Strawberry Skin - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What Is Strawberry Skin?

Strawberry skin refers to a dotted or pitted appearance of the skin that resembles a strawberry. This is not a skin condition. Instead, it is a symptom caused by skin problems. The tiny black dots or pits are skin pores or hair follicles clogged with dirt, bacteria, or oil. Strawberry skin is usually harmless, and one can quickly get rid of them within a few weeks with good self-care practices. However, seeing a doctor is essential if a person experiences pain or itching, as it can be a sign of an underlying condition. In addition, Strawberry skin can sometimes be a source of embarrassment.

What Causes Strawberry Skin?

Strawberry skin is not a skin condition but a symptom. Several different skin issues can cause them. The leading causes of strawberry skin include:

• Improper Shaving: Shaving with an old or dull razor can cause razor burn, which may appear like strawberry skin. It can also cause an infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis).

• Folliculitis: It is a common skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles in the skin become inflamed and infected. It primarily affects the legs and usually appears as tiny red bumps that can gradually darken, resembling strawberry skin. Folliculitis occurs due to damage to the hair follicle, allowing bacteria and dirt to enter. The damage to the hair follicles often occurs by shaving, waxing, wearing ill-fitting or tight clothing, rubbing the skin, and spending too much time in a hot tub.

• Clogged Pores: When the skin pores get clogged, the skin naturally produces more oil. Upon shaving and opening the pores, the oil is exposed to air and turns dark, leaving tiny black dots all over the skin. People with thicker hair or larger pores are at higher risk for developing strawberry skin from clogged pores.

• Extremely Dry Skin: This is another risk factor that does not directly cause strawberry skin. Dry skin is more sensitive and is more likely to develop razor burn or irritation, resulting in folliculitis and darkened pores.

• Keratosis Pilaris: Keratosis pilaris is a benign genetic skin condition characterized by tiny red bumps covering the skin. These small red bumps resemble goosebumps, small pimples, or chicken skin and are rough in texture. When these bumps involve the upper arm and the thighs, they may look like strawberry skin. If the bumps become itchy or irritated, a dermatologist may be able to help. Keratosis pilaris mainly occurs due to the accumulation of dead skin cells. The other common causes of keratosis pilaris include:

  • Swimming pool chemicals.

  • Dry climate.

  • Winter season.

• Ingrown Hairs: An ingrown hair is a strand that occurs when the hair grows back incorrectly after shaving, tweezing, or waxing. It is benign but can be painful if the hair gets trapped under the skin. The main signs and symptoms of ingrown hair are:

  • Tiny, red, itchy bumps.

  • Small, dark bumps.

  • Pus-filled bumps.

  • Darker skin patches.

  • Itching or pain.

• Acne: Acne can be a significant reason for clogged pores. Increased sebum production results in dead skin cells or oil trapped under the skin. Acne often appears as whiteheads or blackheads, like strawberry skin. Acne is commonly caused by:

  • Profuse sweating.

  • Hormonal changes.

  • Comedogenic makeup products.

  • High humidity.

  • Medication side effects.

  • Tight clothes.

What Are the Symptoms of Strawberry Skin?

The typical strawberry skin symptoms include:

• A dotted or pitted skin appearance that resembles a strawberry.

• Slightly raised bumps.

• Less common, pain or itching.

If a person experiences uncomfortable skin irritation, it may indicate an underlying skin condition. In that case, fix an appointment with a healthcare professional to identify the root cause of the symptoms.

How Is Strawberry Skin Diagnosed?

Strawberry skin is usually self-diagnosed and does not involve a visit to the healthcare provider. The symptoms are relatively common and can be treated with home-based remedies. However, for cosmetic reasons, or if there is pain or itching, schedule an appointment with a health care professional. The healthcare provider can examine the skin, take a detailed medical history, and possibly take a skin sample to identify the underlying cause and prescribe an effective treatment plan.

How Is Strawberry Skin Treated?

Strawberry skin is a harmless condition that can be treated with a few modifications in the shower regimen and shaving routine: These steps include:

• Avoid shaving with an old or dull razor, as it can easily lead to strawberry legs because of razor burn and folliculitis. Instead, switching to new razors. Using new razors can also help prevent strawberry skin from reoccurring.

• Apply moisturizing shaving cream to prevent skin irritation. Begin by washing the skin with a mild soap or body wash. Next, apply a thick layer of shaving cream, particularly for sensitive skin. Avoid using products that contain dyes or fragrances.

• Exfoliate the skin regularly to remove dead skin cells that can clog pores and hair follicles. Exfoliate by simply rubbing a washcloth or loofah over the skin with a bit of pressure to reduce the dead skin. Moisturize afterward to minimize dryness.

• Moisturize the skin regularly to prevent dry skin and irritation. For example, apply a mild moisturizer immediately after showering, shaving, or waxing to lock in the moisture.

• Always shave in the direction of hair growth as it is less irritating to the skin and helps prevent razor burn and folliculitis.

• Laser therapy can also be a good option. It is a popular long-term hair removal treatment. The therapy utilizes lasers to deliver small amounts of radiation to hair follicles. Laser therapy is a safe approach for the skin and can target multiple hair follicles simultaneously.

What Is the Outlook for People With Strawberry Skin?

For many people, strawberry skin is easily treated with at-home treatments and modifications to their shaving or skincare regimen. However, a person should talk to a healthcare provider if taking preventive steps does not seem beneficial or prevent strawberry skin. In that case, an underlying condition may need to be addressed.

Conclusion

Strawberry skin is harmless and usually not a cause for concern. People can quickly treat or prevent strawberry skin at home by making self-care modifications. However, if home remedies fail to work, a person should see a healthcare provider to know about the underlying condition causing the appearance of strawberry skin.