Your health care provider may suggest laser hair removal as an option for pseudofolliculitis barbae, especially when other treatments haven't improved your symptoms. This treatment often requires multiple visits to the health care provider's office.
Laser hair removal for folliculitis treatment is an ideal solution for men and women who suffer from ingrown hair on the face or body. Ingrown hair on the face is the most frequent area of concern. Men with curly hair are particularly susceptible to ingrown hair.
If the condition is caused by shaving, try to avoid shaving the area for a few weeks. Or use shaving cream or gel and always shave in the direction that the hair grows. Try using an electric razor that doesn't shave so close. Wear loose clothing, especially if it's hot or humid outside.
Sometimes, when Malassezia gets into the hair follicles, it can cause an itchy condition that looks like an acne breakout. It usually occurs on the upper chest and back. This form of folliculitis is made worse (aggravated) by sweat.
Essential Oils. Tea tree oil, neem oil, geranium oil, grapefruit seed oil are very effective in treating folliculitis. Tea tree oil can be added to your shampoo, lotion or body wash. Rub it gently onto the affected area and let it sit.
Hair follicles are structures within your skin that grow your hair. You're born with millions of hair follicles in your skin. You can't pull out hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles lead to hair loss or reduced hair growth.
Folliculitis signs and symptoms include: Clusters of small bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Pus-filled blisters that break open and crust over. Itchy, burning skin.
Self-Care for Folliculitis
Mild folliculitis might go away without any medical treatment. To help yourself heal and ease symptoms, you can: Clean the infected area. Wash twice a day with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Antibacterial soap: Use antibacterial bar soaps such as Dial® or Cetaphil®. Use skin washes that contain benzoyl peroxide. If these bumps are bothersome or painful. If they are not improving or continue to appear.
Some research suggests that avoiding foods made with wheat can ease your symptoms. Give up the grease. Unhealthy fats, low-fiber foods, and processed products can all lead to flare-ups.
In rare cases, your healthcare provider may use a sterile surgical knife with a thin blade (scalpel) to make a small cut in your affected areas. They'll squeeze out any pus and use sterile tweezers to remove the ingrown hair. To prevent scarring or infection, don't pick at, scratch or pop your ingrown hairs.
Will hair grow back after having folliculitis decalvans? Unfortunately, hair loss from folliculitis decalvans is permanent. If you notice symptoms, seeking treatment right away may help you minimize hair loss. Folliculitis decalvans causes bald patches and red, crusty pustules to form on the scalp.
Viral infections
Folliculitis may be caused by the herpes simplex virus. This tends to be tender and resolves without treatment in around ten days. Severe recurrent attacks may be treated with aciclovir and other antiviral agents.
Folliculitis starts when hair follicles are damaged or when the follicle is blocked. For example, this may occur from rubbing against clothing or shaving. Most of the time, the damaged follicles become infected with staphylococci (staph) bacteria.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports skin health and can help prevent folliculitis. Foods high in vitamins A, C and E can promote healing and reduce inflammation.