Summer is here, which means you're probably showing a little more skin. Pants become shorts, maxi dresses become minis, and skirts become minis as our gams finally get their due. Short hemlines, on the other hand, may be unappealing to those who have a dotted, bumpy, or spotty appearance on their legs. Let's learn more about how to treat and prevent skin conditions known as "strawberry legs," according to a dermatologist.
Strawberry legs are a general term for a dotty appearance to the legs, usually around the hair follicles. The dots represent the accumulation of various common skin elements in and around the hair and oil glands. Keratin (the main protein in the skin)
Melanin (the source of pigment)
Sebum (natural oil of the skin)
Bacteria (often, normal skin flora)
The term "strawberry legs" refers to the dark pores and dots or red bumps that appear primarily on the lower legs and resemble the seeds of a strawberry. While strawberry legs are not medically harmful, they can be unsightly.
While the appearance of strawberry legs is frequently the same regardless of what caused it, there are a variety of causes. Knowing what's causing your dotted gams will help you treat the right condition. The following are four of the most common causes of strawberry legs and how to treat them.
You can get clogged pores on your legs just like you can get clogged pores on your face. Some people have larger pores due to genetics and thicker body hair, and while the pores themselves aren't necessarily bothersome, they can become problematic when they become clogged with bacteria, dead skin, and sebum. When clogged pores on the legs are exposed to air, the debris dries out and darkens, similar to a blackhead on the face.
Treatment - Chemical and Physical exfoliation.
Exfoliation, a step from your facial skincare routine, can be used to treat clogged pores on the legs or anywhere on the body. Chemical exfoliation, which uses ingredients like acids and retinols to increase skin cell turnover and unclog pores, is my personal preference for my patients. This gently removes keratin, oils, and other skin debris, opening up the pores and follicles and reducing secondary bacterial buildup. The bacteria that cause acne and folliculitis thrive in oil-clogged hair follicles, so removing that build-up is essential.
To remove dead skin cells and other debris that cause clogged pores, look for a body wash or moisturizer that contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), specifically glycolic acid and salicylic acid. These acids exfoliate in a gentle enough manner by reducing the 'stickiness' of dead or dying skin cells. This helps to open up the pores while also providing a nice textural change and luminosity to the skin.
Folliculitis is a common skin condition characterized by inflamed or infected hair follicles. Small red bumps around the hair follicles are the most common symptom. In severe cases, people may experience hair loss or scarring in the infected area. However, the majority of cases are minor and usually resolve within a few days.
It's important to remember that folliculitis is a broad umbrella term that refers to inflammation of the hair follicle. This can be infectious due to bacteria such as staphylococcus or sterile due to oil buildup or trauma from shaving.
Treatment - Oral and topical antibiotics.
Folliculitis is a "tricky condition" to treat, which is why you should seek the advice of a dermatologist before attempting any at-home remedies. Folliculitis can be sterile, with red and pus-filled bumps appearing as a result of factors such as clogged pores and shaving. They can, however, be a sign of a superficial skin infection caused by bacteria or yeast such as staph and pityrosporum.
While the former is easily treated with over-the-counter products, the latter may necessitate prescriptions such as antibiotic lotions or even pills to resolve. A dermatologist can use a simple swab to determine whether or not organisms should be targeted. And, if there are, it can save you a lot of time and effort in figuring out effective at-home routines.
Treatment - Antibacterial skincare.
At-home treatments include everything from lifestyle changes to skincare. To begin, you should change out of your sweaty gym clothes as soon as possible and shower. Lather up in the shower with an antibacterial soap.
Treatment - Laser hair removal.
In addition, you might want to revamp your shaving routine. In addition to switching from a multi-bladed razor to a disposable razor, use a soothing shave cream. The closest shave is sacrificed in exchange for less bumpy skin. A close shave and the risk of folliculitis are inversely related. He also recommends shaving with rather than against the grain every two to three shaves. If you're prone to razor bumps, laser hair removal with a dermatologist will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Keratosis pilaris (KP), also known as ‘chicken skin,' is a skin condition that causes tiny bumps to appear on the skin. Keratosis pilaris is most commonly found on the upper outer arms, but it can also occur on the thighs. This is caused by keratin buildup in the hair follicles.
Treatment - Chemical exfoliation.
Chemical exfoliants, like clogged pores, are often effective in treating keratosis pilaris, but prescription-strength skincare may also help. My first line of defence against keratosis pilaris is exfoliative acids. If those don't work, a prescription-grade retinoid would be a viable option, but only in consultation with a dermatologist.
While keratosis pilaris is often a year-round condition, flare-ups are more common in the winter months when the skin is drier. Additionally, swimmers may worsen the condition as a result of chlorine and other pool chemicals that dehydrate the skin.
As previously stated, dry skin contributes to a variety of skin conditions, including strawberry legs. Dehydrated skin is more prone to irritation, particularly when shaving. Dry skin on the lower legs is more prone to razor burn, keratosis pilaris, folliculitis, and clogged pores, all of which can cause a dotted appearance on the legs.
Treatment - Creams and moisturizers.
A daily moisturizing body lotion containing ammonium lactate is a good place to start for extremely dry skin, especially if it is scaly. Ichthyosis, or dry, scaly, or thickened skin, does not always respond to traditional creams and moisturizers, which is why a dual-purpose formulation may be required. Because there is a thicker than normal layer of dead skin on the surface, simple moisturizing isn't always enough. Exfoliating creams remove that layer gently, allowing thicker moisturizers to penetrate the healthier layers beneath.
Strawberry legs are a catch-all term for a variety of skin conditions, but there are a number of things that can be done at home and in the office to treat and prevent a bumpy or dotted appearance. Before attempting to treat yourself, consult with a board-certified dermatologist to ensure you understand the underlying cause of your condition.
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