"Strawberry legs" is not a condition in and of itself. Instead, it refers to the appearance of the pores on your legs and can be used to describe several skin conditions. If you have strawberry legs, your legs may have dark dots that look like the seeds in strawberries.
What Causes Strawberry Legs?
Folliculitis
This common skin condition is often found on the legs, among other body parts. Folliculitis may cause the appearance of strawberry legs when hair follicles are inflamed, infected, or irritated.
At first, the hair follicles may appear darker. If folliculitis gets worse, your skin may become infected, red, and swollen. There are several types of folliculitis:
Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis. This particular bacteria may get trapped in your hair follicles, causing red, pus-filled bumps. It usually resolves on its own within a few days.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis. This bacteria is often found in shared hot tubs and whirlpools where water is heated. It can cause your skin to become red and itchy, but it resolves on its own in a few days.
Malassezia folliculitis. Malassezia is a type of yeast that may get into your hair follicles, causing irritation. It may get worse and look like acne if left untreated.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae. These are also called razor bumps and happen when your skin gets irritated during shaving. It happens more often in people with dark, thick, curly hair.
Sycosis barbae. A more severe shaving-related infection where hair follicles become infected. But it is worse than razor burn.
Gram-negative folliculitis. This can occur if you take antibiotics to treat acne, allowing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to grow.
Ingrown hairs
If you shave or wax your legs, the hair may not grow back right. If hairs get trapped under the skin, they cause inflammation and tiny bumps. This condition may be painful and itchy.
Ingrown hairs usually get better on their own without specific treatment. Signs that you have ingrown hairs on your legs after shaving include:
- Papules (small, dark bumps)
- Pustules (bumps that are filled with pus and look like blisters)
- Darker patches of skin
- Itching or pain
- Hair trapped beneath the skin
Acne
Acne extends into the sebaceous glands of your hair follicles. If your follicles make too much sebum (oil) to moisten your skin and hair, it may clog your pores. Most people between the ages of 11 and 30 experience acne at some point in their lives.
When your skin makes too much sebum, dead skin and oil can become trapped in your pores. Bacteria that are normally on the skin may also get into the clogged pore. Acne may appear as closed whiteheads or open blackheads, which look like strawberry legs. Sometimes the pores are infected and may appear inflamed, swollen, and irritated.
Factors that lead to acne include:
- Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy or your monthly menstrual cycle
- Increased hormones during puberty
- Use of skin products that clog your pores
- Tight clothes that irritate your skin
- High humidity
- Sweating
- Some medications
How to Treat and Prevent Strawberry Legs
No matter what the cause, darkened hair follicles leave you with the appearance of strawberry legs. Fortunately, you can prevent and treat some contributing conditions.
Treating folliculitis
Limit bacteria on your skin by using antibacterial cleansers on your legs. If your rash and irritation don't clear up within a few days, your skin may be infected. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms because you may need an antibiotic. Prevent the condition from causing strawberry legs by using an antibacterial cleanser regularly.
Treating ingrown hairs
Make sure you’re shaving your legs the right way. Here are some tips for shaving:
- Soften your leg hairs before shaving with very warm water.
- Shave in the same direction your hair grows, not against it.
- Use a shaving cream or gel each time.
- Don't shave so often.
- Don't pull your skin tight when shaving.
- Exfoliate to remove dead skin.
- Avoid pulling out hairs with tweezers.
- Use lotion after shaving to soothe your skin.
- Avoid chemical hair removers, or test a small area first.
Treating acne
Acne is one skin condition that has a greater chance of scarring. You can treat acne with over-the-counter cleansers and creams. If these don't work, you may want to ask your doctor for prescription skin care. Look for active ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, tretinoin, or adapalene.
Long-term acne may require laser or light therapy or a chemical peel. If your acne is infected, an antibiotic can kill bacteria and give your skin a chance to heal.
Once your skin heals from any of these conditions, be proactive in keeping your skin clean. Use proper shaving techniques and avoid anything that will further irritate your skin if you notice existing irritation.
Can Strawberry Legs Lead to More Serious Issues?
Chronic skin irritation may cause permanent damage or more serious health conditions. If your skin is infected, talk to your doctor immediately. If your skin conditions won't go away, the infection may spread to other areas of your body.
Takeaways
"Strawberry legs" refers to the appearance of dark dots on your legs that look like the seeds in strawberries. It happens when oil, dirt, or bacteria get into the pores on your legs. Several skin conditions cause this, including ingrown hairs, folliculitis, or acne. If skin gets inflamed and infected, it could spread to other places on your body.
Strawberry Legs FAQs
Are strawberry legs fungal?
In some cases, strawberry legs can be caused by a skin condition you have, including a fungal infection. In such cases, your doctor may suggest an antifungal medicine.
Can shaving cause strawberry legs?
Shaving the wrong way can cause ingrown hairs, which can result in strawberry legs. If you shave a lot, against the grain, and don't use shaving cream or gel, you could be at risk of getting strawberry legs.
Do strawberry legs go away over time?
If you do things like exfoliate and moisturize, strawberry legs will go away. Treating some of the conditions that lead to strawberry legs — folliculitis, ingrown hairs, and acne — can help, too.
