Strawberry legs is not a medical diagnosis but a descriptive term of the leg looking like the surface of a strawberry with their prominent seeds on the surface. The 'seeds' correspond to prominent hair follicles on the legs. Our legs have a lot of follicular openings evenly and regularly spaced apart. The hair follicles become prominent when they are enlarged or clogged. This happens when they trap keratin, oils and bacteria.
A few conditions can lead to this appearance. One common condition is keratosis pilaris (KP). In KP, the hair follicle opening is clogged by keratin. This leads to raised bumps and rough texture of the skin. Keratosis pilaris often affects the legs, arms and back.
Folliculitis or hair follicle infection can also lead to prominent and inflamed bumps. This is often due to irritation or infection of the hair follicles. A bacterial infection is the most common cause of folliculitis. However, irritation from ingrowth hair can also be a cause.
In treating strawberry legs, here are some basic skincare that should be included:
- Maintaining good hygiene it is important. When shaving, ensure that you use a clean shaver as this can reduce the risk of hair follicle infection.
- Using products that exfoliate or unclog the pores may be helpful. These include salicylic acid, lactic acid or glycolic acid-containing products.
- The regular use of moisturisers may be helpful to smoothen the skin.
Specific treatments depend on the underlying cause. For keratosis pilaris, a topical tretinoin cream can be prescribed. For skin infections, topical or oral antibiotics may be prescribed. If there are ingrown hairs, hair removal with lasers or IPL can be considered.
The cost depends on the treatments prescribed. This is best discussed with your attending doctor or dermatologist.
