Surprising reason why we get 'strawberry legs' - and when it could be a sign of a serious condition

Strawberry legs is a common issue many people deal with, but it can also be a red flag for a potentially dangerous health problem.

You might have encountered strawberry legs at one point or another. It’s something that can be irritating to look at, but not usually an issue which would cause worry.

Strawberry legs - which isn't a condition in and of itself - occurs when the pores on your legs have a red or dark pink appearance, which makes it look like you’ve got strawberry seeds on your skin.

Usually, if it’s caused by something like an ingrown hair, then the cure is simple - all you need to do is safely remove the hair, disinfect the area and allow it to heal.

But if it’s caused by something else, things could get slightly trickier.

Strawberry legs is quite common (Getty Stock Images)

If your legs look like they have strawberry seeds, and they are itchy, red, and feel irritated but don’t get better, then you might be suffering from a type of folliculitis.

This common skin condition is often found on the legs and other body parts, like the arms.

This happens when your follicles are inflamed and irritated due to a couple of reasons. For instance, Staphylococcus aureus folliculitis happens when the Staphylococcus bacteria get trapped in the follicle, causing pus-filled bumps that are red.

However, this typically gets better within a few days on its own.

Meanwhile, Pseudomonas aeruginosa folliculitis usually happens when the bacteria from shared hot tubs and whirlpools is introduced to the follicles, causing red and itchy bumps that resolve on their own within a few days.

Then there’s Malassezia folliculitis. Malassezia is a type of yeast that causes irritation, and, if left untreated, can look like acne.

Pseudofolliculitis barbae, aka razor bumps, can also cause strawberry legs.

Folliculitis can be dangerous (Getty Stock Images)

Sycosis barbae is also related to shaving, but it happens when the hair follicles become infected, and this can be very painful if left untreated.

Lastly, there’s gram-negative folliculitis that can happen if you take antibiotics for acne.

Now, all of these are pretty normal conditions that shouldn’t cause too much bother. But only if treated.

If it’s left alone, it can cause permanent damage to the skin or more serious infections like cellulitis, which can be very serious.

According to the NHS, ‘cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen,’ and blistered too.

You may also feel unwell and have flu-like symptoms, with swollen, painful glands.

If you do get strawberry legs, using an antibacterial cleanser regularly can help to treat and prevent it alongside any needed medications.