to get rid of the hair on your legs. Shaving and waxing can lead to folliculitis. You can use an epilator if you are prone to strawberry legs. It is an electrical device with mini tweezers that pull the hair out. It sounds quite painful, but it isn’t. So, make sure to try it out if you are prone to strawberry legs.
5. Use Chemical Exfoliant
A chemical exfoliant can remove dead skin cells without having to rub your skin vigorously with physical exfoliators. Exfoliants like glycolic acid and salicylic acid can dissolve dead skin cells and wash them away. These are quite easier to use than physical exfoliators. This was all about strawberry legs, their causes and treatment. If you have strawberry legs, remember it is a common and harmless skin condition and goes away with proper self-care and hygiene.
Read next: Coconut Oil For Treating Rosacea
