The condition of acne is one that is familiar to most teenagers or those going through the adolescent years. The reason for this is that hormonal fluctuations are a huge cause of acne and pimples. What many people don’t know however is that acne can occur on numerous areas of the body and is not restricted to the adolescent age group. Acne is also common on the scalp, back, buttocks, arms, and legs. Acne on the legs is one of the lesser common forms of acne, but it does occur and is seen primarily in the thigh region, but can occur on other sections of the leg.
Acne on the legs manifests itself as small inflammations that appear reddish and these generally occur on the thighs. Sometimes it will go away, but then come back. Leg acne is a form of acne on the body that persists for many people into middle age. The primary cause is currently unknown, but most studies speculate that it has a genetic or hereditary basis. The medical term is known as keratosis pilaris, and it has been given this name because it is keratin protein that plugs up and collects in the hair follicles causing the red bumps.
For many people, treatment of leg acne is not even necessary as the acne may go away on its own permanently. It is not uncommon for acne on the legs to disappear naturally over time and never to appear again. However for those that deal with acne on legs on a recurrent basis, they may want to obtain treatment for it. Treatment is very similar to treatment of acne anywhere else on the body. A common over-the-counter method will be a treatment that includes both lactic and glycolic acid in its ingredient list. These ingredients will dissolve bumps that exist around the follicle. To date, outside of laser treatments or cosmetic surgery, there is no known treatment for acne on legs that will provide a solution that is permanent. As with any other acne case, constant treatment to the affected areas is needed.
Natural remedies have been suggested as both preventive and treatment methods for acne on the legs. Consistent exfoliation with pumice stones and exfoliating cleansers will work well for preventing acne on legs, and will also remove the buildup around the hair follicles, thus providing a gentle treatment method. Ensuring the area is consistently moisturized following an exfoliation is also said to go a long way towards preventing acne on legs. Some studies have suggested that a diet high in Vitamin A may be a preventive measure against acne on legs. A diet containing a high intake of fatty acids has also been said to work as a preventative means for acne on legs. If you suffer from leg acne, you can try any of these natural means to both prevent and treat it. Using these methods in conjunction with over the counter treatments will also be a very effective treatment for your leg acne.
