It is common to develop folliculitis after hair removal, like waxing, which looks like small red bumps or pimples around hair follicles. Folliculitis occurs when hair follicles are damaged and infected by bacteria.
An ingrown hair may appear about a week after waxing. Ingrown hairs occur when the hair grows and reinserts itself into the hair follicle. Ingrown hairs can cause itchy and sometimes painful bumps that often look like pimples on the skin.
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.
Shaving and waxing are the most common causes of ingrown hairs. At first, a person may notice a series of small bumps, which may be reddish and itchy. These patches of ingrown hairs are called razor burn. One ingrown hair may form a cyst — a red, yellow, or whitish lump beneath the skin.
Because human papillomavirus (HPV) is commonly found on pubic and perianal hairs, techniques of body hair removal resulting in trauma may increase the risk of HPV-associated lesions. Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare skin disorder commonly associated with HPV and immunosuppression.
Common Causes of Folliculitis After Waxing
Bacteria entering the hair follicles can trigger an immune system response, leading to inflammation. This can be mitigated by following an aftercare routine recommended by your waxer, and by using a product like EWC TREAT® Ingrown Hair Serum to help keep pores clean post-wax.
Like herpes, HPV is contracted more often by those who regularly groom the pubic area by shaving or waxing. Again, those microscopic cuts and burns leave the pubic area vulnerable to this virus. Aside from causing cancer, HPV differs from herpes in that it's contracted through blood.
Waxing: Hair removal that pulls out the whole hair can leave the root open. If bacteria get inside, this could lead to a boil. Ingrown hairs: Similarly, methods of hair removal that result in ingrown hairs can allow boils to develop. This could include waxing, shaving, or other treatments.
The rash appears as small red bumps or pus bumps that can itch or be mildly painful. Folliculitis is common on the buttocks, arms and legs - especially the thighs. Most improve in 7 to 10 days. Sometimes after the rash is gone, dark marks can be left behind.
Cases of molluscum contagiosum outbreak and septic shock due to staphylococcal infection are yet other complications of pubic waxing.
So what happens when you remove this armour? You let bacteria pass through and allow it go down your urinary tract. In short, removing pubic hair puts you at risk of infections like bacterial vaginosis and UTI.
First, applying a cold compress can help reduce inflammation and soothe the area. Wrap some ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently press it against the affected area for a few minutes. This can help alleviate any discomfort and redness caused by the white pimples. Another effective home remedy is tea tree oil.
Removing hair by shaving, waxing or tweezing can cause ingrown hairs. New hairs grow from hair follicles under your skin. Shaving, waxing and tweezing only remove hair strands — they don't remove hair follicles. When new hair grows, it may curl back and enter your skin.
For the first 24 to 48 hours after your Brazilian wax, avoid hot baths, showers, steam rooms, saunas, or any activities that may increase heat and sweat in the waxed area. Heat can cause further irritation and increase the risk of infection. Instead, stick to lukewarm water when cleansing the area.
One or More Swollen Red Bumps Draining Pus
This can start with a small bump that looks like a pimple or acne, but that quickly turns into a hard, painful red lump filled with pus or a cluster of pus-filled blisters. Not all boils are caused by MRSA bacteria — other kinds may be the culprit.
Resist the temptation to squeeze or pop a folliculitis boil. While you might manage to express the pus and other infected fluid, you also run the risk of pushing those toxins more deeply into the skin, to the point that they may enter your bloodstream. Instead, let your dermatologist diagnose and treat the problem.
Rash: Many people get the scabies rash. This rash causes little bumps that often form a line. The bumps can look like hives, tiny bites, knots under the skin, or pimples. Some people develop scaly patches that look like eczema.
You're less likely to get a rash after you wax than you would after a shave, but it can happen. Bumps and redness can appear in the area, but they should go away on their own.
Most people who keep getting boils are carriers of Staphylococcus aureus (staph bacteria). This means they have staph bacteria living on their skin or inside their nose. Treatment will depend on where the bacteria are found on your body. Your GP will advise you about treatment.
Kopelman said it's perfectly fine to give your skin more time to heal. And yes, this waiting period applies to oral sex, too. Your partner's skin, facial hair, or even slight stubble can irritate your sensitive, freshly waxed skin.
Actually, we were not able to find any studies demonstrating that pubic hair removal could affect the risk of UTIs.
You are using any Retinol products i.e. Retin A, Renova etc. on your bikini line or brow area. You are using Accutane. You have any kind of sunburn, laser burn, pustules, or breakouts on the area to be waxed.