How to get rid of strawberry legs

What causes strawberry legs?

Several different problems share the name strawberry legs, which is a lot of diagnostic work to ask of a fruit. Clogged pores can contain oil, dead skin and other debris. Shaving or waxing exposes the oil to air, where it oxidizes and darkens. Dry skin makes shaving irritation more likely and the dots more noticeable.1

How do you get rid of dark dots on legs?

For rough bumps consistent with keratosis pilaris, follow this sequence:

1. 1Wash gently. Use a mild, unperfumed cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid hot baths and showers, which can dry the skin.
2. 2Exfoliate gently. Use a washcloth or exfoliating mitt to remove surface dead skin. Do not scrub hard, scratch or pick the bumps.
3. 3Apply a chemical exfoliator as directed. Options for keratosis pilaris include lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid or urea. Follow the product's amount and frequency instructions rather than adding extra applications.
4. 4Moisturize afterwards. Choose a thick oil free cream or ointment for keratosis pilaris, and apply it while skin is damp, within five minutes of bathing. Reapply when skin feels dry.

For keratosis pilaris, keep up daily care until skin looks clearer, while keeping exfoliating products within their label directions. Moisturizer can be applied at least two or three times daily. Once bumps improve, maintenance often means treating the skin a few times a week. If a chemical exfoliator makes skin too dry or irritated, stop using it for a few days.2

Can exfoliating help strawberry legs?

Yes. Removing dead skin helps prevent blocked follicles and can help release trapped hairs. Chemical exfoliators loosen excess dead skin without scrubbing. For keratosis pilaris, retinoids are another treatment option alongside acids and urea. More product or more frequent use can leave skin raw rather than clearer. Use sunscreen on exposed legs when using treatments that increase sun sensitivity.124

How do you prevent strawberry legs after shaving?

Shaving cream does more than mark where the razor has been, despite its convincing impression of bathroom decoration. It moisturizes skin, softens hair and adds a protective layer between skin and blade. For sensitive skin, choose gentle shaving products rather than soap.6

1. 1Wet your legs with warm water and wash with a moisturizing cleanser to soften the hair.
2. 2Apply shaving cream or gel and leave it for two to three minutes.
3. 3Use a clean, sharp razor. Replace the blade as soon as it becomes blunt or develops nicks.
4. 4Shave with the direction of hair growth, using as few passes as possible. Repeated passes increase irritation.
5. 5Rinse the blade after every stroke to clear hair and shaving product.
6. 6Finish with a cool water rinse or a cool, wet cloth, then apply moisturizer.

If ingrown hairs keep returning, avoid shaving every day or shaving very close. Leaving at least 1 mm of stubble can help. Coarse or curly hair is more prone to growing back into the skin. An electric razor is an alternative to wet shaving; stopping shaving is the best way to prevent ingrown hairs. Do not scratch, pick or squeeze them, because that can damage skin and cause infection.4

What if the bumps are itchy or inflamed?

Folliculitis can come from infection, blocked follicles or irritation as hairs regrow. Not every inflamed follicle is infected. Avoid shaving irritated skin until it settles. For diagnosed irritant folliculitis on the lower legs, a longer break can be necessary: hair removal should not restart until about three months after the folliculitis has settled. An oil free moisturizer is less likely to block follicles than a heavy, occlusive product.5

Keep affected skin clean, reduce rubbing from clothing and use clean washcloths. Warm, moist compresses can help affected follicles drain. A clinician can check whether bacteria or fungus is involved and choose an antibiotic or antifungal treatment when needed. Contact a clinician if folliculitis symptoms worsen, return often or last longer than two or three days.7

See a doctor if an ingrown hair or the surrounding area becomes very painful, hot or swollen, or if you develop a high temperature, chills or feel very unwell.4

How long does it take, and what if home care is not enough?

Keratosis pilaris often lasts for years, although it can eventually clear by itself. Treatment improves its appearance rather than reliably curing it. Shaving or waxing can produce more bumps, and self tanner tends to make them more obvious. If home care is not helping or skin becomes itchy or inflamed, a pharmacist can help choose a cream and decide whether you need a doctor. Persistent bumps despite treatment are a reason to see a dermatologist.23

For recurring problems linked to hair removal, laser hair removal or electrolysis can reduce the need to shave, especially with coarse or curly hair. Laser treatment commonly takes two to six sessions and can cause burns, scars or changes in skin color. Electrolysis also needs several sessions. Both can be costly, and some hair can regrow. Laser hair removal is an option for avoiding shaving related keratosis pilaris flare ups; laser treatment aimed at the keratosis pilaris itself has less certain benefit.123