Folliculitis, also known as Barber’s itch, razor bumps or hot tub rash, occurs when hair follicles become infected. Left untreated, these infected follicles can develop painful boils or carbuncles which leave deep pitted scars.
If folliculitis symptoms become severe or spread over large areas, medical attention should be sought immediately so antibiotics or antifungals can be prescribed to help stop its return and help to ensure long-term protection from reinfection. This will also help ensure any possible future outbreaks are effectively dealt with.
1. Reduce the Risk of Infection
Folliculitis is a skin condition caused by inflamed hair follicles becoming infected, spreading infection throughout. Though not an uncommon occurrence, folliculitis can be quite uncomfortable and itchy – however it can be treated effectively using antimicrobials or antibiotics; alternative solutions like laser hair removal might also be considered in order to keep future infections away.
Folliculitis typically resolves itself within days, though any damage done to hair follicles such as friction from tight clothing or overshaving, using an electric razor with blunt blades, waxing or using an electric razor with too close of shaving distance may be contributing factors. When appearing on the face, folliculitis could be caused by bacteria associated with acne or by fungi or viruses associated with rosacea.
Folliculitis-caused bumps on the skin often resemble small pimples or boils and can be extremely uncomfortable, itchy, and embarrassing. They may spread to other parts of your body if left untreated; occasionally these red bumps may develop pus-filled cysts called boils or carbuncles which require medical intervention should they persist over time.
Minor folliculitis usually clears up on its own without becoming serious, though if it spreads to large areas or returns frequently, seeing your physician immediately is essential to controlling it and clearing away any scarring that has developed. A prescription can be provided from either an antifungal or antibiotic agent which will help control infection as well as clear any scarring that has formed.
If you suffer from recurrent folliculitis outbreaks, it could be because you’re shaving too frequently, using an electric razor with dull blades, or shaving with shaving gel that contains too many chemicals. Laser hair removal may help by targeting problem follicles without harming nearby tissues – significantly decreasing your chances of future outbreaks while ending these flare-ups in their tracks.
Are you fed up with dealing with painful and itchy folliculitis? Schedule an appointment with us immediately so we can help get rid of those unsightly red bumps and boils, improving your confidence with smooth hair-free skin!
2. Reduce the Inflammation
Folliculitis can be both painful and itchy. In its more serious forms, foliculitis may even become infected and cause an abscess known as a boil or carbuncle which are red, swollen bumps filled with pus that are very itchy – usually found where hair grows such as on the face, armpits, back, shoulders or thighs.
Mild cases of folliculitis may be treated effectively using over-the-counter antibiotic ointment; for more severe infections or those that don’t improve within several days, seeing your physician for an antibiotic prescription may be necessary. If fungal infection is suspected, an antifungal medicine could also help to reduce inflammation.
Treatments for Folliculitis include refraining from shaving, waxing and exfoliating too frequently in order to keep the hair follicles clear of hair-educing debris, thus decreasing chances of infection. In more stubborn cases, your dermatologist may advise laser therapy for permanent destruction of inflamed follicles and avoidance.
Laser hair removal utilizes a beam of light to safely destroy hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue, tightening their opening as thick hair doesn’t protrude from their surface anymore and risk leading to ingrown hairs.
People living with deep folliculitis will require more intensive laser hair removal treatment as the entire follicle must be destroyed in order to fully eliminate their infection. Before beginning laser therapy, it’s wise to discuss potential risks with your dermatologist first.
Folliculitis risk increases among people with certain hair types; however, it can be reduced significantly with lifestyle adjustments and regular maintenance treatments. Shaving may cause ingrown hairs; however, by using an electric razor with a guard or changing blades regularly and rinsing and exfoliating after each use can significantly lower that risk.
3. Prevent Recurring Infections
Antibacterial creams or soaps alone may not be enough to clear away red bumps, boils, blisters and pimples that cause embarrassment and discomfort; laser hair removal could be the answer. This treatment permanently destroys hair follicles so they cannot be infected again – an especially effective option if shaving or waxing – both known for introducing bacteria into infected follicles – are the source of your folliculitis.
Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles become inflamed, leading to red bumps, white bumps, itchy spots or pus-filled pimples on the skin. It may appear anywhere hair grows – such as on the face, back of neck, underarms, bikini line or legs – typically from shaving, waxing, tweezing or tight clothing rubbing against them; it can also result from Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (commonly referred to as staph infection); when someone cuts themselves and these bacteria get into their wound; or when swimming in public pools/hot tubs without proper cleaning/maintenance being managed properly by professional cleaners/maintainers;
Most cases of mild folliculitis can be treated at home with proper hygiene and warm compresses. Gently washing the affected area twice daily with gentle soap can help to reduce swelling and inflammation; using a cloth or washcloth soaked in warm, not hot, water a few times each day to drain out itchy pus from pimples may help as well. In more serious or persistent cases, antibiotics or other medications may need to be prescribed by a doctor in order to treat infection effectively.
If your folliculitis is due to shaving, razors or hair removal products, then taking steps for 30 days after cessation of use could help the hair follicles heal. In particular, switching out razors regularly to reduce ingrown hairs that could potentially lead to folliculitis; additionally soaking your shaver regularly in an alcohol solution may prevent bacteria or fungus growth on its blades; finally laser hair removal could provide an effective and safe way of solving your problem and increasing confidence levels.
4. Prevent Scarring
Folliculitis inflammation can result in scarring that is both red and raised, often uncomfortable, and difficult or impossible to eradicate completely. Prevention strategies include keeping the area clean and dry as well as using moisturizer and avoiding tight clothing; hair removal also provides great help against further inflamation of affected areas.
It is wise to visit a physician if your symptoms are severe, spread across large parts of your body or are persisting. They will diagnose folliculitis and prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medicine to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Folliculitis may clear up on its own without intervention, however if symptoms persist you can help relieve them by applying cooling creams or cold wash cloths to soothe the skin, or refraining from shaving or waxing in that area for several days after laser treatments have taken place.
Try reducing your risk of folliculitis by using a sharp razor, scrubbing after shaving and washing with antibacterial soap. Warm compresses after showers may also help keep pores open, helping them from becoming blocked with hairs or bacteria.
Folliculitis can affect any part of the body with hair. It most frequently appears on the face, neck, shoulders, chest and legs and is usually due to shaving, waxing or wearing tight clothing – as well as being caused by skin conditions like Psoriasis.
Laser hair removal can help stop folliculitis in its tracks if you’re susceptible to repeated infections, as well as treating any scarring caused by it. Consult a dermatologist about procedures designed to safely destroy problematic hair follicles while diminishing scarring appearance – particularly beneficial if affected by dark skin complexions; long pulsed or yag lasers can safely remove hair without harming nearby tissue.
