Folliculitis After Waxing

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

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Understanding Folliculitis After Waxing

Not everyone experiences irritation or inflammation after waxing, but if you develop skin bumps, inflammation, or a breakout, you might be dealing with folliculitis. These pimple-like lesions result from inflammation and/or infection of hair follicles. This can be especially concerning for those with sensitive skin. The good news is that it is easily treated at home and should resolve within a few days.

What is Folliculitis?

This common skin condition is characterised by inflammation or infection of the hair follicles and can be itchy, sore, and, frankly, embarrassing. It can have various causes, with bacterial infection being the most common.

However, there is not always an infection present – in these cases, it is called pseudofolliculitis. There are several different types, defined by cause, infectious organism, and impact on the skin.

Folliculitis causes itchiness, soreness, and/or the formation of pimples around hair follicles in areas of hair growth. Common areas include the face, arms, upper back, bikini area, and lower legs.
In most cases, it will heal on its own within a few days. However, severe cases may lead to complications, such as open sores or hair loss, and, eventually, scarring.

Causes

Pseudofolliculitis barbae is a foreign body reaction to hair that curls back on itself and grows back into the follicle, i.e. the classic ingrown hair that is usually seen after shaving or waxing.

Infection within hair follicles is often bacterial and is mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Pityrosporum folliculitis is a fungal infection.

Wearing tight clothing or fabrics that aren’t breathable can allow naturally occurring skin microbes to grow excessively, making them more likely to cause infections.

Swimming pools and hot tubs that aren’t cleaned properly or regularly, or stagnant water in unclean environments, can also harbour harmful bacteria that can lead to infections.

Symptoms

• Pimples or red bumps around hair follicles
• Pus-filled pimples or blisters
• Itching or burning
• Tenderness or pain
• Crusting
• Round, itchy bumps that may develop into small, pus-filled blisters (hot tub)
• More severe types can present as warm, painful bumps under the skin that may be leaking bloody fluid or pus. These require medical intervention.

Types

• Bacterial: This is the most common type of infection. The follicle is infected with the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. It presents as small red or white, pus-filled pimples.
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Also known as Hot tub rash. Pseudomonas bacteria cause round, red, itchy bumps. These can proliferate in pools, hot tubs, etc., that are not maintained hygienically and have incorrect pH levels.
• Pseudofolliculitis barbae: Commonly known as Razor bumps, it tends to affect people with very curly beards more frequently. P. barbae looks like folliculitis but is caused by ingrown hairs. Waxers may also develop it, especially in the groin area.
• Pityrosporum folliculitis: A yeast infection mostly affecting the back and chest. Caused by the Malassezia furfur fungus.
• Gram-negative: Pus-filled bumps around the nose and mouth sometimes develop in people using long-term antibiotics for acne. This condition is quite rare.
• Eosinophilic: Intense itching and recurring patches on the face or upper body. This mainly occurs in people living with HIV/AIDS or other immunosuppressed individuals. It can also be a rare side-effect of chemotherapy.
• Boils/carbuncles: Deeply Staph-infected follicles. Carbuncles are boils that have joined together under the skin. Consult a doctor.

Folliculitis After Waxing

Various hair removal methods can cause a red rash resembling pimples due to inflammation of hair follicles. This typically subsides in a day or so, but it might progress into red or fluid-filled bumps. Home remedies can still be effective here.

Ingrown hairs may also develop as round bumps or pustules resembling breakouts or pimples. These are treatable and preventable with various home care products, like Harley Waxing Ingrown Hair Solution.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the type and severity of the condition. Mild cases should resolve spontaneously within a few days with proper skin hygiene practises. More severe, deeper infections may need drainage or antibiotics.

• A warm compress can help draw out ingrown hairs, while a cool compress soothes inflammation.
• Antibacterial cleansers reduce the population of microorganisms on the skin.
• Hydrocortisone creams alleviate itching, swelling and redness.
• Aloe Vera’s cooling, calming and healing properties are very good for treating folliculitis.
• Avoid scratching or picking at the rash to prevent further infection or scarring.
• Do not wax or shave over the affected area.
• Fungal types will require topical antifungal creams.

If symptoms persist after 2 weeks, consult a doctor or dermatologist.

Prevention

Understanding potential risk factors is the best way to avoid Folliculitis.

Microorganisms can enter the body through any cuts and scrapes. Waxing and shaving can lead to microlesions that are undetectable by the naked eye, opening up avenues for infection. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and wearing tight clothing made from non-breathable fabrics after hair removal treatments, and maintain skin hygiene before and after.

Proper pre- and post-wax routines help care for skin and reduce the likelihood of developing inflammation of the hair follicles. Harley Waxing Pre and Post Waxing products ensure skin is clean and prepared for waxing and nurtured afterwards to support healing.

Concluding Thoughts

While it may be concerning, uncomfortable and embarrassing, folliculitis is generally easy to treat and should clear up within a few days.

Prevention is key, and the proper pre- and post-waxing practises will go a long way in keeping skin healthy and free of irritation or infection.