Red Pimples on Legs

Every time you look into the mirror and spot unsightly blotches, rashes, blemishes or zits on your face, it surely dampens your spirits. Generally such skin disorders are likely to be caused due to constant exposure of our skin to allergens in the surroundings or harsh environmental conditions. Hormonal fluctuations in our body can also cause skin problems. Though most of us are more concerned about our facial beauty and feel dejected when zits or rashes appear on our face, such skin conditions can affect other parts of our body. For instance, pimples could appear on legs, back or arms. Let's find out about the reasons behind appearance of zits on the legs.

Why Do Pimples Appear on Legs

Red pimples on legs could appear due to a wide range of reasons. Here are some of the common contributory factors.

Acne
Acne is one such common skin condition that affects people all over the world. A variety of factors could cause acne. If you have an acne-prone skin, you must take good care of your skin. Excessive production of sebum is one of the most common causes of acne. The sebaceous glands that are present on our body secrete an oily substance called sebum. It performs the function of moisturizing the hair follicles and skin pores. Stress, hormonal fluctuations and dietary habits cause the sebaceous glands to produce large amounts of sebum. As a result, the hair follicles and skin pores get clogged with sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria. This leads to acne breakouts on various parts of the body. If you spot zits on arms, legs or any part of the body, consult a dermatologist soon. Generally medicated creams or acne skin care products are prescribed for treating this condition. You must also follow a skin care regimen and exfoliate skin regularly.

Hair Removal Procedures
Hair removal methods might be responsible for causing zits or pustules. Generally women with sensitive skin complain about getting zits or ingrown hair on their legs and thighs after shaving. Well, if you have a sensitive skin, you need to be extremely careful. Make sure that you don't use a blunt or rusty blade. If you use the method of waxing for removing hair, make sure that you use a good quality wax. The wax should not be scalding hot. Repeated pulling of the skin for the removal of unwanted hair can also cause this skin problem. Do make sure that you get your legs waxed only when there is proper hair growth. Frequent waxing can cause damage to the hair follicles. It can also lead to formation of ingrown hair. These ingrown hair could also get infected. Sometimes, infected ingrown hair on legs can turn into fluid-filled blisters on legs.

Other Skin Conditions
Inflammation or infection of hair follicles is medically referred to as folliculitis. This condition could be caused due to dermatitis or excessive perspiration. Friction caused due to wearing tight clothing could also lead to folliculitis. A genetic condition called keratosis pilaris could also be responsible for leg acne. Keratosis pilaris is caused due to an accumulation of keratin protein in hair openings. Pustules or zits on legs and thighs could also be caused due to hives. Some people might get hives on coming into contact with pollen, chemicals, poison ivy and pet dander. Insect bites or food allergies could also play a role in triggering hives. Infections such as chickenpox, ringworm, jock itch and athlete's foot could trigger hives.

Since pustules could appear on the legs due to a variety of factors, the treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. If bacterial infections are responsible for causing zits, the treatment will involve the use of antibiotics. One must also refrain from scratching over the inflamed skin. This is to prevent secondary bacterial infections. Women must also pay a lot of attention while using wax, razor or any other hair removal method.