Have you ever shaved your legs and then seen tiny dark spots? These patches, it turns out, are nothing more than plugged pores, just like blackheads. These black spots, often known as strawberry legs due to their resemblance to the seeds on a strawberry's skin, are more prominent on certain skin tones.

A dermatologist, Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, says the symptoms are apparent because they appear in the same places as hair follicles or pores. Numerous factors, including but not limited to increased hair follicles, blocked pores, and even keratosis pilaris, can result in strawberries on the legs.

What Exactly are Strawberry Legs?

Strawberry legs, also known as strawberry skin legs, are a common skin problem caused by a buildup of dirt, dead skin, bacteria, and oil in the hair follicles or pores of the legs. This can result in tiny, dark spots on the skin, much like the seeds on a strawberry. These spots rarely itch or hurt, but those with lighter skin tones may notice them more easily.

Strawberry legs can have several different causes, including but not limited to hair removal methods like shaving and waxing and skin disorders like keratosis pilaris. You can avoid getting strawberry legs by exfoliating and moisturizing your skin regularly, not wearing clothes that are too tight, and shaving your legs less often.

Strawberry legs tend to stand out more on people with lighter skin tones. Usually, after shaving, you'll notice the following:

• Black or brown blotches.
• Large, darkened pores that appear to be open.
• Skin on your legs that is pitted or dotted.

Why do people get strawberry legs?

The common condition of strawberry legs results from shaving or waxing, which opens up blocked pores. But if you have strawberry legs, it could be because of an infection or other skin disease. See a doctor if you're experiencing discomfort, swelling, or itching to rule out more serious issues.

Shaving

You can injure your skin by shaving with a dull razor or without shaving cream, resulting in razor burns or strawberry legs. It can also cause ingrown hairs, making your legs look like strawberries.

Folliculitis

Folliculitis is an infection of the skin, often caused by an infected or swollen hair follicle. Shaving, waxing, and excessive sweating are all potential causes, as is being outdoors in hot and humid weather.

Hot tubs and exercise are common triggers for folliculitis. The little red lumps might be easily misidentified as acne, but they are irritating and itchy.

Clogged pores

Bacteria, dead skin, oil, and grime are common culprits that can cause a blockage. Pores are the microscopic openings in your skin through which oil and sweat are secreted, aiding your body's cooling. Adolescents going through puberty, in particular, tend to have higher oil production than adults. Shaving or waxing removes hair from the legs, releasing the oil into the air. Little black dots will appear all over your legs as the oil interacts with oxygen (oxidizes) and becomes darker than usual. The result is the appearance of strawberry legs.

Dry Skin

It's not just dry skin, though. But if you shave dry skin, you make it much more likely that you'll get the patches that give strawberry legs their name. However, circumstances like strawberry legs stand out more clearly on dry legs.

Keratosis Pilaris

Strawberry legs and keratosis pilaris are two names for the same ailment, but they're technically two different things. Little, scratchy, goosebump-like pimples on the skin are what keratosis pilaris looks like. It is a typical skin condition that results from the buildup of dead skin cells and the protein keratin in the hair follicles.  Keratosis pilaris Bumps can be any color, from the same shade as the surrounding skin to more vivid hues like purple and red. Some people have compared these bumps to chicken skin or tiny pimples. They feel harsh when handled.

Strawberry Legs: Home Treatment

Several home treatments for strawberry legs are discussed below, along with advice for avoiding them in the first place. The occurrence of strawberry legs can typically be avoided with simple at-home measures. If at-home efforts fail to protect against the disease, a person can permanently shave their legs or see a doctor. Before going to the doctor, there are a few self-care measures you can take:

1. Exfoliating

People should exfoliate their legs regularly. When a person exfoliates their legs, they remove dead skin. Doing this makes it easier for new hairs to grow. In addition to reducing the appearance of strawberry legs, exfoliation can also help prevent strawberry legs from reoccurring.

2. Use Mosturizing

Using moisturizing lotions to restore the skin's moisture is another viable at-home therapy option. Strawberry legs are less noticeable when a person has hydrated their leg skin. It has the potential to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

3. Try some glycolic or salicylic acid

Last, try using salicylic acid or glycolic acid as a home cure for strawberry legs. Acne may be the root of strawberry legs, and these acids can help clear it up. In fact, several OTC acne treatments contain them. Changing your self-care routine at home is likely the most effective therapy for strawberry legs in most circumstances. If the symptoms do not go away or worsen, your healthcare provider should be able to give you treatment alternatives to help you find relief.

Use a soothing shaving cream and a clean, sharp razor

Use a soothing, moisturizing cream and shave across the grain of your hair's growth. Avoiding razor burns and nicks is key to preventing the appearance of "strawberry legs." Use gentle, brief strokes when shaving. After a shower, when your legs are clean of the oil and dead skin that could block your razor, it is the finest time to shave. Lightly rinsing your razor blade is a good idea. Tips: Try placing the edge after six shaves using a disposable razor. Keep your razor in a dry, cool place to prevent the growth of bacteria. Remember it in the bathroom.

Moisturize and exfoliate frequently

Smooth, velvety skin is attractive to everyone and is a must if you don't want your legs to look like strawberries. The removal of dead skin through exfoliation promotes the growth of new hair. In addition, it prevents buildup in hair follicles and pores. Moisturize your legs after exfoliating with a clean washcloth or loofah.

Strawberry legs look better and are less contagious if you moisturize them often. So stay away from scented and dyed goods. Tips: Use a dry brush, body scrub, or glove to remove oil and grime from pores and soften skin. Employ mild, non-irritating products and soft, circular motions to avoid further skin irritation.

Permanent hair removal is a safe and effective choice if you are tired of the hassle of shaving or waxing and want a more long-term solution.

• Electrolysis - Electrolysis is a method of hair removal that employs a mild electrical current. There are no known negative effects of this method. You might feel discomfort; it might take a few sessions before you notice a change. 

• Hair Removal - Hair can be removed accurately with a laser during laser hair removal. There's usually a two- to six-session minimum. Burns, scarring, or even a change in skin tone at the site where the laser was used to eliminate hair are all possible complications.

Tips: The most effective way to prevent strawberry legs is to treat their underlying cause. Electrolysis and laser hair removal are excellent choices for those with particularly coarse or curly hair. Yet treatments like laser and electrolysis can be pricey. In addition, the "permanent" options often turn out to be anything but. Repeated sessions may be necessary if any hair grows back. Consult your doctor or a dermatologist to find out what works best for you.

Worry Not! Strawberry Legs are Only Temporary

Strawberry legs are commonly treated at home with routine exfoliation and moisturizing. If you have concerns that your symptoms could be due to something other than dry skin, consult a dermatologist. If you're worried, don't hold back from seeking help. Strawberry legs are quite simple to cure and avoid.