Folliculitis, which presents as red, pus-filled bumps on the skin, typically arises after shaving and is known by two names in men: pseudofolliculitis barbae and follicular dermatitis respectively.
Laser hair removal disrupts the natural balance of bacteria found on skin and may contribute to acne-like bumps on follicullitis sufferers, although their condition improved greatly following three laser treatments.
Treatment
Folliculitis is a skin condition in which red bumps, blisters and pus-filled pimples develop due to bacteria invading hair follicles. If left untreated it may lead to sore, itchy, painful swollen areas on legs, arms, chest, neck or buttocks which may itch and become sore as well as permanent scarring; though not life threatening it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to live with on an ongoing basis.
Antibiotics or antifungal medication is often the best solution to folliculitis. They may be given orally or topically, depending on how serious the symptoms are, and typically provide relief. Furthermore, it’s essential that the area remains clear from any debris such as dirt or sand as this can aggravate existing skin irritations further. It may be useful to use a gentle fragrance-free cleanser twice daily in order to keep skin as clean as possible while avoiding soaps that might irritate it further. Additionally, it’s best not shaving or waxing while you have symptoms due to further aggravations of symptoms of your condition.
Some individuals may find that using over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone or antibiotic ingredients can also provide relief from symptoms associated with folliculitis. Furthermore, wearing loose clothing that allows the skin to breathe may reduce friction and irritation by keeping friction away.
Immediately consult with a doctor if the folliculitis becomes severe, spreads across large areas, or returns regularly; your physician can then prescribe appropriate antibiotic or antifungal medication to treat your infection and avoid future outbreaks of folliculitis outbreaks.
Are you struggling with frequent outbreaks of folliculitis and looking for an effective and safe method to eliminate unwanted hair without irritating your skin? Milan Laser provides safe and effective laser hair removal treatments tailored specifically for each individual’s skin tone and hair color, so contact us now to book your consultation session!
Prevention
Folliculitis–also known as red bumps, razor bumps, hot tub rash or shaving rash–occurs when hair follicles become damaged or ingrown, typically on the face and legs. While anyone can develop this condition, certain risk factors make folliculitis more likely.
Folliculitis, also known as furunculitis, is caused by an infection of damaged hair follicles triggered by shaving, tight clothing or filling them with wax or gel. If left untreated, large quantities of Staphylococcus bacteria could wreak havoc and create painful lesions with pus-filled centers known as boils; left untreated they could even result in deep pitted scarring if left untreated quickly.
Gentle hair removal techniques such as shaving or using depilatory creams instead of waxing can reduce the risk of folliculitis. For optimal results, change out your razor’s blade regularly and apply moisturizing lotion after each shave; avoid using harsh cleansers that contain fragrance or contain harsh cleaning agents that could irritate skin.
Exfoliation is another effective way to help avoid folliculitis, particularly during the first week post laser treatment, when skin cells may push out dead hair follicles that appear to have sprouted again.
Warm compresses applied several times a day can also help ease itching and soothe skin conditions such as folliculitis. However, if the itching becomes severe or the condition does not clear up after several days, see your physician immediately as he or she can prescribe antibiotic or antifungal medicines to control and clear up infection and alleviate discomfort.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal treatment option for folliculitis as it attacks only problem hair follicles without harming surrounding tissue, eliminating outbreaks as well as future ones from returning. Milan Laser offers numerous laser hair removal treatments designed to permanently rid all types and complexions of unwanted hair growth.
Precautions
Laser hair removal offers many positives. Most side effects tend to be temporary if proper steps are taken before and after sessions to prep skin properly and care for it afterwards, and any issues should resolve quickly.
Itching, redness and irritation are normal side effects after receiving treatment for skin ailments. If symptoms continue, seek advice from your dermatologist in developing an effective plan tailored specifically to you.
Folliculitis is a frequently recurrent bacterial infection of damaged or blocked hair follicles. Symptoms often include red, itchy bumps that look similar to pimples or blackheads; left untreated they can swell up into pus-filled sores which break open or form crusted-over sores requiring further medical intervention; in more serious cases they can even lead to permanent scarring and hair loss.
Laser hair removal may inflame hair follicles in certain instances, especially if performed by an inexperienced practitioner or on people with dark complexions. Furthermore, using an inappropriate type of laser on very dark skin tones could result in burns and permanent scarring that leads to burns and permanent scarring.
Within one week following laser hair removal, dead follicle hairs will begin shedding from their roots, which may feel prickly or itchy at first but should eventually dissipate over time. Damage to follicles caused by laser treatment may result in ingrown hairs growing back; in such instances they should gradually subside within days. Ingrown hairs may also form due to distortion caused by distortion from laser exposure.
Another potential problem can be clogged pores, caused by the heat from laser treatments and commonly seen among those with sensitive skin. Topical medications containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can help reduce swelling, unclog pores and remove acne-causing bacteria from your system.
Once healed, it is vital to avoid shaving or waxing the affected area until folliculitis has settled, in order to preserve healthy follicles that do not need further stimulation to grow hair. Furthermore, moisturizing every day will keep skin supple and prevent irritation at treatment sites.
Side Effects
Folliculitis refers to red bumps that form after shaving, waxing or laser hair removal and may appear like pimples on the skin surface and around hair follicles. You can avoid developing this condition by choosing gentle methods of hair removal such as not shaving as well as regularly moisturizing and exfoliating your skin; should folliculitis appear, immediate treatment should be sought immediately.
Folliculitis after laser hair removal can sometimes become severe or widespread and require medical intervention immediately; otherwise it could lead to permanent scarring and discoloration of the skin if left untreated.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae, more commonly known by its common name “barber’s itch,” is a type of folliculitis caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and most often affects men in their beard area and neck region. The bumps usually resemble small pimples which are itchy; some cases may become painfully infected as well.
Laser hair removal is an effective treatment option for pseudofolliculitis barbae and can significantly decrease hair density in affected areas within 6-8 weeks of beginning treatment. Furthermore, it may help decrease hair-growth delays as well as papules and pustule formation.
Treating an affected area with topical medication that can unclog pores, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria is another beneficial measure. Over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone or antibiotics may help soothe irritation while speeding healing; additionally it’s best to keep this area clean as well as wearing clothing made from breathable fabrics to minimize friction and sweating.
