What causes pimples on legs and thighs? Get more insights on the causes of pimples that are painful, those that itch especially after shaving, on the legs, inner thighs, buttocks and how to get rid fast.
Pimples on Legs Causes
Sebum is produced in the oil glands under the skin. The main work of this oil is to lubricate the skin and hair. When this oil is produced in plenty it clog pores since it mix with the bacteria and dead skin cells to form pimples. Pimples can be formed anywhere on the skin, but when it is formed on the legs it is more irritating.
Pimples on legs become itchy because long pants rub them up unlike when one puts on shorts and skirts.
What are the Causes of Pimples on Thighs and Legs?
The biological cause of pimples is when sebum oil is produced in plenty and clog in the pores. In the pores it mix with bacteria and dead skin cells to result in the formation of pimples. Other causes include:
- Tight clothing
They can cause acne against legs. There are certain fabrics that prohibit skin breathing and can prevent skin from acne the pores needs to be open without sweat
Socks can also cause acne by holding sweat close to the skin the bacteria and dirt are the main cause of pimples
- Sweat
Sweat combined with oils, dirt and bacteria can cause pimples on legs. Sweat combined with oil block pores causing breakouts. This is prone to legs since they easily sweat when temperatures are high.
- Gym equipment
Mats and benches used at the gym for stretching are made of materials that can block pores. When the pores are blocked and clogged with sweat and bacteria they can cause pimples to develop. To prevent breakouts it is advisable to wear long, breathable workout cloths.
- Cosmetics
Lotions used as moisturizers and sunblock can cause your legs to breakout especially if they are made from oil. Those that are water-based and those that are formulated to reduce pimples are the best since don’t easily block pores.
- Hormones
Some people especially when stressed, during menstruation and pregnancy usually develop pimples on legs. Teens during puberty tends to develop pimples since their bodies are full of hormones and their sebaceous glands are activated very fast.
What may be those pimples on your legs?
Keratosis Polaris
These are small red or white pimples on legs that resemble Goose bumps on the fleshier areas of your thighs. They normally don’t itch, or if they do it is normally very little.
This condition occurs when your pores are clogged with keratin, a protein found in the skin, nails and hair. People with dry skin and eczema are more likely to get these kind of pimples. Though they are almost harmless, the black spots have bad appearance and it may be the best idea to talk to your doctor about them.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis are small, red pimples that occur on shaved body parts or where cloths rubs the skin. They normally occur as razor rushes. Folliculitis are caused by bacteria or fungi that infect your hair follicles.
Shaving and wearing tight cloths plus the combination of heat and sweat may result to this folliculitis can occur to anyone regardless of the age.
Eczema
This is a common skin condition that occur as red spots which are combined in patches and itch very much. Eczema may be dry and scaly, or blistery and emits a fluid that is very clear. These spots tends to flare up some times. There are common causes o of eczema which are:
- Reaction to certain soaps and detergents
- Cleaning products
- Perfumes
- Fur from certain animals
- Cloths made of wool
- Cosmetics
- Sweat combined with heat
- Stress
The main cause of eczema has not yet been established, but the following can some common causes:
- Sources says that it is hereditary-trends in a given family.
- People with asthma or seasonal allergies are likely to get eczema.
- Areas with high levels of pollution such as urban areas and colder areas have this trend of people developing eczema.
- Children born by elder women may develop this condition.
Hives
They are also called urticaria. These are raised, itchy red or skin-tone pimples on legs. They usually turn white when their centers are pressed. Hives can appear anywhere and all people regardless of age can have them.
Hives are commonly caused by:
- Some foods we eat
- Medicine
- Insect bites
- Pollen from some plants
- Latex
- Heat or cold
- Hepatitis
- Autoimmune diseases.
Insect bites
Your little red pimples on legs may be caused by insect bites especially if they itch. These insects may include mosquitoes, fleas, gingers, lice, bed bugs, scabies, and gnats.
It may be an infection
In most cases those small pimples on legs usually raise no or less concern. Though skin conditions have a tendency of carrying more infections if not handled carefully. Treat those pimples as recommended by the doctor and keep a watch on them for signs of more infection, such as increasing redness or swelling around the bumps, and redness streaking from the pimples on legs, pain, fever, and lymph nodes.
Pimples between Legs
There are many causes of those pimples on legs that appear in between your thighs. Some may be common but others are usually serious infections. The main thing that will make you know if it is infected or not is by you knowing when it started to show up, whether they are accompanied by symptoms or not, and whether they disappear without treatment or not.
Causes of pimples on inner thighs
Friction between thighs
Friction occurs when thighs rub to each other resulting to irritation of the skin of the inner thighs, leading to development of pimples on legs. The irritation can cause a heat rash called miliara. When the skin is irritated it leads to blockage of pores and sweat glands and formation of a red or white pimple. This usually itch or it is associated with a prickly feeling in thighs.
Treatment
Wash the affected area carefully with safe water and antibacterial soap and keep the area clean. Reduction of weight also helps since the thighs don’t rub to each other. To add on that always wear clothes that are not very tight and apply a warm compress when the pimples become problematic.
Bacterial infection in the hair follicle
This results in red bumps on inner thighs due to several kind of bacteria in the hair follicles that cause follicles to become inflamed. This is normally experienced with itchy and painful boils on the inner part of the thighs. For a severe infection, lymph nodes may develop.
Treatment
It can be treated by application of anti-fungal or anti-bacterial cream that will help get rid of the infection. If the condition is not that serious, the folliculitis with disappear even without applying any treatment to it.
Abscess
This can be caused by staph aurous bacteria which infiltrate the skin resulting in a sharp pain which is associated with the swelling of the skin, warmth from the area, redness and development of a cyst in the inner part of the thighs.
Treatment
Apply a warm compress to the affected area and apply the recommended cream and antibiotics. Elevating the leg will help reduce swelling of the infected area.
Warts
Warts are caused by a virus that penetrates the skin and hence cause development of pimples on legs. They normally appear as dry red bumps that can feel scaly.
Treatment
When you are affected with warts, it is advisable to visit a doctor who can recommend a suitable treatment. He/she can freeze off or burn off the warts hence destroying them causing them to disappear.
STDS
Sexually transmitted diseases can cause pimples in between your legs. The common ones are herpes and syphilis which can result in headaches, blisters, tiredness, fever, and general body weakness.
Treatment
The main treatment for pimples caused by STDs is by taking medication recommended for treatment of the particular disease you are suffering from. For instant, taking medications for viruses like herpes or syphilis to treat its symptoms clear the pimples on legs.
Jock itch
This is a fungal infection almost found exclusively in males.it is normally associated with groin that is itchy spreading in between thighs, or anus and buttocks. Mainly it is a rash consisting of red itchy bumps on inner thighs.
Treatment
Wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and water to cleanse it before applying on an anti-fungal cream on the area where the rash is and a bit beyond the borders where the rash is. If the anti-fungal does not help you after a week, it is advisable you see a doctor if you hav e blisters as a result of ringworm.
Tumor
These are experienced as a pimples on legs that grow under the skin at a rapid speed. It is very advisable to a doctor as soon as possible. If the bumps from inner thighs are from tumor and are not treated earlier it can be so dangerous even if they are not from cancer. Tumors usually spread easily especially if they come to contact with bones or blood vessels.
Treatment
This may rely on the type of tumor it is. Some tumors respond to chemotherapy and shrink and dry off without surgery. In other cases surgery may be required to remove the tumor.
Itchy Pimples on Legs
Itchy pimples on legs can be so annoying but they are not associated with a big problem you may feel rushes from your feet rising up to the top of your thigh.in most cases this bumps are usually small raised and they don’t bust easily.
However, the bumps may bust resulting to itchiness along this rush on your legs and it may come and disappear.
Causes of Itchy Pimples on Legs
- Allergic reaction
Allergic reactions are realized over a period of time. For example, a latex allergy can cause red itchy bumps but it starts after a given time of exposure to latex. Some people are also allergic to soaps, environmental pollution and even new piece of clothing.
- Viral infection
This is also the most common cause of itchy red pimples on legs. Chickenpox is one of common viral infection that causes rushes on your legs and even the whole body.
- Vasculitis
Though not common, it is also another cause of red itchy bumps on legs. It is a condition in which the small vessels of the skin on legs burst and produce itchy bumps. People with diabetes which is not controlled are normally affected with this kind of pimples due to vascular problems.
- Insect bites
Mosquitos, bed bugs, flies and other human biting insects live behind itchy bumps on legs. It is very important to pay attention to your living conditions to ensure that you are not in a situation where there is an infestation of any kind of insect.
- Skin condition
Dry skin can be itchy sometimes and occasionally, can look like they are small bumps on your legs. Eczema and psoriasis can show up as small itchy pimples on legs, though they are usually present in other places on your body. It is very likely, but it is possible that rashes on your legs could be caused by either of these two common skin conditions.
Treatments of Pimples on Legs
- Removing all allergens
This whereby you avoid all soaps and detergents that cause allergic reaction to your skin. You can also treat this type of response with anti-histamine drugs. This helps to reduce allergic response and decrease the level of itchiness. It is also advisable to use tropical creams which helps to reduce itchiness.
- Anti-viral medication
You can seek medication in the case of shingles, to help kill of the viruses and reduce symptoms your doctor is the important person to decide which medicine even in the case of chicken pox.
- Decipher the underlying cause
If your problem is caused by vasculitis, this is the best action to take. This is usually caused by out of control diabetes. If you do not have diabetes get tested for it. If you have it then you will need to control your blood sugar to the required levels by medication.
- Control insect infestation
If you are having outbreaks at night, there is it presence of bed bugs and it is important to call an exterminator. You can use soothing and anti-itch over the counter creams on your legs to help reduce the itchiness though the bites will disappear on their own.
- Medical intervention
In the case of eczema or psoriasis it is important to see a doctor. Eczema can heal itself since it is associated with environmental factors. But for the case of psoriasis it is challenging to treat and it can result to complication on the skin. Your doctor should perform a test and prescribe the right medication.
Pimples on Legs after Shaving
Dryness and irritation after shaving is a condition experienced by many people. Pimples on legs experienced is as a result of ingrown hairs that develops after one shaves with disposable razors. This can only be controlled with the rightful shaving approach with a simple combination of prevention, care and treatment after shave.
Steps to be followed:
Step 1
Timing of your legs shaving should be done with care. There are factors that make your skin more sensitive, which increases your chances of after shaving irritation and itchiness. Avoid shaving if you have recently had alcohol or caffeine seems they both make for sensitive bump-susceptible skin.
Step 2
Soak your legs in look warm water at least for a few minutes to soften your hair and gently scrub your gams with a loofah and exfoliating soap to open the pores. This reduces chances of creating ingrown hairs which is a usual cause of itchy red pimples on legs. Exfoliating should not be done after shaving since shaving serves as an exfoliant itself. Just rinse the skin will cool water after shaving.
Step 3
You can shift to a 3 to 4 razor if you have been used to 4 to 5 bladed model one. Razors mad from high-tech may cause red itchy bumps if someone has a very sensitive skin, since they cut through to sub dermal layer, paving way for ingrown hairs.it is advisable to turn to a razor with an aloe, or jojoba moisturizing strip for a smoother shave.
Step 4
Do not apply much pressure on your razor while shaving, and make small smooth strokes rather than long ones. Long strokes increases the chances of irritation as it push the razor into the skin with a lot of pressure. It is also advisable to replace the razors in short span.
Step 5
After shaving apply a moisturizing lotion after leaving the shower and let your legs to dry up. Also apply a lotion with anti-inflammatory ingredients to reduce the chances of red bumps.
Pimples on Legs and Buttocks
Most pimples usually occur on the face, but if they appear on your legs and buttocks it is a hard situation to deal with. They can prevent you from doing many things including engaging in intimate situations. You should not let pimples to take over your life since they can be treated and also you can live a healthier life by just making a few lifestyle changes.
Pimples on legs
Pimples on your legs are similar to those which appear on your face no matter where they might break out from. In most cases acne results from accumulation of dead skin cells and oil in a pore this partially or fully clog the pore resulting in whiteheads or blackheads form of pimples on legs and buttocks. If infected pimples can be painful and affected areas are prone to infection.
Causes of Acne on Legs and Buttocks.
- Accumulation of too much oil on the skin surface
When oil accumulates in the pores combined with bacteria and dead skin cells may result to acne. This is because the two with bacteria can cause infection to the skin. Use of oily makeups can also clog your pores resulting to acne.
- Ingrown hair
When one shaves with manual or disposable razor this may lead to sharpening of hair end which penetrates in the skin resulting to pimples.
- Herpes and syphilis
Infection of sexually diseases like herpes and syphilis may cause pimples to develop in between legs in there chronic stages.
Types of Pimples on Legs
Any type of acne that can appear on your face can also appear on your legs and buttocks. In other cases you may notice bumps which occur as blemishes filled with white fluids or blackheads which normally open with clogged pores. Severe acne may include pustules, nodules, and cysts.
How to Get Rid of Pimples on Legs
When legs rub together, friction occur causing your skin on the inner thighs to become irritated and this can result to a heat rash. The irritation of the skin can result blocking or clogging of skin pores. During this happening, the skin develops red, white, or pink raised pimples to occur. Affected areas normally itch and prick with pain.
What to do incase thighs rub together:
1st step
Quickly move to a cool place. It is said that heat rush usually go away a day of moving into a cool place.
2nd step
Put a cool compress on the area of rash or place the area in a cool bath. This is because cold water decreases the inflammation and fades off the harshness of the pimples.
3rd step
Wear loose clothes to avoid more rash on the affected areas. Tight cloths and synthetic fabrics can irritate the affected area causing more problems instead of heal.
4th step
Apply a calamine cream to the area after washing it. This speeds up the healing process and reduce the itching.
5th step
Sprinkle a medicated body powder on the inner thighs to reduce friction and the thighs from rubbing to each other.
Further References;
- What causes red bumps on your legs: http://www.healthline.com/health/skin-disorders/red-bumps-on-legs
- Bumps on inner thighs: http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Bumps-on-Inner-Thighs.html
- Red itchy bumps on legs: http://www.med-health.net/Red-Itchy-Bumps-on-Legs.html
- how to get rid of pimples after shaving: http://www.livestrong.com/article/230625-how-to-get-rid-of-pimples-after-shaving/