Have you recently noticed acne-like bumps on your legs? Did you try all possible treatments for acne on the legs and not get any results? Well, those bumps may not be acne. They can be caused by keratosis pilaris (chicken skin) or folliculitis. These conditions may cause inflammation and cause pus-filled bumps on the legs, which may itch or burn. Don’t worry. They are easy to treat unless some other underlying condition causes them. Read on to know the reason behind acne-like bumps on your legs and ways to treat them.
The red bumps on the legs are caused by several underlying factors and may differ as per a person’s age and existing health condition. The most common causes include:
Keratosis pilaris
or chicken skin is a condition that causes acne-like bumps on the skin. It is caused by excess keratin production in the hair follicles, which plugs the follicles, causing inflammation (1). However, one study published in the International Journal of Trichology concluded that a defect in the hair shaft causes it.
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles and is commonly caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. However, some other forms of folliculitis are triggered by fungal (Malassezia furfur) and viral (Molluscum contagiosum) infections. Even Demodex folliculorum mites can also cause folliculitis. It appears like red bumps or pus-filled pimples around the follicles (2).
Eczema
often causes red pimply and itchy rashes on the legs. It may make the skin dry and scaly and cause fluid-filled blisters. The most common triggers of eczema include:
This is an auto-immune condition and does not have any cure. However, you can manage the flare-ups with regular treatment.
Psoriasis
is a chronic condition and can often appear like red, scaly patches and may also cause pimple-like rashes on the legs (3). Certain factors can trigger psoriasis, including:
Pustular psoriasis
often appears like pus-filled bumpy rashes on the skin.
While you cannot treat eczema and psoriasis, you can manage the flare-ups with proper treatment and doctor-prescribed medications. If you have eczema or psoriasis, it is best to consult with a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that can cause various skin issues, including bumps on the legs that look like pimples or acne. These bumps happen because SLE makes the immune system attack the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and rashes (4). The exact cause of SLE is not fully understood, but it is thought to be a mix of genetic factors and certain environmental triggers. Although there is no cure for lupus, you can manage the symptoms and keep the disease under control with treatments and lifestyle changes. Sun protection and skin care are also crucial since sunlight can worsen skin symptoms and trigger flare-ups.
Additionally, understanding and recognizing early signs of skin changes can allow for prompt treatment, helping to minimize discomfort and potential scarring.
Quick Tip
Take a shower right after an intense workout session to prevent sweat from drying and blocking the pores which leads to acne breakouts.
However, if the red bumps on your legs are formed due to keratosis pilaris or folliculitis, or accumulation of dead skin cells, you can follow the tips to manage them.
1. To manage folliculitis, use topical antibiotics like clindamycin and mupirocin. But always consult a dermatologist before applying these medicated creams. The doctor may also prescribe other antibiotics like (5):
2. Exfoliate your legs regularly. This may help with bumps caused by keratosis pilaris or clogged skin pores. Use salicylic acid or glycolic acid-based cleansers and chemical exfoliators (AHA-based) to clear away the dirt and dead skin, blocking the pores. Exfoliation can help improve the appearance of strawberry legs as well.
3. Use OTC creams containing benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment. It exfoliates the skin and reduces inflammation and swelling.
4. Always moisturize the legs with oil-free and non-comedogenic products to prevent clogged pores.
5. You may apply topical retinol products to reduce swelling and inflammation.
6. Always apply sunscreen on the legs if you are going out and the legs are exposed. UV exposure can worsen the bumps of the legs.
7. Use a warm compress on the bumps to loosen the dirt and sebum. You can take a warm shower and then exfoliate the area. This can soften the bumps and reduce inflammation.
Quick Tip
You can exfoliate using a dry brush, loofah, or bath glove to minimize and prevent ingrown hair as well as to promote blood circulation.
Pimple-like inflammation on the legs is not uncommon and is manageable. However, you should be sure which condition is causing the breakouts before using any of these treatments. You can also follow these tips to prevent their occurrence.
In a survey involving 4,341 adults in Great Britain, it was revealed that 85% of people washed their legs while showering, 11% did not, and 4% had neutral responses. This hints at the need for better hygienic practices to keep skin problems such as leg acne at bay.
Acne-like bumps on the legs are a common sight. Most of us confuse those bumps with acne and follow standard treatment procedures for acne on the legs only to realize that nothing is working on them. They are caused by multiple factors and may also indicate underlying skin conditions like folliculitis, keratosis pilaris, and eczema. Therefore, it is best to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. However, if the bumps are nothing serious, you may follow the tips discussed in the article to minimize them.
How do acne and keratosis pilaris differ?
Acne involves inflamed, often painful pimples, that may even contain pus, caused by clogged pores, while keratosis pilaris features rough, painless bumps from excess keratin blocking hair follicles, commonly on arms or thighs.
Are sunspots the same as acne on the legs?
No. Sunspots are flat brown spots caused by excess melanin production. They do not have a bumpy appearance like acne.
Is it a good idea to pop any acne-like bumps on the legs?
No. Popping and squeezing the zits may cause pain and inflammation. They may also cause spots and scars.
How long does it take for leg acne to heal on its own?
They may not heal on their own as the bumps on the legs are caused by clogged pores, ingrown hair, or follicle infection. You have to use OTC products and exfoliate the skin regularly to get rid of them.
Watch the following video and discover easy, at-home methods to manage keratosis pilaris. Don’t miss out on expert advice and learn practical steps and remedies to alleviate the condition’s symptoms effectively.
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Dr. Seepika Jaiswal is a cosmetic dermatologist, hair transplant surgeon, and micro pigmentation specialist with 7 years of experience. After completing her MBBS, she went on to do a diploma in weight loss and another in clinical dermatology from the University of London.
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Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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