Pimples on Legs Overview, Causes and Treatments

Can you get pimples on your legs or is it something else?  Get the causes as well as ways of getting rid of these zits on legs.

Overview

To begin our discussion, it is worthwhile mentioning the fact that it is possible to have leg pimples only or have them also on your buttocks, thighs, chest, arms, back, face, groin, balls, neck at other parts of your body. Furthermore, they could be lots or just a few, even just one.

Some of the people who have people leg pimples have reported them on all over your legs or on some parts of their legs such as on their calves, in between your legs, or on your lower legs or even on thighs including inner thighs.

They can also be painless or painful, big or small and in various colors such as white, black, red.

What are they? These are skin eruptions, which according to the American Academy of Dermatologists forms when your skin produces excess oil, which together with dead skin, dirt and bacteria plug the pores.  In response to bacterial colonization, your body will produce white blood to combat bacteria. This forms the pus-filled pimples, which are red in most instances.

Triggers or causes

There are many possible explanations as to what could be causing these zits. Some of the common causes include the following:

1. Tight unbreathable clothing

The first possible cause is wearing tight-fitting clothing made from unbreathable fabrics especially pants, socks, and shorts. These clothes will not only affect your skin breathing but also keep sweat close to your skin, something that can help in triggering outbreaks.

2. Sweat

According to the Act of Libraries, “sweating alone won’t create pimples, but combined with oils, dirt and bacteria; sweat can clog pores and cause breakouts.” During warm weather, your legs will tend to sweat a lot and this can increase the probability of you developing sweat pimples. Furthermore, friction in between legs especially to people who love skirts, dresses and shorts can lead to sweat zits in these areas.

3. Cosmetics

Going on with, we have cosmetics you use on your legs such as sunscreens and moisturizers. Some of these products can block your pores and encourage their appearance.

4. Dirty equipment in your gym

For those who go to the gym, it is possible your acne is caused by the dirty equipment you use in the gym especially the benches and mats. The dirt, sweating during your workout routine can clog your pores and thereby make pimples to appear.

5. Hormonal changes during periods, puberty or pregnancy

The causes are so many. Do not be surprised if you get them when you are stressed, menstruating or during pregnancy. If that happens, your quick guess should be the hormonal cause. Some hormonal changes are known to trigger excessive sebum production raising the chances of pore blockage and acne breakouts.

6. Laundry product used

These bumps can also be due to the effect of your laundry products especially detergents and softeners. This will be more evident if you changed your laundry products and you begin noticing them.

Treatments

Whether painful or painless, no one wants to see these zits. Some of the ways to help reduce them include the following:

• Be very clean – Always use mild antibacterial soaps to wash your legs daily and after you sweat. This will reduce bacterial growth as well as help open closed pores. Also, ensure your gym equipment are cleaned and sterilized.
• Do not pop them – avoid popping your pimples since. According to facing acne, if “you squeeze out what looks like pus and oil, your skin will grow over the wound, trapping the bacteria inside.” Furthermore, the pus is likely to spread bacteria to other parts of your skin while you are squeezing it.
• Try acne-fighting medications – there are many over the counter products that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide which help in dealing with acne. If you have a bad breakout, consider seeing a dermatologist for prescription medications.
• Use noncomedogenic cosmetics – always use noncomedogenic cosmetics such as moisturizers or sunscreens since they do not clog your pores. Never forget your sunscreen if you are going to the sun since some of the acne products can react in the presence of excessive sunshine.
• Balanced diet – ensure you get a balanced diet that has zinc and vitamin A. Also, take a lot of water since it helps in natural detoxification.
• Loosely fitting clothes – Wear loosely fitting clothes made from cotton to give your legs a chance to breathe.

Home remedies

While at home, you can deal with leg acne using various products. Some of the commonly recommended products include:

• Lemon juice and tea tree oil – according to leaf.tv, “lemon juice has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, as does tea tree oil. Both combat the bacteria in and on the skin, which may cause leg acne”
• Oatmeal + honey – this will help make a good exfoliating scrub to use on your legs. Honey has antibacterial properties, which will help in clearing acne on your legs.
• Honey – with antibacterial properties, dab honey to help clear these blemishes or spots as well as reduce inflammations.
• Apple cider vinegar mixed with water – dab cotton balls dipped in the apple cider vinegar and water on the affected areas.

If you have small or big, white, black or red pimple-like bumps, they could be actual pimples or other conditions. See more on bump like pimples on legs.