Folliculitis

What is Folliculitis?

Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicle resulting in a red, swollen, angry bump, sometimes appearing pimple-like. When the hair follicle is damaged, either by tight clothing, debris clogging the pore, or from hair removal, including shaving and waxing, a bacteria enters the follicle resulting in folliculitis. This post will focus on the effects of waxing and folliculitis. 

While folliculitis can form anywhere hair is present on the body, its most commonly found on the back, buttocks, legs, and arms and appears 1-2 days after hair removal. 

Treatment
Mild folliculitis usually heals on its own within 2 weeks. If symptoms get worse or do not go away, seek help from your dermatologist.  

Things to help when the infection is present:

• Do not pick the infected follicles

• Avoid sweating, hot showers, & hot tubs

• Do not use any product with fragrance or pore clogging ingredients

• Use an antihistamine if itchiness is occurring 

Prevention

There are steps you can take to help prevent this uncomfortable condition! 

• 24 hours before your wax, wash with an antibacterial soap and be sure to use a fresh, clean towel

• Wear loose fitting clothing

• Keep your skin cool by avoiding hot showers, sweating, & hot tubs before your wax appointment

• Exfoliate your skin regularly, but not within 24 hours of your wax appointment. Exfoliating helps keep your pores free from debris & dead skin cells

If you find yourself with Folliculitis after a wax, don't wait to call us! We are here to help ease your tension, answer questions you have, and share a protocol to lessen the symptoms.