Laser light energy is used in this procedure to specifically target and destroy dark pigmentation within the hair follicle, thus preventing future hair regrowth and helping reduce strawberry legs.
If the issue lies with folliculitis, a dermatologist may suggest antibiotic treatments or topical antifungal solutions; exfoliation with salicylic washes is also beneficial in combatting symptoms.
Causes
Strawberry legs, also known as bumpy skin, usually occur on thighs and upper legs. This condition occurs due to hair follicles clogging with dead cells, oil, bacteria and/or keratosis pilaris – a similar-appearing condition which may appear on arms, torso and elsewhere – becoming blocked with dead cells, oil or bacteria, similar in appearance to eczema and spreading across arms/torso areas as well. Hair removal methods (shaving/waxing), hormonal changes/hormonal imbalances/poor hygiene/dry skin as well as medications can all cause this condition to appear.
Folliculitis, or inflammation of the hair follicles, can also contribute to strawberry legs. The initial sign may be small red bumps or blisters which eventually develop scabs that are difficult to heal; later symptoms include itching as well as possible bacterial and yeast infections which make symptoms even worse.
Strawberry legs may also be caused by excessive sweating, sun exposure without protection and hormonal shifts, ingrown hairs and skin conditions such as psoriasis; both of which may contribute to this symptom and in some cases be managed using prescription creams that lighten their appearance.
Laser hair removal can significantly enhance the look of strawberry legs by eliminating those pesky hairs that cause it. By targeting and damaging hair follicles with concentrated light energy, laser treatment prevents future growth thereby eliminating regular shaving or other methods that clog follicles causing strawberry legs.
Maintaining skin hydration can also aid with the appearance of strawberry legs. This can be accomplished using a loofah, an electric personal care device which removes hair at its roots rather than simply trimming off, or by regularly exfoliating with products tailored specifically for your type of skin such as salicylic acid or glycolic acid for dry skin types. Furthermore, applying moisturizer two or three times each day after showering or bathing may also prove helpful in keeping legs soft.
Symptoms
Strawberry legs is a skin condition caused by an increase in hair follicle size that produces red or dark spots that resemble strawberry seeds on the surface of skin, giving it its informal name. Strawberry legs may cause itchy, bumpy skin or itchy and bumpy legs; left untreated it may even result in permanent scarring and discoloration of tissue.
Many can avoid strawberry legs by regularly exfoliating and moisturizing their skin, however if symptoms persist it’s best to visit a dermatologist who may recommend treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy or prescription creams.
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular treatment option for strawberry legs as it permanently removes unwanted hair. This procedure uses high-intensity light to target pigment in the skin and hair follicles to inhibit further hair growth – all within a quick and safe procedure.
Laser hair removal differs from waxing and depilatory creams by not disturbing the surface of the skin. Light energy is delivered to the root of a hair follicle to heat and destroy it; traditional methods like shaving and waxing cannot achieve such an outcome.
Laser hair removal treatments are generally safe and effective on most skin types; however, if you have sensitive skin it is wise to avoid treatments altogether. Also important is preparing the area properly prior to beginning laser treatments by shaving and exfoliating as this will ensure optimal results from laser therapy treatments.
Recurring darker areas after hair removal are a natural occurrence, particularly if you continue using the same shaving or waxing method after treatment. Switching up hair removal methods could result in strawberry legs.
In order to avoid this scenario, it’s advisable to consult a qualified laser technician. At Body Details True Laser Centers, our professionals can evaluate both skin and hair density before suggesting a personalized plan that will lead to smooth, even skin. Get in touch with us now and schedule your free, no-commitment consultation!
Treatments
Strawberry legs can be reduced with several treatments available today, from waxing and depilatory creams to laser hair removal. Waxing and depilatory creams offer temporary solutions, often needing repeated usage; and can sometimes cause skin irritation. Laser hair removal provides permanent hair loss by permanently disabling hair follicles so they cannot grow more hair, as well as eliminating dark pigment from areas resembling strawberry legs.
An epilator, an electric device that works like mini tweezers to pull out hair at its root, is another effective treatment option for those prone to folliculitis as it doesn’t damage skin like shaving or waxing does. While discomfort may ensue when using this treatment every two or three weeks, its risks should outweigh its rewards.
Chemical exfoliation can help diminish the appearance of strawberry legs by exfoliating away dead skin cells that contribute to its formation. Over-the-counter medicated acne creams that contain salicylic or glycolic acid may help with this task, being applied directly onto affected areas before being rinsed off for smoother, even-toned skin.
Electrolysis, which uses localized electrical heat to destroy hair follicles, may also be an option, though this process takes much more time and may not be as effective.
Dermabrasion and microdermabrasion may also prove useful as treatments, which involve exfoliating the top layers of skin to reveal fresh new layers beneath. When choosing a provider to conduct these procedures it’s essential that they have experience as botched procedures can cause irreparable harm to skin cells.
Results
Your skin contains pores; therefore if you find that you have strawberry legs it could be due to hair follicles becoming clogged with dead skin and oil that have collected in their pores causing darkened patches that resemble bumpy or dot-like areas on your legs like strawberry seeds. Other possible causes could be folliculitis, dry skin or keratosis pilaris as well.
Laser hair removal offers a fast and painless solution for making legs silky smooth without shaving, waxing, or tweezing – ideal for strawberry legs! Laser therapy emits light pulses which penetrate deep into hair follicles where dark pigmentation accumulates to destroy it permanently – meaning no future hair growth! Plus it doesn’t irritate surface skin like shaving or waxing does!
Chemical peels can also help improve the appearance of strawberry legs; however, be warned that they may be uncomfortable and require regular upkeep.
Staying hydrated can also aid in the prevention of strawberry legs. Apply moisturizer to your legs two to three times each day after showering or bathing, such as after shaving, to keep hair follicles and skin hydrated so they’re less likely to become ingrown or clogged up with debris.
If strawberry legs are caused by an infection like folliculitis, consulting with a dermatologist for prescription treatments to alleviate them is wise. You doctor may provide antibiotic creams or gels as well as oral antifungal medication in some instances to tackle the infection and resolve it quickly.
Though consulting a medical professional may help reduce strawberry legs, it’s important to remember that they may be genetic and may never completely go away for everyone. But with regular laser hair removal treatments and proper skin care regimen, you can achieve smooth, beautiful legs!
