Folliculitis is a condition that results in the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It can be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection, or by an allergic reaction to something that touches the skin. The most common type of folliculitis is a small rash that looks like small pimples around the inflamed area, and usually dissipates on its own in a matter of days. This can sometimes show as bumps after a brazilian wax. However, some forms of folliculitis may be the result of an infection that requires additional treatment.
Folliculitis bumps are often red, itchy, and sore, and can sometimes be filled with pus. The condition can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles but is most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, back, and legs. Folliculitis that does not clear up on its own in the first few days after a waxing session is usually treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals, but it is important to consult with a professional to get the appropriate prescriptions for your condition.
Read more below about caring for folliculitis after waxing. Call the team at Body Details to speak directly with an experienced professional about how to care for your specific issue.
Common Signs of Folliculitis
The most common symptoms of folliculitis are a minor rash or pimples around the inflamed follicles. The rash may be itchy and sore, and can sometimes be filled with pus. Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles but is most commonly found on the face, scalp, chest, back, and legs.
If you are experiencing redness, bumps, or a rash after a waxing treatment, you may find that the symptoms dissipate with minor care. If the issue persists, you may need to consult with a doctor and use an antibiotic.
- Small rash or pimples around inflamed follicles
- Itchy and sore rash
- Pus filled bumps
- Found on face, scalp, chest, back, and legs
How to Prevent Folliculitis
There are a few things you can do to prevent folliculitis or at least reduce your risk of developing or exacerbating the condition:
- Avoid shaving or waxing over inflamed skin. If you have folliculitis, wait until the inflammation has gone down before shaving or waxing the area again.
- Opt for laser hair removal if waxing or shaving continuously proves to be an issue
- Use a sharp razor when shaving. A dull razor can irritate the skin and increase your risk of folliculitis.
- Disinfect your razor after each use. This will help to prevent bacteria from building up on the blade and causing an infection.
- Use an antibacterial soap when showering. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be on your skin.
- Avoid tight clothing. Tight clothing can irritate the skin and increase your risk of folliculitis.
- Keep the affected area clean and dry. This will help to prevent further irritation and infection.
Caring For Folliculitis
If you are susceptible to folliculitis, there are a few things you can do to treat it:
- Apply a warm compress to the affected area. This will help to soothe the inflammation and pain
- Keep the area clean as it heals, and apply ointment after each wash
- Use an antibacterial soap when showering. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be on your skin.
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to the affected area. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be causing the inflammation.
- Folliculitis that does not clear up on its own in the first few days after a waxing session is usually treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals, but mild cases (minor irritation) are common after a waxing session.
Frequently Asked Questions About Folliculitis
The following are just a few of the many different questions that are commonly asked by people experiencing folliculitis or hoping to learn more about avoiding this irritating condition. At Body Details, we understand the frustration and discomfort that folliculitis can cause, which is why we work closely with our patients to provide them with treatment and aftercare that will help reduce the risk of folliculitis and alleviate symptoms in the event that they are dealing with this type of infection.
Your skin is unique, as are the treatments we will give you at Body Details, so if you are hoping to learn about properly caring for your treatment area after a session with one of our specialists, we encourage you to contact us directly to discuss your specific needs. The answers below are meant to give you a general idea of what folliculitis is, how it can be contracted, and an overview of care options, but again, contact us as soon as possible to discuss your specific needs with a specialist right away.
How Do You Get Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is usually caused by bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, or Escherichia coli, but it can also be caused by a fungus, such as Candida albicans, or a virus such as herpes simplex.
People can get folliculitis in a number of ways, but waxing and shaving are two common culprits. When the hair follicle is damaged, it can provide an entry point for bacteria or other organisms. This can lead to an infection and the development of folliculitis bumps, which can be red, itchy, and sore.
How Do You Get Rid of Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is usually treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or antivirals. In some cases, laser hair removal can help to prevent folliculitis from recurring. If folliculitis is caused by an infection, the bumps will usually go away on their own within a few days. However, if folliculitis is caused by an allergic reaction, the bumps may take longer to go away.
Is Folliculitis Contagious?
Folliculitis is not contagious, but the bacteria, fungus, or virus that causes folliculitis can be spread from one person to another. This is why it is important to keep the area clean and dry and to use antibacterial soap when showering.
Will Folliculitis Go Away on Its Own?
Folliculitis will usually go away on its own within a few days, but if the folliculitis is severe, you may need to take oral or topical antibiotics. This will help to kill any bacteria that may be causing folliculitis. If folliculitis is caused by an infection, the bumps will usually go away on their own within a few days. However, if folliculitis is caused by an allergic reaction, the bumps may take longer to go away.
How Can I Treat My Folliculitis at Home with Over-the-Counter Treatments and Remedies?
Remedies such as aloe vera or tea tree oil soap and vinegar baths or apple cider vinegar rinses can help in treating mild cases of folliculitis that do not require antibiotic ointments or oral medications. Keep the area clean with antibacterial soap or hydrogen peroxide, and apply lotion and anti-itch creams to reduce symptoms as it heals.
Can Laser Hair Removal Help with Folliculitis?
Laser hair removalexcellent hair removal results
If you’re waxing at home, make sure to sterilize your equipment before each use so that you are not introducing any bacteria that may be on your waxing tools.
When Should I See a Doctor for Folliculitis?
If folliculitis doesn’t go away on its own within a few days, or if it gets worse, you should see a doctor. A doctor can prescribe stronger antibiotics or antifungals to treat folliculitis. In some cases, laser hair removal may be recommended to prevent folliculitis from recurring.
Contact Body Details To Discuss Your Hair Removal and Skin Care Today
With many convenient locations across South Florida, Body Details is your go-to specialist for hair removal and aftercare. If folliculitis or skin rashes after waxing is a common experience for you, contact us as soon as possible to speak with our team and get an idea of how we can help you handle this frustrating condition while getting the hair removal treatment you want.
