Folliculitis is a side effect of laser hair removal that usually resolves on its own, while more serious infections require medical intervention. If large amounts of pus accumulate beneath your skin forming boils or carbuncles, doctors can drain this pus to reduce pain and avoid scarring.
Oral antibiotics may be prescribed to combat bacterial infections associated with acne breakouts, while topical treatments to reduce inflammation and unclog pores may also be available.
1. Warm compresses
Folliculitis is a skin condition caused when bacteria infiltrate damaged hair follicles and cause them to become infected with bacteria, often manifesting itself in small red bumps that look similar to pimples. Left untreated, it can develop into larger pus-filled boils or carbuncles with painful sores that don’t heal; additionally it can cause hair growth to appear where it shouldn’t, leaving patchy areas with bald spots on your body.
There are various ways laser hair removal can cause uncomfortable side effects that are annoying or bothersome, including blisters. Mild cases typically clear themselves on their own; for more severe cases here are some suggestions on what you can do to speed the healing process:
Start by applying a warm compress several times daily on the affected area to reduce inflammation, tenderness, and itching. A washcloth or clean hand towel soaked with warm water before being wrung out will work best (it is best to refrain from using hot or cold compresses as this could damage skin).
For optimal results, soak a cotton cloth or gauze bandage commonly used to dress cuts in sterile water before wrapping it around the area with dry bandages – this should help relieve itching while decreasing infection risks by keeping you from scratching at it.
As well as applying warm compresses, an over-the-counter antibiotic lotion or gel that combats bacterial infections can also help. Just be wary not to overdo it as too much will kill off beneficial “good” bacteria for skin health and body.
If folliculitis progresses into a boil or carbuncle, your healthcare provider may need to drain it by making an incision into it in order to release the pus from it and speed healing time while decreasing risks of serious infection. Although draining is sometimes painful, it will accelerate recovery process while also decreasing risks.
If you have severe folliculitis, your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antibiotic depending on its etiology, severity and location. They may even suggest oral steroids as treatment.
2. Antibiotic ointment
Folliculitis occurs when bacteria invade a damaged hair follicle. This may happen as a result of waxing, shaving or other methods of hair removal; ingrown hairs causing the follicles to get stuck under the skin may also contribute. Once an inflamed and pus-filled follicle occurs, antibiotic ointment may help with treatment by helping with infection and inflammation reduction.
Avoid scratching or rubbing at any bumps as this will only irritate them further and increase risk of infection. A warm compress applied over the affected area may help relieve itching while drawing out pus from underneath, and over-the-counter creams, gels, or washes may also reduce swelling. For maximum hygiene it’s also a good idea to cleanse affected areas twice daily with mild soap.
Folliculitis usually clears up within seven to ten days without medical intervention; however if your folliculitis is due to ingrown hairs or another bacterial infection they should visit their physician who may prescribe an antibacterial ointment and an antistaph antibiotic cream to combat their infection. For severe cases involving Staph bacteria and/or other infections you may require pus drainage from a dermatologist so as to prevent long-term deep scarring.
Laser treatments may be an effective treatment option for folliculitis as they destroy hair follicles to prevent infections in future. This treatment method may prove particularly helpful for people who experience folliculitis as a result of frequent shaving.
Laser treatments can also help reduce folliculitis caused by waxing and other hair removal methods that damage hair follicles, including shaving. You can reduce the likelihood of this condition occurring from shaving by not shaving too closely and using quality razor blades while applying lotion post-shaving for moisturization purposes. If shaving is the source of your folliculitis problems then perhaps switching methods or taking a break for a while might be advisable; laser hair removal might also help in areas that are susceptible to this condition
3. Moisturize
Folliculitis occurs when bacteria or an obstruction irritate a tiny pocket in your skin called a hair follicle, a tiny sac with tiny hairs located in it. You have these tiny sacs all over your body except lips, palms, and soles of feet; their condition can be affected by shaving, waxing, hot tub use or shaving; symptoms can range from itchy or painful bumps anywhere that has hair such as neck thighs arms buttocks etc.
Maintaining clean skin after laser hair removal can help avoid folliculitis from occurring. Be sure to wash at least twice per day with a mild cleanser, and consider non-comedogenic skincare products, designed specifically for acne-prone skin with less propensity to clog up pores.
Some kinds of folliculitis, known as barber’s itch, can occur as the result of shaving your skin which irritates and opens up the follicles, increasing the risk for infection. If you do decide to shave, always use a new razor and disinfect after each use; similarly when waxing be careful as this could clog pores and cause infection as well.
Other forms of folliculitis may include gram-negative folliculitis, which occurs when antibiotics used to treat acne become resistant and make your condition worse. Boils and carbuncles are red, itchy pus-filled bumps caused by severely infected hair follicles becoming blocked up with dead skin cells and sebum – in this instance your dermatologist might prescribe oral or topical antibiotics.
If your folliculitis is due to a fungus or virus, your dermatologist might prescribe anti-fungal or antiviral cream to clear it up within several days. Antibiotics or analgesics may also help clear up this type of condition more rapidly. Folliculitis caused by infections or allergic reactions may take longer to clear up; during this time period it’s essential that affected areas remain as clean as possible and refrain from applying makeup or deodorant until all signs have dissipated.
4. Exfoliate
Folliculitis can be caused by any activity that harms hair follicles. This includes waxing, plucking and shaving as well as workouts in hot tubs or wearing tight clothing, among others. Folliculitis is itchy, painful and causes bumps that look similar to acne; they may contain pustules (pustules) or be dry and scaly – leaving your skin uncomfortable enough that it may prevent social interactions or sleep quality altogether.
Folliculitis can often be treated through self-care measures. Mild cases usually resolve on their own or with medication. You could try applying warm compresses three to four times daily on the affected area and using anti-itch creams; though folliculitis itself is not contagious; if you should contract it however, try to stay out of contact with others until yours has fully cleared up.
After several days have passed, you should begin exfoliating affected areas of your body to help remove dead skin cells causing infection and help prevent future flare-ups. Exfoliation should be conducted using either a loofah or clean cloth; to minimize irritation avoid exfoliating when skin is raw or inflamed as this could further irritate it.
Once your follicles have healed from treatment, you can return to shavng the areas affected. However, make sure that after showering first in order to make sure both hair and skin remain well hydrated in order to reduce chances of folliculitis reoccurring.
Although laser hair removal cannot remedy all cases of folliculitis, it can provide a safe and effective solution for many individuals who experience recurrent problems with this condition. Over time it will reduce hair growth in treated areas, making it harder for bacteria to enter damaged follicles and cause inflammation. Furthermore, this procedure uses laser beam technology that destroys individual follicles without harming surrounding skin tissue.
