It looks we will be continuing our food-themed journey this week with a focus on fruits. Specifically, we will be talking about Strawberry Skin. While it isn’t as delicious as it sounds, it is a common and recurring skin appearance for many people.
Strawberry Skin, also known as Strawberry Legs, is a term
used to describe the appearance of dark spots on the legs corresponding with
the location of hairs and pores. Those with strawberry skin have many darkened
pores and bumps that resemble the appearance of the seeds on the outside of a
strawberry and is typically found on the skin of one’s legs.
What causes Strawberry Skin?
While strawberry skin is mostly associated with keratosis pilaris or the appearance of ingrown hairs, strawberry skin is just the symptom of a larger condition and can be caused be caused by a number of different factors.
Keratosis Pilaris, sometimes referred to as chicken skin, is often used interchangeably with strawberry skin. It is an extremely common type of skin rash, more often found in adolescents and typically runs in families. The irritated red bumps that dot the skin resemble goosebumps and are caused by dead skin cells clogging your pores.
Folliculitis is another skin condition that leads to strawberry legs. Instead of the clogged pores found in keratosis pilaris, folliculitis is the result of inflamed hair follicles. This inflammation is typically caused by various forms of bacteria like pseudomonas, found in heated pools and hot tubs, or caused by skin irritation of ingrown hairs.
Strawberry skin can even be caused by things happening to your skin on a daily basis. Shaving your hair carries the risk of irritating your skin or causing ingrown hairs. Clogged pores from sweat or lack of cleaning your skin and exfoliation may eventually lead to strawberry legs. Even overly dry skin may lead to strawberry skin as dry skin can cause an excess buildup of dead skin cells that can clog your pores.
How do you treat Strawberry Skin?
As a result of keratosis pilaris, treatment for it is designed to help improve the appearance of the affected skin rather than preventing keratosis pilaris. Treatments such as moisturizers and the use of humidifiers help alleviate dry skin and lessens the chance of skin cells clogging your pores. Maintaining the balance of oils in your skin also improves the appearance of your skin, which is why limiting the amount of time in the shower and gentle scrubbing of your skin will also be effective.
Folliculitis, while benign, requires more specialized treatment mainly in the forms of various creams and pills, or even surgery for more severe cases. These creams and pills focus directly on what is causing folliculitis, whether it is the result of a mild bacterial infection, yeast infection, or an inflammatory response.
One of the most effective treatments for strawberry skin is through exfoliation, even for keratosis pilaris. The focus here is on gentle exfoliation, an all-round great method at removing dead skin and cleaning your pores. Our Honey Aloe body scrub is perfect for this as it is suitable for those with sensitive skin.
The last treatment to focus on is prevention, which by itself is the best way to treat strawberry legs. Exfoliation and moisturizing serve a dual purpose in not only treating strawberry skin, but also may help preventing it through regular application. Using shaving cream and sharp razors while shaving will also help minimize irritation and damage to your hair follicles.