What’s the difference between strawberry skin, ingrown hair, KP, and folliculitis?

Strawberry skin, ingrown hair, keratosis pilaris (KP),and folliculitis are often confused due to their similar appearance on the skin. However, each condition has distinct characteristics and causes that set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for effectively treating and managing these skin concerns.

Strawberry skin

How it feels: Generally not accompanied by pain or itching
Appearance: Dark spots on the legs that resemble strawberry seeds
Cause: Enlarged and clogged hair follicles due to shaving, resulting in the appearance of dark spots
Treatment: Regular exfoliation and moisturizing

Ingrown hair

How it feels: Sometimes itchy
Appearance: Red or brown bumps around hair follicles
Cause: Trapped hair that's curled back into the skin where it came from, causing a bump
Treatment: Gentle exfoliation (physical or chemical) after shaving and light moisturizing

Keratosis pilaris

How it feels: Dry, rough, and sometimes itchy
Appearance: Small, rough, bumpy skin, often on the upper arms or thighs
Cause: Buildup of keratin (a protein in the skin) that clogs hair follicles
Treatment: Regular exfoliation, moisturizing, and using products containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or urea

Folliculitis

How it feels: Itchy, inflamed, and sore
Appearance: Cluster of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles
Cause: Infection of hair follicles due to bacteria (often when an ingrown hair becomes infected)
Treatment: Antibacterial soap, topical or oral antibiotics (in severe cases)