What are the symptoms of “strawberry legs”?
This sweet-sounding name refers to red spots on the thighs and calves . They most often appear after shaving , but they often accompany us chronically (depending on the specific cause that causes them). However, improper hair removal is a factor that increases the problem of "strawberry" rash.
Pimples on legs after shaving – causes
“Strawberry legs” is the result of skin irritation and inflammation in the hair follicles.
Important! This is not a disease, but merely a symptom of specific problems your skin may be struggling with.
Folliculitis is a condition in which a whole cascade of inflammatory processes is triggered. As a result, red spots are formed , often filled with pus (read more about purulent spots after shaving here ) . Most often, it is caused by excessive multiplication of bacteria in hair follicles and their accompanying sebaceous glands.
However, this is not the only cause of "strawberry legs" - inflammatory changes often appear as a rash of irritation , for example after using an inappropriate aftershave care product.
People who are prone to ingrown hairs may also struggle with inflammatory changes caused by the ingrown hair.
Also read our text on how to get rid of red spots after shaving intimate areas .
How to get rid of “strawberry” rash?
No matter what is behind the galaxies of red spots on your legs, one thing is for sure: a proper leg shaving routine is going to be essential for you!
If the problem is chronic and stubborn eruptions do not go away, it is worth consulting a dermatologist who will determine the source of the problem.
How to prevent pimples from appearing after shaving your legs?
If your problems are primarily caused by a too cavalier approach to hair removal, here are some basic shaving rules that you should not ignore:
- Peeling – regular exfoliation of dead skin allows hair to grow properly and makes the skin smooth and ready for further care treatments. Do it BEFORE shaving to lift hairs and remove excess dead skin cells. You can learn more about effective and proper peeling from our text here .
- Shaving cream – dry shaving is the fastest, but not the best option. Remember that this way you can easily cause skin irritation! And from there it is only a step to infection – any damage to the epidermis is an open gate to the penetration of various types of substances and bacteria living on the skin's surface.
- Moisturizing the skin after shaving – when you run a razor over your skin, you are basically exfoliating it. You are removing not only hair, but also dead skin layers (which you can see when cleaning the blades). After the entire procedure, it is worth using a mild moisturizing or regenerating product. Choose one that contains panthenol and allantoin. A light, natural, moisturizing oil will also work great .
This routine will allow you to minimize the risk of ingrown hairs .
If you are struggling with folliculitis , proper hygiene is key. The bacteria behind numerous infections can prolong the inflammation in the skin. If you do not see any improvement, consult a dermatologist. Additional support in the form of pharmacotherapy may be necessary.
Say goodbye to pimples after shaving your legs!
Remember: removing hair from your legs (or any other part of your body) is your choice – let it be dictated solely by your preferences. If the hair doesn’t bother you, you don’t have to shave it.
"Strawberry legs" may be an aesthetic problem for you, but it is worth checking whether there is no infection lurking behind the red spots. After all, health is the most important thing!
Created at: 15/08/2022
Updated at: 12/06/2023