What is the Difference Between Strawberry Legs and Keratosis Pilaris?

Strawberry legs and keratosis pilaris are two different skin conditions that can appear similar, but they have distinct characteristics:

Strawberry Legs:

Strawberry legs usually develop after shaving or waxing, exposing clogged pores.
They may also be caused by an underlying skin condition or infection.
Common reasons for strawberry legs include using an old, dull razor or shaving without proper preparation.
Treatment options include regular exfoliation and moisturizing, and consulting a healthcare provider if pain, swelling, or itching is present.

Keratosis Pilaris:

Keratosis pilaris is a common skin condition that appears as a cluster of small, rough bumps on the skin, resembling goosebumps.
It occurs when dead skin cells and a protein called keratin clog hair follicles.
This condition is often referred to as "chicken skin" and can affect people of all ages, genders, and races.
The bumps can be skin-colored, red, brown, or white and may sometimes be surrounded by red, scaly skin.
Keratosis pilaris is generally harmless and painless, but it can become itchier and more noticeable on dry skin.

Although these conditions are different, they can have some similarities in appearance, such as causing small red bumps on the skin. If you suspect an underlying skin condition or infection is causing your symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

On this page

What is the Difference Between Strawberry Legs and Keratosis Pilaris?

Comparative Table: Strawberry Legs vs Keratosis Pilaris

Strawberry legs and keratosis pilaris are two skin conditions that can cause small bumps or dots on the legs, but they have different causes and characteristics. Here is a table comparing the two conditions:

Feature	Strawberry Legs	Keratosis Pilaris
Cause	Enlarged pores or clogged hair follicles, often resulting from shaving	Dead skin cells and keratin clogging hair follicles
Appearance	Small, dark dots or spots resembling the surface of a strawberry	Cluster of small, rough bumps that can look like goosebumps, tiny pimples, or chicken skin
Color	Red or dark spots	Varying colors, including red, white, or brown
Treatment	At-home remedies such as regular exfoliation and moisturizing	Exfoliation, moisturizing, and gentle acids like salicylic, lactic, or urea

In some cases, strawberry legs may be due to an underlying skin condition, and it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options, including antibiotics or corticosteroids for bacterial or fungal infections.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.