Which medical term fits which appearance?
| Term or cause | Typical appearance | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Open comedones, or blackheads | Dark dots at pore openings | Clogged pores exposed to air. |
| Keratosis pilaris | Small bumps that feel rough and dry | Keratin, a skin protein, and dead skin cells plug hair follicles. |
| Folliculitis | Inflamed red bumps, sometimes resembling whiteheads | Inflamed or infected hair follicles. |
| Visible hair beneath the skin | Dark dots, particularly with dark hair and pale skin | Hair showing through the skin rather than a separate skin condition. |
| Shaving irritation or ingrown hairs | Dots or bumps associated with shaving | Hair removal can irritate the skin and contribute to the dotted appearance. |
Is strawberry legs the same as keratosis pilaris?
No. Keratosis pilaris is a specific, harmless condition that is not infectious. The bumps commonly appear on the thighs and upper arms and can be skin coloured, red or brown. They feel rough, sometimes itch, and often become more noticeable in winter. Their texture matters more than their nickname, since the same bumps have also acquired the names "chicken skin" and "goosebumps".34
Keratosis pilaris does not need treatment unless the dryness, itch or appearance bothers you. Treating dry skin often makes the bumps less noticeable. Some people find they clear in summer and return in winter; a dry climate or frequent swimming can make them noticeable throughout the year.4
What can you do about the dots?
If the dots appear after shaving, start with the shaving routine:
- 1Shave during or after a shower, using moisturizing shaving cream and a sharp, clean razor.
- 2Shave in the direction of hair growth with short, light strokes. Rinse the blade as you go.
- 3Replace the blade after about six shaves and store the razor somewhere cool and dry, outside the shower.
- 4Gently exfoliate with a clean washcloth, then moisturize. Avoid products containing fragrances or dyes.
For rough keratosis pilaris bumps, moisturizing creams containing urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or other alpha hydroxy acids can moisturize skin or loosen the scale plugging follicles. Topical retinoids are another treatment option. Keratosis pilaris has no cure, although it often clears during adult life. Treatment is about controlling the bumps and dryness, rather than permanently removing the tendency to develop them.3
If a blade repeatedly causes irritation or ingrown hairs, an electric razor or epilator is an alternative. When dark hair showing beneath pale skin explains the dots, removing hair at the root is an option rather than treating the appearance as acne.1
When should you see a doctor?
Ordinary clogged pore dots usually do not hurt or itch. Get medical advice for pain, swelling, itching, or symptoms that persist or worsen. Folliculitis can need treatment for an infection. Chemical exfoliants and retinoids can increase sun sensitivity, so use sunscreen when going outside.12
What is the medical term for a strawberry mark?
A strawberry mark is an infantile haemangioma, also spelled hemangioma. It is a birthmark made of small blood vessels, not clogged pores or keratosis pilaris. It usually looks like a raised red lump and can appear days or weeks after birth. It typically grows early on, then gradually shrinks over childhood. Many need no treatment, although some leave a slight colour change or puckering. Have a clinician examine a birthmark, particularly if it is close to the eye, nose or mouth, becomes painful, or affects vision, breathing or feeding.567
Where this answer comes from
- 1How to Get Rid of Strawberry Legs, According to Dermatologistsherocosmetics.us
- 2Strawberry Legs: Causes & Treatmenthealth.clevelandclinic.org
- 3Keratosis Pilaris: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatmentdermnetnz.org
- 4Keratosis pilaris: Overviewaad.org
- 5Getting to know your newbornnhs.uk
- 6Birthmarksnhs.uk
- 7Red birthmarks: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopediamedlineplus.gov
